The Royal Rumble. Facts Vs. Fiction

Heading into this Sunday’s Royal Rumble, there are many compelling stories and feuds to end or begin. Over the last several weeks, for example, we have seen the utter collapse of the Showstopper, Shawn Michaels.

Now working as JBL’s lackie, will HBK have the heart to cost John Cena the World Heavyweight Championship?

“If it means that I cost you the world heavyweight title this Sunday, John, then so be it,” stated a deranged HBK, moments before initiating a beat down on Cena. On the other hand, John Cena refuses to believe that Shawn Michaels is gone. Cena has stated several times that HBK was his idle growing up, and that he will never believe this hoax the Showstopper is playing.

Cena claims, “I know when it comes right down to it, Shawn, the old HBK will come back. You wont let yourself give JBL this title.”

Well, we’ll find out this Sunday.

In other stories, Jeff Hardy has fallen under perhaps the darkest cloud ever to settle over a superstar. In the last three weeks, we have witnessed Hardy in a hit-and-run accident and the horrifying malfunction of his pyrotechnic entrance, causing what is reported as severe 2nd and 3rd degree burns to his face.

Can Jeff Hardy overcome all of these past events and retain his title against Edge? Over course, he can. I award Jeff the WWE Spirit Award. Never before in the WWE has a superstar suffered through as much battering, bruising, and torment as Jeff Hardy. And despite his constant battle with pain and agony, he never allows himself to lose.

We have seen Jeff pull out unheard of wins against The Undertaker, Umaga, Kane, Snitsky—wrestlers who would crush and obliterate Jeff Hardy at first glance. Look for Jeff to retain his title against Edge this Sunday at the Rumble.

What else is going on in WWE these days? Well, a reignited feud between The Glamazon Beth Phoenix and Melina certainly is a hot story these days. Over the last several weeks, we have seen Melina prove that she is back in top physical form after breaking her ankle seven months ago. But The Glamazon is stronger than ever and will not allow Melina an easy victory, if at all.

As usual, I’m picking Beth Phoenix to retain her title. So far, the only women able to pull a victory over The Glamazon are Mickie James, Kelly Kelly (by distraction), Trish Stratus, and Candice Michelle. With Candice turning heel, Kelly Kelly with her hands full of Hell, Fire, and Brimstone, Stratus in retirement, and James hanging with Crime Time, Melina is left to fight Beth Phoenix alone—a feat which has only been accomplished by Candice.

Look for The Glamazon to retain her coveted Women’s Title.

Now, who in God’s name will win the 2009 Royal Rumble Match? Undoubtedly, this will be one of the most competitive rumbles ever. I, personally, am pulling for one of two superstars to win. My hopes are for Triple H to win the Rumble and jump back to Raw for a Wrestlemania rematch with Cena for the world title, but we all know that won't happen.

Look for The Undertaker to be the main strike force for Smackdown, as well as Randy Orton for Raw. One of these superstars will win the Rumble. Jericho and Triple H can say all they want that they will walk out the winner, but the facts remain. The Undertaker is much too overbearing of a superstar to defeat in the Rumble alone.

Look for Taker to possibly break his brother’s elimination record this year as well. And as for Orton, well, he’s Randy Orton. The Legend Killer is much too cunning of a superstar for any other Raw superstar entered in the Rumble. I’m sticking with my predictions.

If a Smackdown superstar wins, it will be The Phenom, but if Raw takes a second consecutive Rumble victory, it will be at the hands of The Legend Killer.