2011 Royal Rumble Analysis: Who Will Be the One?
We are only three months from the Royal Rumble, and I have decided to cast my votes for possible victors of this historic match. I am using my personal opinions just like you, without any insider information.
Since this fall season is where the WWE Creative team usually picks their top matches for WrestleMania, I'd like to get my possible scenarios before anything is revealed. These picks could always change if anyone on this list retires, gets released or is injured before the Royal Rumble.
So Bleachers, sit back and relax as I lay out my predictions for the most unpredictable pay-per-view in WWE history!
Kane
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For my first slide, I'm putting down my likely pick to win the match. Kane has set the record for competing in 12 consecutive Royal Rumbles, along with HBK, but he will be the sole record holder if he competes in the match since HBK retired.
Kane has also set the record for most eliminations as well, so let's not forget that. Since his big feud with The Undertaker, Kane has become a huge main event player on Smackdown, winning his first World Heavyweight Championship in a decade in the process.
People have been behind Kane to win the Rumble for years, so I wouldn't be surprised now that he's finally over that he wins it this year. He would go on to face the Undertaker for the World Title at WM27, in an end of a major rivalry.
Since Kane is my likely pick, my favorite pick to win is...
Christian
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Christian. The man who has not competed in a Royal Rumble match since 2005. So if he does compete in it this year (last year he was ECW Champion so he couldn't), I want him to win it as he might be as deserving as Kane. Christian is currently injured, and this would set up the perfect return.
Christian returns (very similarly to the way to the way Edge did this past year) and wins it. He sets up an alliance with Edge on Smackdown, who turns on him and sets up the perfect World Title match for Wrestlemania 27. This dream match has been waiting to hit Wretslemania, and this would be the best way to do it in my opinion.
Flaws in this scenario? Christian is set to return in February, but like Edge, he could always return at the Royal Rumble or even sooner. Also, WWE may not feel Christian is ready yet as he left as a mid-carder, and feel they need to end the feud between him and Del Rio when he does return. I amongst many people hope Christian returns in this fashion to set up a Wrestlemania moment.
CM Punk
3 of 12Another huge fan favorite to win the match. If this man can't win a World Championship, then he definitely deserves to be considered to win the Royal Rumble. In the past Rumble, CM Punk cast a monumental promo during the match. Yes, during the match! The video is above.
He went on to eliminate five people (one being Beth Phoenix) before being eliminated by HHH. Now that he's on RAW, it can be a new beginning for Punk and he would certainly be lead by cheers if he was to win. I could see him winning and going on to WrestleMania to face either HHH, Cena or Orton for the title.
Also, he'd be the first Straight Edge Royal Rumble winner. Amazing.
Triple H
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Like Christian, Triple H would be returning from injury to win this one. He has won in the past, as in 2002 he also returned and went on to win the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 18. The only flaw with this is that he probably return before the RR this year.
I, for one, would not like to see the King of Kings win this one. He has won before and should let someone else who hasn't won the big one before win it. I can't think many opponents for WM for him besides Barrett or Punk, but I doubt either would walk in with the title anyway.
Speaking of Barrett...
Wade Barrett
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The Nexus Leader, Wade Barrett. He has some big chances of winning as well, and I would be happy to see him do it. If this Cena-Nexus stable stays around long enough, they could help win the match much like they did on RAW a few weeks ago.
Barrett would be certified for a title match at WM27, maybe against Cena if the cards play out right or maybe even HHH if he joins or faces the stable. It may be too early for Barrett to win, but would be the perfect opportunity.
The next person on my list is also a newcomer that might be ready to win...
Sheamus
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My next candidate, the Celtic Warrior, Sheamus. Since becoming a two-time WWE Champion, Sheamus has already competed and defeated the likes of John Cena, Randy Orton and HHH. Pretty impressive. Winning the Royal Rumble next year wouldn't be a surprise for him, but it shouldn't happen just yet.
Why? We don't want a Brock Lesnar repeat: Making your debut and championship in the same year and winning the Rumble the following year, only to leave a year later. Honestly, I don't think it's Sheamus's time to leave so that's not the problem.
Sheamus should wait until next year to win, as it is a huge possibility he will face Taker at WrestleMania. That match I would imagine would not have the World Title on the line. Better luck next time, Sheamus.
Chris Jericho
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The third man with a returning scenario at the Royal Rumble, Chris Jericho. Like others on this list, Jericho is deserving to win one and should win one before he retires, which might be soon. Last year, he went to Mania as the champion. In 2011, he can go as the challenger.
Chris Jericho would be another surprise entrant in the Rumble and eliminate Orton. At WrestleMania, Jericho faces Orton for the WWE title in revenge from the punt he received. This is something I would love to see, as many other Jericho-holics. Wether he win it as face or heel, doesn't matter. As long as he tops off his career with a picture-perfect Royal Rumble victory.
John Cena
8 of 12
Mark my words: The day John Cena wins the Rumble AGAIN will be the day I graduate from wrestling. OK, maybe not but still. John Cena should step aside and let the others on this list win it. It does make sense to make him win if he's still apart of Nexus, and have him challenge Barrett to the title at WrestleMania.
Cena is still a contender to face Taker at next year's WrestleMania, so maybe he won't win it (THANK YOU!). Another deciding factor is that the event is set to be in Boston, Massachusetts, Cena's hometown. How funny would it be if Cena ended up winning and got booed out? HA!
In all seriousness, I wouldn't count him out. As a top face, it is likely he will come close to winning for the second time.
Randy Orton
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Much like Cena, I do not want to see Orton win it again, seeing that he won it only two years ago. Don't get me wrong, I love Orton. But he's the top of the company and should be the champion heading in, not challenging.
And since he's nearly the top face in the company right now, I wouldn't be surprised if Orton snuck in to McMahon to win it. Don't count out the Viper as his time at the top will be for a long time.
The Miz
10 of 12I was originally saving this spot for Big Show, but the more I think about it, Miz has a chance of winning too. Miz already has the briefcase so he already has a title shot. He cashes in by then, Miz would make a HUGE impact in history by winning the Rumble.
Miz is one of my personal favorites so hopefully he will at least participate. I would predict him cashing in his briefcase at WrestleMania though.
Honorable Mentions
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Edge: With his new face character, I wouldn't doubt it.
The Big Show: A veteran, and yet to win it.
Evan Bourne: What way to move into main event than winning the Rumble?!
Alberto Del Rio: If his push is coming fast, I'd be surprised.
Rey Mysterio: Already won it.
Kofi Kingston: Big push coming hopefully.
Kaval: A feud with Mysterio is rumored, so it's possible.
Drew McIntyre: Self-proclaimed future of WWE.
Jack Swagger: Former World Champ.
Daniel Bryan: Future World Champ.
John Morrison: Heading to main event real soon.
Conclusion
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The Royal Rumble isn't for another three months so a lot could change, like faces or heel turns, retirements, releases etc. We'll see, and hopefully the match will be classic as I enjoyed this year's Rumble.
Feel free to leave any comments, likes, or questions below. Now Bleachers, I only have one question for ya: Who will be the one?!
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