WWE Royal Rumble 2015: Biggest Omissions from Battle Royal
Some fans are still steaming over Sunday's Royal Rumble result. Daniel Bryan didn't win; Roman Reigns did.
But the snubbed WWE Superstars have more of an axe to grind. While WWE's pay-per-view bonus system remains ambiguous, WWE Network recently cleared one million subscribers. It's safe to assume the good news for the WWE Network only increases bonus checks.
So where was Randy Orton? Bo Dallas? Not even a Chris Jericho sighting?
Snubs and omissions on this list are assessed by star power in relation to rumored appearances. The bigger the star, the more world championships, the more glaring the snub. Part-time stars like Jericho are considered lesser snubs due to schedule.
There seem to be several WWE Superstars who could have found a place in the Royal Rumble. Perhaps a move back to 40 WWE Superstars is in order. Then again, some omissions are a blessing in disguise.
Honorable Mention: The Rock
1 of 6The Scoop: The Rock was literally in Philadelphia taking dramatic shots in dark alleys while wearing The People's Varsity Jacket. He was taking selfies with his mom. He was like the world's oldest freshman.
The Snub: One can't consider this a full snub because Rocky did eventually show up after the Royal Rumble concluded. The Rock was there solely to prevent a revolt after Reigns won the match over the fan favorite, Bryan.
He really should have worn the riot gear.
A surprise appearance and a Royal Rumble win for The Rock leads to Rock vs. Brock II. With that rivalry reborn, this would have actually meant something.
Instead, WWE wisely focused on its future, opting to use Rock as a prop.
5. NXT Superstars
2 of 6The Scoop: Days before the Royal Rumble, PWInsider (h/t WrestlingInc.com) reported one or two spots in the Royal Rumble may go to NXT Superstars.
The Snub: NXT is more ingrained in WWE's bottom line than ever before. Booked apart from regular WWE programming, the developmental territory also serves to resurrect WWE Superstars lost in the shuffle.
The territory feel of NXT makes it awkward when it is commingled with WWE. It should just be its own entity. In NXT, rising stars like Sami Zayn and Adrian Neville are main eventers. In the Royal Rumble, they're Big Show and Kane's lunch.
Good Snub or Bad Snub? Great snub. Nobody's main roster debut should be shared with 29 other men just trying to get by.
4. Bo Dallas
3 of 6The Scoop: The official NXT Twitter account (h/t WrestlingInc.com) confirmed Bo Dallas was scheduled to return at the Royal Rumble.
The Snub: He didn't. For all anybody knows, he was at catering, probably pretending to eat turkey while wondering how he couldn't beat out Zack Ryder for the injury comeback spot.
If Dallas is anywhere near as positive in real life as he is in character, everything will be fine. He'll find a way to return so the spotlight is literally just on him.
He could have eliminated Daniel Bryan, instantly becoming the biggest heel in Philadelphia until Reigns hit the ring.
Instead, that distinction went to his real-life brother, Bray.
Dallas is running out of time to find a WrestleMania program. At this point, he'll have to hope WWE reprises the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal.
Good Snub or Bad Snub? Bad snub. Philadelphia would have popped huge for Bo Dallas; heck, they did for Zack Ryder.
3. Chris Jericho
4 of 6The Scoop: PWInsider (h/t WrestlingInc.com) reported Chris Jericho was among several talents backstage for the Royal Rumble.
The Snub: Jericho showcased his limited house show schedule on Twitter after re-signing with the WWE (h/t WrestlingInc.com).
This led to natural speculation that he could show up in the Royal Rumble, but there was no such surprise. WWE is clearly in need of building a larger roster of heels if Big Show and Kane are still near the top of the list.
Jericho's appearance in the Royal Rumble had the potential to spark a WrestleMania program against an upstart heel. Sorry, Wade.
Good Snub or Bad Snub? Bad Snub. If Jericho can't be in the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania, why bother?
2. Sheamus
5 of 6The Scoop: There was talk of Sheamus returning at a recent SmackDown taping, according to PWInsider (h/t WrestlingInc.com). The site even noted there was speculation on Sheamus returning at the Rumble despite a report he was not in Philadelphia (h/t WrestlingInc.com).
The Snub: Usually, an absent star peaks upon his return before progressively settling into a midcard rhythm.
Not Sheamus. Not even close. Sheamus has ran in place so long (even when he's gone) that it seems like he's just jogging. Sheamus' return will likely be the worst part of his next run. Many fans will greet him the same way they greet their insufferable boss after his or her return from vacation.
Fortunately, Sheamus isn't insufferable. He is one talented Irishman, especially as a heel. And heel Sheamus has been a long time coming.
Good Snub or Bad Snub? Good Snub. He wanted no part of that post-Daniel-Bryan-elimination brotherly love.
1. Randy Orton
6 of 6The Scoop: Randy Orton was advertised for the Royal Rumble pay-per-view and was in the Northeast per PWInsider (h/t WrestlingInc.com).
The Snub: Orton spent less time in the Royal Rumble match than Erick Rowan's mask. It seems like it's been "any day now" for months with him.
One of WWE's bigger stars, Orton is better served with this snub if the plan isn't for him to win the Royal Rumble. Stars like Orton should only return at Royal Rumbles if they're going to win like Cena in 2008 or Edge in 2010.
Orton has a tailor-made WrestleMania program with Seth Rollins. No need to roll around with the roster.
Good Snub or Bad Snub: Best snub ever.
Listen for more on the Royal Rumble controversy, #CancelWWENetwork and a much-needed Yes Summit.
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