Three, two, one… Insert buzzard, cue the music, and hear the WWE Universe pop for their favorite superstars and surprise entrants. That’s right, the Royal Rumble is just a week away, and it’s gearing up to be an instant classic! This WWE Premium live event could be the most stacked field of competitors that we have ever seen!
It seems like there are more former World Champions entering the Rumble than ever before. The Monday Night Raw move onto Netflix has gotten even more eyes on the product, and the first PLE since shouldn’t disappoint. Thirty superstars, one winner, who will it be? Nobody knows, but here are some guys that shouldn’t win it.
John Cena’s Farewell Tour Doesn’t Need a Rumble Win
John Cena announced his farewell tour late last year and it begins at the Royal Rumble. Even though you may not see him, you have seen Cena win the match twice. He is already tied with the most Heavyweight Championships with the “Nature Boy” Ric Flair, and I am ok with him breaking the record at WrestleMania. But does he really have to outlast 29 other superstars to do so? He’s John Cena! He should be able to challenge for the title regardless. WWE doesn’t have to have him win a record-tying 3rd time to tie Stone Cold Steve Austin. Let Austin hold that record alone!
The OTC’s “Nightmare” Of Not Winning
Do we really need Roman Reigns vs Cody Rhodes in the trilogy? Some say yes, and some say no, but like Cena, Reigns can get a title rematch whenever he wants. He is the longest-reigning champion we have seen in modern wrestling. This would be his second Royal Rumble win after getting booed out of the building in his first victory in 2015. Times certainly have changed but the Tribal Chief doesn’t need the win to advance his storyline.
The Final Boss Shouldn’t Flex His Authority
Again, the Rock doesn’t need to win the Royal Rumble to advance his story with Cody Rhodes. We have enough material to go off on that he doesn’t need the win to simply challenge Rhodes for the title. The Final Boss could implement his authority at any time to face the champ. Authority figures are always a good formula for getting good heat, especially against a red-hot babyface. The “Mama Rhodes” segment was gold, and some fans would love to see Rhodes vs Rock, but it can be presented in a different way than a Rumble victory.
Sami Zayn Rematch Isn’t Needed
Last year, we saw Sami Zayn do the impossible as an underdog, defeating the greatest Intercontinental Champion of all time in Gunther. Gunther went on to bigger and better things, winning his current Heavyweight Championship. Do we really need a rematch? And what now, this time, Gunther wins, setting up Gunther vs Zayn Three? Even though it was a great match, the story doesn’t move the needle. The stakes would be higher, but what else would change? Sami would still be the underdog, taking on the impossible task of beating Gunther again.
Drew McIntyre: This Isn’t Claymore Country
We all know Drew won his first Royal Rumble in 2020 and won his WWE Championship in a crowdless Thunderdome. He is coming off of two of the biggest feuds of the year with CM Punk and Seth Rollins. I don’t doubt him vs Gunther wouldn’t be a slobber knocker but I just don’t see much hype with the matchup. He could go after Rhodes but I think there are better opportunities for the WWE out there. They need to do something with McIntyre, I just don’t know what that thing is, to be honest. It’s just not headlining WrestleMania.
Final Thoughts
The Royal Rumble match was made for one of the 30 competitors who would have a chance to headline WrestleMania! This isn’t as random as, let’s say, the 64-Bit Legends Rumble (little self-promotion, check us out on social.) It is usually narrowed down to three or four guys that can win.
This is the most stacked Rumble in history, but why not make history with someone completely unexpected or someone who could really be elevated into the main event? You have two nights of WrestleMania anyway, who cares if the winner doesn’t excite you as much? There will still be plenty of action at Mania, and there could be a compelling story to tell!
