Welcome one and all to my preview and predictions blog for the upcoming "WWE" live special, "Royal Rumble". This event will take place next Sunday, the 28th of January in Philadelphia. As always if you have anything to add or improve on leave a comment below or by following me on social media. I will be writing about each match in no particular order. Before I begin I would love you to check out my blog for the "NXT Takeover: Philapdelphia" event the night before "Royal Rumble"
As of right now only a handful of names have been named for both the men's and the historic women's "Royal Rumble" matches. there are huge names and surprise entrants still missing for both line ups and I can't wait to be surprised at who might pop up in wither matches. I would also note that there is no Intercontinental championship match announced for the event and neither of the Women's championships are being defended.
Pre Show Match 1: United States Championship Open Challenge: This one was announced really late in the day but, the possibilities are endless for Bobby Roses opponent. I love an open challenge match and I think this will be the highlight of the pre show. I have a few dream opponents I would love to see, namely Roderick Strong or Pete Dunne but, I think a returning Dolph Ziggler might be Roodes opponent. With that being said I think Roode will come out on top because let’s face it he’s one of the top talents on “Smackdown Live”
Pre Show Match 2: The Revival Vs. Gallows And Anderson: This match could have quite easily been for the “RAW” tag team championship as both teams have had some level of success. The Revival have been a little unlucky since arriving on Monday nights with their fair share of injuries. Gallows And Anderson are floundering a little bit in the over crowded tag division. This should be a brawl and a half which will fill the time well. I think this might be the start of a resurgence for Gallows And Anderson with them coming out with the win.
Pre Show Match 3: Kalisto, Grand Metalik And Lince Dorado Vs. Drew Gulak, Jack Gallagher And TJP: This is a little bit of a consolation match for the “205 Live” contingent. I’m just glad there is actually a match to deflect from the controversy surrounding the division. Hopefully there will be a decent amount of time for the competitors showcase their talent. I can’t see the Lucha team coming out on top and TJP throwing another tantrum.
There are numerous reports coming out about the new unemployed Enzo Amore. I'm not here to dispute whether they are true or not because it is not my place to say. Hopefully with the promise of a new GM next week on "205 Live" there will be somewhat of a reboot for the cruiserweight division. It is a shame for Cedric Alexander to lose out on yet another opportunity to further his career. I would have much rather seen some form of a battle royal match for the championship but, now with a little thought, another "Cruiserweight Classic" style tournament would probably be more beneficial to the talent on "205 Live".
2. Smackdown Live Tag Team Championship 2 Out Of 3 Falls: The Usos (C) Vs. Chad Gable And Shelton Benjamin: The Usos have been on one hell of a run in the past year or so. This has included some more than memorable matches with The New Day but, now the focus has shifted to another team in Gable and Benjamin. Benjamin has been back a few months now and I had all but forgotten how great an athlete he is. Gable had been a little bit on the lost side after American Alpha was split up unceremoniously and bringing him into a team with Benjamin has proven to be a hit. This should be a decent back and forth between the top two teams on the "blue brand" more than anything I am looking forward to this match more than the "RAW" tag team match. I really can't see The Usos momentum being stopped right now but, they may be punished for Jey Uso's bad behaviour outside of the ring.
3. RAW Tag Team Championship: Seth Rollins And Jason Jordan (C) Vs. Sheamus And Cesaro: I just don't get why Jason Jordan is being shoved down the audiences throat. I'm not discounting the fact he is a great athlete and has a little charisma but, he is like a fish out of water in the hastily and poorly thought out main event position. Pairing Jordan with Seth Rollins is an even weirder idea. I understand that a plan b had to be thought up after Dean Ambrose was injured but, there was no logic behind this pairing. Sheamus and Ceasaro have really become a force to be reckoned with since they became a team a little over a year ago. As I have mentioned before the "RAW" tag team division is a little over crowded with teams like Gallows and Anderson and The Revival being completely over looked and now with the potential call up of Authors Of Pain And Sanity happening after Wrestlemania both "RAW" and "Smackdown Live" could do with a little bit of shake up. This will be a little dull and I expect Sheamus and Cesaro to regain their championships with the help of Jason Jordan.
4. WWE Championship Handicap Match: AJ Styles (C) Vs. Kevin Owens And Sami Zayn: This will be the strangest match of the night. There are so many possibilities for this match as a whole. AJ Styles has had an amazing two years since his debut at the "Royal Rumble" event 2 years ago. Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn had been struggling a little bit since their moves to "Smackdown Live" last year. This was highlighted in the "365" special on the "WWE Network" going from being the Universal Champion to playing second or third string on the "Blue Brand". The same could be said for Sami Zayn. The talented Zayn has been over looked time and time again since his return from injury almost a year and a half ago. Zayn and Owens are hilarious together as the hard to hate heels. This match should be a great match and arguably better than the Universal Championship match. Look for both Shane McMahon and Daniel Bryan getting involved in the outcome of the match, even seeing Bryan siding with Owens and Zayn. I'm not really sure how the co-champions concept would work out and for that reason I think Styles may retain.
5. 30 Woman Royal Rumble Match: This is a real history making match. If you had suggested 5 years ago that there would be a women's "Royal Rumble" match I would have been surprised. This match is a real testament to how the women's division has vastly improved over the past few years. With only two thirds of 30 women line up being confirmed this match could hold some real surprises. I think we may see some old faces in the shape of Trish Stratus and Lita making a shock return and maybe even the appearance of Ember Moon, Serena Deeb and Ronda Rousey to really shake things up. I'm not really sure who would win such and event. The smart money would be on either Sasha Banks or Asuka, my choice would be Asuka but, if Rousey was in fact coming to the "WWE" I think she may win to set up a confrontation between Charlotte Flair and herself.
5. WWE Universal Championship Triple Threat: Brock Lesnar (C) Vs. Braun Strowman Vs. Kane: Another Universal championship match and yet another giant Vs. giant match. I get that Lesnar is a big money draw for the "WWE" but, I feel I'm in a minority that just doesn't enjoy Lesnar's matches at all. Strowman has improved a great deal over the past year or so and has solidified himself as a main event player. The real "X Factor" in this match is Kane. I get that Kane is a solid worker but, does he really need to be involved in the main event ? This should be an OK match that leads into the "Royal Rumble" match. I can't see Lesnar losing before Wrestlemania so look for him to retain.
6. 30 Man Royal Rumble Match: I'm always excited for the "Royal Rumble" match. there is always the excitement of who could show up and in previous years there have been some great surprises. From AJ Styles to Bubba Ray Dudley to Kevin Nash you really never know who is going to show up. I've read numerous reports suggesting a lot of different winners ranging from John Cena to Shinsuke Nakamura or even Dolph Ziggler and with only half of the field being confirmed so far it really is an open field. I would love to see someone like Nakamura win it as it's not really expected but, the result all depends on who is champion for their respective brand at the end of the night. Now for surprise entrants. Are there people I would love to see ? sure there is namely CM Punk, Kassius Ohno or even someone completely out of left field like Aleister Black or Neville would be fantastic. All in all I'm excited to see where this years "Royal Rumble" takes us on the road to "Wrestlemania"
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