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Subject: Rumble Predictions on WWE.com
Posted by: blue hen
- Leader [710321114] Fri, Jan 27, 2006, 14:38
Actual wrestlers have some cool predictions, including this gem from Farooq. Check it out. |
1 | Great One Sustainer
ID: 053272014 Sun, Jan 29, 2006, 14:01
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courtesy of the 411 The Shimmy 01.29.06: Royal Rumble Mega-Article: Breaking Down the Rumble Match Posted by Andy Clark on 01.29.2006
The Shimmy presents an in-depth analysis of the Royal Rumble Match and all it's sugary goodness!
Hey yo, and welcome back to The Shimmy! Man, my beloved Steelers are in the Super Bowl and the Royal Rumble is tonight, can life get much better? As it stands I think the undercard to this year's Rumble is actually pretty underwhelming, especially compared to last year's WrestleMania caliber undercard, but the Royal Rumble Match itself is shaping up to be one for the ages. This week I'd like to take a look at the participants in the Rumble Match and help break down how they'll do. Now I warn you, this list is done mostly in kayfabe, I realize Viscera doesn't stand a chance, but I'll be analyzing it as it will be presented. I'll take a look at a superstars' Rumble experience, who they could match up with at WrestleMania, what their strengths will be in the match, what enemies do they have in the match, who they could possibly work with in the match, and my personal favorite, how many former allies they have in the match (you never know who will work together in the Rumble!). So anyhow, sit back, relax, and keep this handy guide, er, handy as you watch "The Most Exciting 60-Minutes in Wrestling!"
By the way, WWE.com did a pretty decent job at giving the odds of the competitors in the match, and you can check that out here.
Triple H
Rumble Experience: 1996, 1997, 1999, 2002 (winner)
Potential WrestleMania Opponents: John Cena, Ric Flair, Kurt Angle
Potential Enemies: Big Show, Kane, Ric Flair, Rob Van Dam, Shelton Benjamin, Shawn Michaels, Randy Orton, Booker T, Chris Benoit
Potential Allies: Jonathan Coachman
Former Allies: Shawn Michaels, Randy Orton, Ric Flair, Big Show
Analysis: Triple H is obviously a favorite to win the Rumble, and drawing a higher number, while not necessary, would help his chances greatly. He knows how to win these matches, having done it in 2002, and is always up for the big match. Unfortunately Triple H has many dangerous enemies and not many people to help him out if need be.
Rey Mysterio
Rumble Experience: 2003, 2005
Potential WrestleMania Opponents: Kurt Angle
Potential Enemies: Big Show, Kane, Randy Orton, Johnny Nitro, Joey Mercury, Chris Masters
Potential Allies: Rob Van Dam, Chris Benoit, Matt Hardy, Chavo Guerrero, Shawn Michaels
Former Allies: Psicosis
Analysis: Probably the second favorite the win the Rumble, Rey benefits from being both speedy and agile, allowing him to avoid elimination. Of course his size is a factor which could come into play if he needs to face a larger opponent. The desire to win this for Eddie Guerrero, though, may drive him to unpredictable levels.
Randy Orton
Rumble Experience: 2004
Potential WrestleMania Opponents: Kurt Angle, Undertaker, John Cena
Potential Enemies: Chris Benoit, Orlando Jordan, Triple H, Rey Mysterio, Ric Flair, Shelton Benjamin, Shawn Michaels, Rob Van Dam, Matt Hardy, Kane
Potential Allies: Booker T
Former Allies: Triple H, Ric Flair, Chris Benoit
Analysis: Orton is young, and has experienced much in his young career, including being the youngest World Champion in WWE history. In his only previous Rumble Match he made quite an impressive showing. Like Triple H, though, Orton has created many enemies over the course of his career, and even his one potential ally could end up being a foe.
Rob Van Dam
Rumble Experience: 2002, 2003, 2004
Potential WrestleMania Opponents: Edge
Potential Enemies: Carlito, Triple H, Booker T, Randy Orton, Kane
Potential Allies: Rey Mysterio, Shawn Michaels, Matt Hardy
Former Allies: Booker T, Kane
Analysis: RVD is a true wildcard in this match. Will there be ring rust or will he be better than ever? He has the speed and agility to do well in this match, as well as the threat of the unknown. However, RVD's all-or-nothing style of offense could cost him in this sort of environment.
Ric Flair
Rumble Experience: 1992 (winner), 1993, 2005
Potential WrestleMania Opponents: Edge, Triple H
Potential Enemies: Triple H, Chris Masters, Carlito, Jonathan Coachman, Randy Orton
Potential Allies: Shawn Michaels, Big Show
Former Allies: Triple H, Randy Orton, Chris Benoit, Animal
Analysis: Ric Flair could shock the world by winning the Royal Rumble 14 years after he won his last one. Flair is still going strong and could have a strong will to make it back to the main event at WrestleMania. Flair can hang in there with the best of them, but at his age it would probably be best if he drew a high number.
Shawn Michaels
Rumble Experience: 1989, 1990, 1992, 1994, 1995 (winner), 1996 (winner), 2003, 2005
Potential WrestleMania Opponents: Kurt Angle, Triple H
Potential Enemies: Triple H, Shelton Benjamin, Chris Masters, Carlito, Randy Orton
Potential Allies: Ric Flair, Chris Benoit, Rey Mysterio, Rob Van Dam, Matt Hardy
Former Allies: Triple H, Booker T, Big Show, Shelton Benjamin
Analysis: We all know what Shawn Michaels is capable of, but his main enemy isn't entered into the Rumble (yet): Vince McMahon. We also all know the saying "Don't cross the boss" and this may have an adverse effect on HBK's chances.
Big Show
Rumble Experience: 2000 (runner-up), 2001, 2002, 2004 (runner-up)
Potential WrestleMania Opponents: Triple H, Edge
Potential Enemies: Triple H, Chris Masters, Carlito, Rey Mysterio
Potential Allies: Kane, Ric Flair, Matt Hardy
Former Allies: Triple H, Shawn Michaels, Booker T
Analysis: Anytime you have a superstar who is seven feet and 500 lbs. he has to be a favorite in this kind of match. Big Show has made it to the final two in half of his Rumble appearances. He has also been eliminated in less than a minute in the other half. While Big Show is an imposing monster, his war with Triple H may cost him the win.
Chris Benoit
Rumble Experience: 2004, 2005
Potential WrestleMania Opponents: Kurt Angle
Potential Enemies: Booker T, Randy Orton, Triple H, Jonathan Coachman
Potential Allies: Orlando Jordan, Rey Mysterio, Shawn Michaels, Chavo Guerrero
Former Allies: Booker T, Ric Flair, Randy Orton
Analysis: Like Michaels, Benoit has gone coast to coast to win the Rumble. Last year he started at #2 and made it all the way to the final six competitors. Benoit has experience on his side, from both the Rumble and wrestling in general, and may well be able to out strategize everyone else. A date with Kurt Angle could drive him, as well as the memory of his fallen friend Eddie Guerrero.
Matt Hardy
Rumble Experience: 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004
Potential WrestleMania Opponents: Edge
Potential Enemies: Kane, Randy Orton
Potential Allies: Rey Mysterio, Rob Van Dam, Shawn Michaels, Big Show, Animal
Former Allies: none
Analysis: Matt has been beaten up in the last few months which may not bode well for him. However, he could just be laying low in order to write Chapter 5 of his story with Edge.
Lashley
Rumble Experience: none
Potential WrestleMania Opponents: Kurt Angle, Undertaker
Potential Enemies: Simon Dean, Sylvan, Orlando Jordan
Potential Allies: Rey Mysterio
Former Allies: none
Analysis: Lashley is another unpredictable superstar. The new "rookie monster" could dominate the match or his inexperience could cost him. He is pretty much a loner which could make it hard to form an alliance, and his size and inexperience may make him a target.
Chavo Guerrero
Rumble Experience: 2003
Potential WrestleMania Opponents: Kurt Angle, Edge, Triple H
Potential Enemies: Chris Masters, Shelton Benjamin, Jonathan Coachman
Potential Allies: Rey Mysterio, Chris Benoit
Former Allies: Psicosis, Johnny Nitro, Joey Mercury
Analysis: Normally Chavo wouldn't stand a chance in this match, but since the passing of his Uncle Eddie, he has been on a role. Will his role continue or will his emotion run out when forced to compete with 29 other men?
Shelton Benjamin
Rumble Experience: 2003, 2004, 2005
Potential WrestleMania Opponents: Kurt Angle, Triple H, John Cena
Potential Enemies: Shawn Michaels, Triple H, Chavo Guerrero, Viscera, Randy Orton, Carlito, Chris Masters
Potential Allies: none
Former Allies: Shawn Michaels
Analysis: Shelton has been on a bit of a winning streak since his Mama got in his ear. Unfortunately, being a "mama's boy" has made Shelton a bit unpopular. He has all the tools to win, but his head may not be in the right place right now.
Chris Masters
Rumble Experience: none
Potential WrestleMania Opponents: John Cena, Kurt Angle
Potential Enemies: Ric Flair, Shawn Michaels, Big Show
Potential Allies: Carlito
Former Allies: none
Analysis: Masters is a powerful up and comer who could do well in a Battle Royal environment. He made it to the final three in the Battle Royal at WrestleMania 21. Unfortunately his success thus far has rested with the Masterlock, a mover that won't serve him too well in an over-the-top match. Look to see Masters and Carlito team together, only for it to end poorly.
Booker T
Rumble Experience: 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005
Potential WrestleMania Opponents: Kurt Angle
Potential Enemies: Chris Benoit, Orlando Jordan, Rob Van Dam, Triple H, Big Show
Potential Allies: Randy Orton
Former Allies: Chris Benoit, Rob Van Dam, Big Show, Shawn Michaels
Analysis: Booker T is a proven winner, as evident with his five WCW Titles. However, his winning in WWE has been anything but consistent. A team with Randy Orton could be quite dominating, but there seem to be some trust issues there. Add to the fact that Booker is recovering from an injury and that he must be concerned for his wife now that Kurt Angle has returned to SmackDown, and Booker's chances drop significantly.
Kane
Rumble Experience: 1999, 2000, 2001 (runner-up), 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005
Potential WrestleMania Opponents: Triple H, Big Show
Potential Enemies: Triple H, Carlito, Matt Hardy, Rey Mysterio, Viscera
Potential Allies: Big Show
Former Allies: Rob Van Dam, Jonathan Coachman, Viscera
Analysis: Kane has the size, the intimidation, and he definitely has the experience. Kane has had some pretty decent success in the Royal Rumble and holds the record for most eliminations. A team with Big Show could be unstoppable but what happens when the two must face off? The edge should go to Kane who effortlessly eliminated Big Show in 2002.
Carlito
Rumble Experience: none
Potential WrestleMania Opponents: John Cena, Shaq (!)
Potential Enemies: Kane, Rob Van Dam, Big Show, Ric Flair, Shawn Michaels, Shelton Benjamin
Potential Allies: Chris Masters, Jonathan Coachman
Former Allies: Johnny Nitro, Joey Mercury
Analysis: Carlito is obviously the coolest person in the Rumble, but can he outlast 29 other superstars? Carlito is pretty crafty, and he will probably subscribe to the stalling/hiding method of competing in the Rumble. An alliance with Chris Masters could do well in the short term, but it would ultimately be doomed to fail.
Joey Mercury
Rumble Experience: none
Potential WrestleMania Opponents: Kurt Angle
Potential Enemies: Super Crazy, Psicosis, Rey Mysterio, Animal
Potential Allies: Johnny Nitro
Former Allies: Carlito, Chavo Guerrero
Analysis: Joey Mercury has had the most singles success out of MNM, but it is highly unlikely that he will win here. While it is beneficial that his tag team partner will also be in the match, that has not proven to help any other former tag team wrestlers to win the Royal Rumble (see: Demolition, The Rocks, APA, Hardy Boyz). Mercury could have a surprising run, but should not taste victory on this night.
Johnny Nitro
Rumble Experience: None
Potential WrestleMania Opponents: Kurt Angle
Potential Enemies: Super Crazy, Psicosis, Rey Mysterio, Animal
Potential Allies: Joey Mercury
Former Allies: Carlito, Chavo Guerrero
Analysis: Much like his partner, Nitro's success will be determined on how much MNM can work together in the match. Nitro is also the younger of the two, making him both more unpredictable as well as easier to take advantage of. The longer the match lasts Nitro should be wary of his more experienced partner.
Orlando Jordan
Rumble Experience: 2005
Potential WrestleMania Opponents: JBL, Randy Orton
Potential Enemies: Booker T, Randy Orton
Potential Allies: Chris Benoit
Former Allies: none
Analysis: OJ's won-loss record has not been particularly sterling in the past 6 months, but that can all change in one match. He seems to have regained his focus, and has always had the tools to break out. His past losing may actually play to his advantage in this match as it may cause the others to overlook Orlando in the match.
Viscera
Rumble Experience: 1994, 1995, 1996, 1999, 2000, 2005
Potential WrestleMania Opponents: Edge, Triple H, Mark Henry
Potential Enemies: Trevor Murdoch, Kane, Jonathan Coachman, Triple H
Potential Allies: none
Former Allies: none
Analysis: Viscera has been in many Royal Rumbles and his size always gives him an advantage. While he has not had too much success in Rumbles past, he was the final man eliminated in the Battle Royal at WrestleMania 21. Unfortunately for Vis, his tag team partner did not qualify for the Rumble, and his size makes him a target for the other competitors to gang up on.
Animal
Rumble Experience: 1991
Potential WrestleMania Opponents: Mark Henry
Potential Enemies: Johnny Nitro, Joey Mercury, Super Crazy, Psicosis
Potential Allies: Matt Hardy
Former Allies: Ric Flair
Analysis: Animal's chances of winning are quite slim. He is not in peak shape and his tag team partner was released from WWE. While he may be able to dominate for a short time, that should not carry over into long term success. If the rumors of an Animal-Matt Hardy alliance are true, this is where it should begin, for the sake of both men.
Simon Dean
Rumble Experience: 2005
Potential WrestleMania Opponents: Mark Henry, Undertaker
Potential Enemies: Lashley
Potential Allies: none
Former Allies: none
Analysis: Simon Dean has many problems: he is small, doesn't win a lot, and is disliked. The only man that has a real issue with Dean has destroyed him multiple times. Dean's chances don't look good, although he may fare better if his Gymni accompany him to ringside a la Shannon Moore and Tyson Tomko.
Jonathan Coachman
Rumble Experience: 2005
Potential WrestleMania Opponents: John Cena
Potential Enemies: Ric Flair, Chris Benoit, Chavo Guerrero, Viscera
Potential Allies: none
Former Allies: none
Analysis: It may surprise some but Coach actually stayed in the Rumble close to 20 minutes last year. Coach does have some athletic ability, and much like Orlando Jordan, could possibly be overlooked by the others. If Coach gets a late draw, look out.
Super Crazy
Rumble Experience: none
Potential WrestleMania Opponents: Rey Mysterio, Kurt Angle, Rob Van Dam
Potential Enemies: Johnny Nitro, Joey Mercury, Animal
Potential Allies: Psicosis
Former Allies: none
Analysis: Super Crazy is a great luchadore. Unfortunately, lucha libre is not a valid strategy in a Royal Rumble.
Psicosis
Rumble Experience: none
Potential WrestleMania Opponents: Rey Mysterio, Kurt Angle
Potential Enemies: Johnny Nitro, Joey Mercury, Animal
Potential Allies: Super Crazy
Former Allies: Rey Mysterio
Analysis: Psicosis is a veteran, but like Super Crazy, is used to the lucha libre style of wrestling. This sort of wrestling will not be conducive in an over-the-top-rope environment.
Trevor Murdoch
Rumble Experience: none
Potential WrestleMania Opponents: John Cena
Potential Enemies: Viscera
Potential Allies: none
Former Allies: none
Analysis: Git R Dun! T-Murder may make some people squeal like little piggies in that there ring, but he doesn't stand a chance of winning. If anyone were to beat the Bushwhackers elimination record it'll be Murdoch.
Sylvan
Rumble Experience: none
Potential WrestleMania Opponents: Kurt Angle
Potential Enemies: Lashley
Potential Allies: none
Former Allies: none
Analysis: Sylvan has the absolute least chance on making it anywhere in the Rumble. He has no experience, no allies, and no discernable skills. A year ago he had a flag pole shoved up his ass; now he's competing to be in the main event at WrestleMania. Whoop de friggin' do.
Well there you have it, the Royal Rumble broken down. As of this writing there are still three spots open so who knows what might happen.
Royal Rumble Trends Predictor As I mentioned last week, I watched all the Royal Rumble Matches from 2000 on up in order to prepare for this years extravaganza. While watching I noticed some basic trends that would occur. Here, I take a look at those trends as well as the traditional as some of the traditional spots (first two, final four, etc.) and try to predict who will follow these trends this year.
First Two Participants: Since the Brand Extension, WWE has done a good job at making the first two participants seem really important and have tried to make it a good match up.
2006 Prediction: Shawn Michaels and Chris Benoit (unless Finlay is added to the card, in which case it will be Michaels and Finlay because Vince will want Finlay to beat up on Michaels).
Final Four: The Final Four is always exciting, and I think we got a good blend last year. This year is kind of tough to predict, but its always good to go with the 2 Raw, 2 SmackDown formula.
2006 Prediction: Rey Mysterio, Randy Orton, Rob Van Dam, Chris Masters
#30: They haven't told us who #30 is this year, which is a good thing. #30 needs to be someone who can really pull it off, being happy that they got such a good pick and utterly shocked when they are dispatched quickly.
2006 Prediction: Carlito
The Kane Push: Who will get to eliminate a bunch of guys but not win? Its down to two guys for me, Lashley and Chris Masters. I don't think Lashley will get that big of a push in this match, contrary to popular opinion.
2006 Prediction: Chris Masters
The Chris Jericho-Christian Rule: What alliance will fall apart in the match? I think it's pretty easy. Payback time, Carlito!
2006 Prediction: Chris Masters & Carlito
"He's Not Supposed to Be Here!:" Who will show up at screw somebody over after they've already been eliminated or were never in the match to begin with?
2006 Prediction: Triple H returns to take out Big Show
Elimination Shocker: Who will pull a Maven this year?
2006 Prediction: Trevor Murdoch dumps out Kane. Yeah, yeah I know.
Battle of the Bulls Staredown: Which two big men will bump into each other and have a staredown?
2006 Prediction: Lashley and Big Show lock up.
Cowardly Heel: Someone will stall outside of the match and not want to come in. Who will it be?
2006 Prediction: Sylvan, pretty boy won't want to get his face messed up.
Lawler's Favorite(s): Now this is depending on who does the commentary, but if Jerry Lawler is doing color, he'll run through about three favorites, none of whom will actually win.
2006 Predictions: Triple H, Kane, Chris Masters
"Can you imagine…:" No matter who is on commentary, we know it won't be Jim Ross. Normally, JR would bust out "Can you imagine what it would mean to _____'s career if he were to win the Rumble?" Now its likely that it won't be said this year, if either Michael Cole or Joey Styles pick it up, this is who it will be.
2006 Prediction: Trevor Murdoch (unless Finlay is entered into the match)
Like a house of fire…whoops: Who'll come in and clean house only to be dumped almost immediately?
2006 Prediction: Matt Hardy
Skin-the-cat Champion: Who will be on the verge of elimination very often but keep coming back?
2006 Prediction: Whatcha gonna do when he comes for you…Rey Mysterio
The Chris Jericho-Hurricane Rule: Who will be eliminated and look like they blew out every muscle in their leg?
2006 Prediction: Well with Jericho and Helms both not in the Rumble, the de facto champion is…Rob…Van…Dam.
Well those are just some observations and predictions on my part. Will they come true? Probably not (well maybe that last one). In any case its fun to speculate, but ultimately we should just all enjoy the Royal Rumble.
A Reason For Bullet Points
OK, I gotta say it: I wasn't feeling the HBK-Shelton Benjamin match. I was looking forward to it, but it just wasn't as great as everyone thought it was. TNA fans I hear your cry, this is one of the times when psychology and storytelling bogged down what should have been a fun match (and this is coming from an ultimate fan of ring psychology). Ah well, as long as everyone else enjoyed it that's all that matters.
For their first appearance I enjoyed the Spirit Squad. Their gimmick is stupid yes, but it could get over, who knows. Then again, that's what everyone said about Simon Dean too. I do think it's a bad idea to introduce five generic looking white guys at one time, especially all wearing the same outfit. I hope they get some individual face time so we can tell them apart.
And the winner of the Emmy for Most Uncomfortable Wrestling Promo goes too…Mr. Vince McMahon! Yay! Pill popping, whoo hoo! It's not like that ever killed anybody did it?
Speaking of killing, Tim White's still alive. Dude can't do anything right.
WWE apparently doesn't read my column, because they gave Lita the mic AGAIN. Do they hate me that much? And in a related story…HOOOOOO!
Matt Hardy has a staph infection. Oh goody, let's put him in a match with 30 people. It'll be like a reality show. The first one to catch it gets fired. Too bad Hardcore Holly isn't entered. All joking aside, get well soon Matt.
Speaking of staph infections Samoa Joe's got one too. Man, staph infection has a better won-loss record than the Heart Throbs. Anyhow, same to you big man, get well, we needs some bitches choked.
Anyone notice that Randy Orton's matches are starting to not suck again, right around the same time he's dropped a bunch of muscle? He's starting to look more like he was during his IC Title reign which I think is very good for him.
OK so let me get this straight, the guy that used to run out and stop the heels from beating the crap out of people, is now beating the crap out of people himself? Ah, continuity.
There are three spots left in the Royal Rumble. I think we all know who they belong to: Samoa Joe, Chuck Norris, and Jack Bauer. The entire freakin' universe would then implode.
Speaking of Jack Bauer, it's nice when Shawn Michaels and Kurt Angle aren't fighting at the beginning of Raw every week. We need Triple H to start cutting 20 minute promos at the beginning again so I don't miss too much.
Oh, I hate Mama Benjamin. Almost forgot to type it this week. I'm starting to tolerate her now that she's not screaming at everything, but I still want her gone.
So who's going to call the Royal Rumble this Sunday? My money is on Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler. Joey Styles and Tazz is a possibility too, but I don't think so. Michael Cole definitely has earned the spot, but I'll miss Tazz calling it. I used to love Tazz and JR on commentary together, even though they were a bit off their game last year. I still remember Tazz singing along to Ernest "The Cat" Miller's theme song in 2004. All I know is that I was cheering my ass off for Coach on Monday to make sure he wasn't calling it. "Are you kidding me?!"
As much as I hate it, Ring of Honor knows what its doing. The Samoa Joe-Christopher Daniels will have one of there two final matches on March 30 in Detroit, day one of the WrestleMania triple-shot. The second of their two matches will take place on April 1 in Chicago, along with the eagerly anticipated Bryan Danielson-Lance Storm match. They completely skipped the Saturday show, the show that all the WWE fans (like me) are likely attending given that the Hall of Fame Ceremony will be on Saturday. As much as this disappoints me, this is smart on ROH's part because they are making sure their true fans get to see the really special stuff. While I'm sure I'll get a solid show on Saturday it'll certainly not be on the level of Danielson-Storm and Joe-Daniels. I was personally hoping that they'd do like they did with Jushin Liger and Kenta Kobashi and do the singles match on the first night and a tag match on the second night. If I had my druthers I'd prefer the singles match with Storm, but if I get a decent tag match on Saturday that's cool too. Ah well, congrats ROH fans, you've got some good shows ahead of you.
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2 | Great One Sustainer
ID: 053272014 Sun, Jan 29, 2006, 14:04
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first of all - the Chuck Norris comments are priceless.
Secondly, I didn't realize people were saying Rey had a legit chance here. I don't think there is a person on the planet that wouldn't want to see him win this thing - with or without the "for Eddie" part of it. I just can't see Vince having the guts to do it and not have a "big guy" in the main event or as champ.
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