Royal Rumble, Abyss and Latest WWE News and Rumors from Ring Rust Radio

Ring Rust Radio is the best wrestling show on the airwaves, and this week was no different. With strong opinions on the Royal Rumble, Brock Lesnar and more, this is where you need to go to get all of your weekly WWE nuggets.

Bleacher Report featured columnists Mike Chiari, Donald Wood and Brandon Galvin give the lowdown on everything going on in the wrestling world. TNA star Abyss also joined the show to offer his inside perspective on the business.

With another unpredictable episode of Ring Rust Radio in the books, you can't afford to miss another second of the action. Catch us live every Tuesday at 9 p.m. ET (some language NSFW) or follow us on Twitter @RingRustRadio.

We may just read your questions and comments live on the air. Visit our new website at RingRustRadio.com. You can also email us here: [e-mail].

*Some language NSFW.

Upcoming Guests and Events

Jan. 27: WWE Superstar Jack Swagger

Previewing the 30-Man Royal Rumble Match

While WrestleMania may be the biggest event of the year, perhaps no single match is more anticipated than the Royal Rumble. A cadre of legends have reigned supreme in the 30-man battle royal, and many of them went on to become world champion. With a handful of potential winners in this year's field, the 2015 Royal Rumble could be one of the best in recent memory.

Question on Everybody's Mind: Who Will Win the Rumble Match?

After the 2014 Royal Rumble left many fans disappointed when Batista reigned supreme, there is hope that things will be better this time around.

The match figures to feature a good mix of young talent and veterans, with several looking the part of worthy winners. Two names that instantly stand out are Daniel Bryan and Roman Reigns, who have been ticketed as the co-favorites since Bryan returned from injury and announced his entry into the contest.

Bryan and Reigns may be the likeliest winners, but they are far from the only options. Big-time fan favorites such as Dolph Ziggler and Dean Ambrose have an outside shot due to the popularity they have built in recent months. Similarly, up-and-coming heels such as Bray Wyatt and Rusev could factor into the mix. Randy Orton and Sheamus are wild cards who may very well return from injury and make a run at the victory.

With so many possibilities to account for, there is a lot to like about the 2015 Rumble.

Ring Rust Radio's Take

It is fairly easy to make a case for several different Superstars to win this match, but it's tough to not come down to either Bryan or Reigns.

Bryan reached new heights last year when he beat Triple H, Orton and Batista in the same night to become WWE World Heavyweight champion at WrestleMania XXX. He seemed destined for a lengthy and fruitful run as the titleholder, but an injury kept him out for months. Now that he is back, the vast majority of fans would love to see him return to the top of the mountain.

Reigns has seemingly been groomed for greatness ever since debuting as a member of the Shield in 2012. He has been built as a dominant force, and he set the Royal Rumble record with 12 eliminations in 2014. If Reigns wins, it will be WWE's way of going all in on developing a new top star in the same vein as John Cena.

Many are concerned about Reigns' readiness to assume that spot, and while that probably wouldn't stop WWE, the fact of the matter is that Bryan is the best option. He was robbed of a chance to win the Rumble last year, and the fans let WWE hear about it. The outcry will be similar once again this year if he doesn't win, but WWE won't make that same mistake twice.

Rumor Mill

Backstage talk on potential Rumble surprise entrants (PWInsider Elite via WrestlingInc.com)

Previewing Brock Lesnar vs. John Cena vs. Seth Rollins

Perhaps there is more intrigue surrounding the Royal Rumble match itself than any other bout on Sunday's card, but the WWE World Heavyweight Championship tilt between Brock Lesnar, John Cena and Seth Rollins isn't far behind. The Triple Threat has been built like the main event, and there is no doubt the result will have a massive impact on WrestleMania season.

Question on Everybody's Mind: Who Will Leave the Royal Rumble as Champion?

Since Lesnar destroyed Cena at SummerSlam to become WWE World Heavyweight champion, the leader of the Cenation has vowed to get that title back. He very nearly did so at Night of Champions but interference from Rollins resulted in a disqualification.

That placed Rollins firmly in Cena's crosshairs, but the Authority's hand-picked protege also got on Lesnar's bad side by Curb Stomping him and attempting to cash in his Money in the Bank contract.

Cena foiled Rollins' attempt, but Lesnar and Paul Heyman didn't forget. Sunday's match was initially supposed to be Lesnar vs. Cena for the third time since SummerSlam. However, Rollins was inserted into the match by the Authority a few weeks before the pay-per-view.

Lesnar's disdain for Rollins has intensified since then, which creates an interesting dynamic, since all three Superstars have issues with each other. It wouldn't be overly shocking if any of the three wrestlers leave the Rumble as champion, which will make for a very interesting match.

Ring Rust Radio's Take

WWE fans are well aware by now that Cena can never be counted out of anything both from a storyline perspective and in reality. Cena has long been the company's most reliable star, and it won't hesitate to put the title back on him if it feels that doing so is necessary. If WWE decides to do that, though, there seems to be a shortage of legitimate heel contenders to face him at WrestleMania.

Rollins may be the longest shot, but he is also the most intriguing aspect of the match due to the Money in the Bank briefcase. Rollins probably won't win the Triple Threat itself, but he could cash in on the winner, which would turn everything on its head.

Even though WWE has done a good job of creating doubt and making the challengers look credible, Lesnar is still the best bet. The Beast Incarnate ended the Undertaker's streak at WrestleMania and picked Cena apart at SummerSlam over the past year. WWE has kept the title on him for months despite his infrequent appearances, and having him lose it means all of that would be for naught.

Lesnar should be used to give someone the ultimate rub in the main event of WrestleMania, and that is why he will retain Sunday and go on to face Bryan in what could be an all-time great match.

Rumor Mill

Buzz regarding Cena's next potential feud (Wrestling Observer Newsletter via WrestlingInc.com)

RRR Interview with TNA's Abyss

Few wrestlers are more synonymous with the TNA brand than Abyss, who has been part of the company for almost its entire existence.

The Monster is one of the most reliable veterans on the roster, and he is currently one half of the TNA Tag Team champions along with James Storm as a member of the Revolution. With TNA making headway on Destination America, Abyss stopped by to discuss the state of the company and his future.

Question on Everybody's Mind: What's Next for Abyss?

Abyss has been along for the ride through all of the ups and downs with TNA, and while there was some uncertainty following the expiration of the television deal with SpikeTV, there is now a great deal of excitement surrounding the product. Abyss revealed that there are some differences being on a new network but that the roster hasn't had to make significant adjustments:

"

Everyone was super excited just to get back to work and get back to what we do best, which is performing in the ring. It was fun to see the enthusiasm and excitement as we embark on this new adventure with Destination America.

It's funny because it's really not that much of a difference as far as the atmosphere. It's a different network with different expectations and different things that we want to accomplish and I'm sure Destination America wants to accomplish.

We are feeling each other out and we're understanding each other's goals. From that standpoint it is a little bit different, but other than that, it is very much business as usual.

"

While some of the angles and characters carried over to Destination America, there have already been quite a few changes from a storyline perspective through just a few weeks. Abyss and the Revolution are front and center in that regard.

Ring Rust Radio's Take

Abyss is no stranger to being part of a stable, but the Revolution is a totally different animal. With Abyss and Storm joining Sanada, Manik and now Koya, there is an interesting mix of veterans and youngsters that Abyss really enjoys.

"

I just totally love the fact that we are all together now. I have known [Storm] since 1997 when we broke in together but obviously we haven't had a whole lot of interaction over the past 12 years. To bring us together as a team in Revolution is a great mix.

Sanada has a great knowledge of Japanese- and American-style wrestling. Manik is such a great high-flyer. Storm is a beer-drinking bad ass and I am the monster. We did some great stuff in New York that you will see in the upcoming shows.

I really think the group is gelling and I am really excited about it. The Revolution is going to do a lot of big things in 2015.

"

At 41 years of age, it is difficult to say what the future holds for Abyss. Even if another run as world champion isn't in the cards, though, he is still extremely valuable to TNA. He will be vital in the development of the Revolution's young stars, and it is clear that he still has plenty to offer in his own right as well.

Ring Rust Radio's Season 7 Fantasy WWE Standings

1. Brandon Galvin: 250

2. Joe Arcidiacono: 130

3. Mike Chiari: 90

4. Donald Wood: 50

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