Welcome to my WWE 2015 booking thread. It starts at the Royal Rumble and the first show other than the Kickoff Show will be the Royal Rumble PPV. Details of which you can find below with the Kickoff Show, feel free to make predictions using the confirmed matches template at the end. I began planning/writing this following the 12/1 RAW show so anything that happened following that in real life can be disregarded. The already announced WWE World Heavyweight Championship and WWE Tag Team Championship matches remain on the card, Ive added a Divas Championship match that I feel is likely/natural following the 12/1 RAW, theres the first match against established opponents for The Ascension and, of course, the Royal Rumble which will feature Ziggler, Rowan and Ryback Ive had Vince McMahon over-rule HHH and Stephanie on this one and bring them back with spots in the Rumble.
Hope you enjoy the Royal Rumble Kickoff Show; Royal Rumble to follow soon.![]()

ROYAL RUMBLE
Sunday January 25, 2015
Wells Fargo Center
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
*** KICKOFF SHOW ***
Live and Exclusive on the WWE Network
The Royal Rumble Kickoff Show is on the air and hostess Renee Young introduces her panel for the night WWE Hall of Famer Booker T, The Analyst Alex Riley and, tonights special guest on the panel, William Regal. After all the introductions, the four discuss tonights PPV event and the beginning of the Road to WrestleMania 31 which kicks off tonight with a place in the main event at the biggest night of the year on the line in the Royal Rumble match. Renee also notes that the winner of tonights WWE World Heavyweight Championship match a Triple Threat between John Cena, Seth Rollins and the WWE World Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar will likely be in pole position to headline WrestleMania as well making this one of the biggest nights of the year.
SINGLES MATCH
ALICIA FOX vs. NAOMI
With Alicia Fox recently involving herself in the problems between Naomi, with the Tag Team Champions The Usos, and The Miz and Damien Mizdow, tonight gives these two Divas chance to settle their differences in a one on one contest. With The Usos to be challenged later by Miz and his stunt double for the Tag Championships, this could be a good indication of what we might see later tonight and Naomi comes out of the blocks firing desperate for revenge on Foxy after her backstage attack a couple of weeks back. However, Alicia survives the opening barrage and uses her leg strength to great effect when she hits a Big Boot to the onrushing Naomi to completely swing the tide against her. Naomi tries to fight back and manages to counter a top rope leg drop from Fox by moving away just in time; when Naomi rushes at a winded Fox though, she also misses and collides with the referee. This allows Alicia to strike and she grabs the hair of Naomi, out of sight of the official, and throws her into the turnbuckles before SCISSORS KICK! ALICIA HITS NAOMI WITH THE SCISSORS KICK! Its over Fox gets the 3! Is this a sign of things to come later in the Tag Team Championship match?
WINNER:
Alicia Fox
(03:38)
ALICIA FOX vs. NAOMI
With Alicia Fox recently involving herself in the problems between Naomi, with the Tag Team Champions The Usos, and The Miz and Damien Mizdow, tonight gives these two Divas chance to settle their differences in a one on one contest. With The Usos to be challenged later by Miz and his stunt double for the Tag Championships, this could be a good indication of what we might see later tonight and Naomi comes out of the blocks firing desperate for revenge on Foxy after her backstage attack a couple of weeks back. However, Alicia survives the opening barrage and uses her leg strength to great effect when she hits a Big Boot to the onrushing Naomi to completely swing the tide against her. Naomi tries to fight back and manages to counter a top rope leg drop from Fox by moving away just in time; when Naomi rushes at a winded Fox though, she also misses and collides with the referee. This allows Alicia to strike and she grabs the hair of Naomi, out of sight of the official, and throws her into the turnbuckles before SCISSORS KICK! ALICIA HITS NAOMI WITH THE SCISSORS KICK! Its over Fox gets the 3! Is this a sign of things to come later in the Tag Team Championship match?
WINNER:
Alicia Fox
(03:38)
As Alicia Fox celebrates her win in the aisle, Naomi looks after her with a look of anger in her eyes. However, despite the controversial nature of the ending, the referees decision is final and Fox has escaped with the win here tonight. Back on the panel, Booker suggests that Naomi has every right to be angry over the outcome here tonight whilst Regal says that, just like later in the Royal Rumble match, its not about how you do it, its about leaving the ring with your arm raised.
WHO WILL BE WWE WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION AS THE ROAD TO WRESTLEMANIA BEGINS?
After an advert airs for next months Fast Lane PPV, we return with a video highlighting how tonights WWE World Heavyweight Championship Triple Threat match came around can Brock Lesnar retain the title here tonight and take a giant step towards headlining WrestleMania or will Cena or Rollins stun the Beast Incarnate and take his title away? Discussing the match, the panel offer their suggestions over who will win here tonight with all three men favouring Brock Lesnar to continue his path of destruction here tonight and retain his title. However, Regal suggests that even if Rollins Plan A fails here tonight, he has Plan B in the form of the Money in the Bank briefcase which could prove pivotal.
INTERVIEW: DANIEL BRYAN
Backstage, we see Daniel Bryan stood with Byron Saxton in the interview pit; Bryan declares that 2014 started out amazing but descended into a personal nightmare yet here he stands tonight ready for a new year and a new opportunity the Royal Rumble match. Last year at WrestleMania, I defeated Triple H, Randy Orton and Batista to become the WWE World Champion, it was the most amazing experience of my life! Bryan declares before continuing on to suggest that his journey back to the main event of WrestleMania and back to the WWE World Heavyweight Championship starts here tonight. Saxton asks Bryan if his recent injury problems could count against him here tonight; Bryan responds by telling him that he has been working for months to overcome the injury just like he has worked his entire career to overcome the obstacles placed in front of him. I made it to the WWE when nobody believed I could. I became the World Heavyweight Champion when nobody believed I could. I overcame the Authority and headlined WrestleMania when nobody believed I could, Bryan explains before asking the listening WWE Universe whether they believe he can overcome the injuries and the fatigue here tonight to win the Royal Rumble? YES! YES! YES! chant the crowd whilst Bryan smiles widely until the appearance of Stephanie McMahon into the interview area. She explains to Bryan that his story is one of inspiration but she then informs him that lightning doesnt strike twice in the same place; I personally guarantee that now the Authority is back in power, thanks to John Cena, you will not win the Royal Rumble, you will not headline WrestleMania 31 and you will not become the WWE World Heavyweight Champion, Steph argues. When Bryan suggests that she tried this last year and it failed, Steph gets a little flustered before regaining her composure to inform Bryan that he may not even make it to the Rumble match. As Bryan watches on confused, Steph smirks and tells him, You see, Daniel, the WWE Universe want to see you in action and, due to your weak body, they have been deprived of that chance for eight months. So tonight, here at the Royal Rumble, I feel it only fair to the fans that you compete in a match one on one against Kane with your place in the Royal Rumble at stake. As the crowd boo and Bryan looks angry, Steph smirks once more and declares it best for business before exiting and leaving Bryan to contemplate an extra match here tonight if he wants to achieve his dream.
Back at the Kickoff Show panel, there is outrage as Booker T suggests that the Authority are not doing what is best for business here tonight, they are simply trying to derail Daniel Bryan whilst he is at his most vulnerable a match against Kane for the opportunity to compete in the Royal Rumble? Riley is similarly unimpressed and argues that whilst Daniel Bryan has the heart, courage and skills to defeat Kane and go on to win the Rumble match when he is in top condition, he has only just returned from injury and he now has to be considered an incredibly long shot to headline WrestleMania as the Rumble winner. Only Regal shows any sign of praising Stephanies actions he suggests that this is Daniel Bryans chance to prove to the Authority that he is not the B+ player they say he is, he has a chance to prove himself once and for all as being truly deserving of a chance to win the WWE World Heavyweight Championship here tonight.
WHO WILL WIN TONIGHTS ROYAL RUMBLE MATCH?
A video plays outlining the build up to the Royal Rumble match and showcases the main contenders for victory here tonight. Which man will emerge victorious here tonight by surviving the other 29 men involved in the match and securing the chance to challenge the WWE World Heavyweight Champion at WrestleMania? Will it be Dolph Ziggler, Erick Rowan or Ryback, the three men who were recently fired by the Authority yet make their returns here tonight at the specific instruction of the WWE owner, Vince McMahon? Following the return of Triple H and Stephanie McMahon to power here in the WWE, they immediately set about punishing the trio for going up against them at Survivor Series as part of Team Cena and went as far as to fire the three men on RAW at the close of 2014. However, following a huge reaction to the three men appearing on RAW in the crowd on RAW on January 12, Vince McMahon made his mark by ordering the immediate return of the three superstars in time for the Royal Rumble PPV and all three men will be looking to stick it to the Authority by winning tonights main event. Two more superstars who have been involved in controversy as 2014 switched into 2015 are Bray Wyatt and Dean Ambrose. Following a long, bitter feud, the pair of them have proved themselves to be considerable dangers in the WWE and both men appear ready to do whatever it takes to make their mark here in the WWE is tonight the night that one of them smashes the glass ceiling and heads for the main event of WrestleMania? Whilst mentioning the talents of Ambrose though, can the talents of his former Shield brother, Roman Reigns, be ignored? With the cheers of the Roman Empire growing since his return from injury, the Hound has been involved in a powerhouse struggle with Big Show of late and these two are set to collide at some stage during tonights Rumble again in what could be a key encounter in determining tonights winner. When you talk about big powerhouses though, what about the Big Corporate Monster, Kane? For over 15 years, Kane has terrorised the Royal Rumble participants and it was only last year, at the 2014 Rumble, that Reigns broke Kanes elimination record for a single Rumble match. The man with the most Rumble appearances (17), the highest total Rumble eliminations (39, including 11 in the 2001 Rumble) and over 3 hours involved in the Battle Royal cannot be ignored here tonight. Another man who cannot be ignored is the Bulgarian Brute and the Pride of Russia - Rusev. Yet to be beaten or tapped out here in the WWE since debuting a year ago, Rusev is now the United States Champion but is sure to be on the hunt for a chance to add the WWE World Heavyweight Championship as well. Is tonight the night that Rusev crushes as Lana would say the hopes of 29 others in the Rumble? Add in Daniel Bryan possibly returning from injury to compete at the Rumble and a sure-fire host of surprise entrants, this could well be one of the most unpredictable Royal Rumble matches of all time. Who will secure the chance to main event WrestleMania 31?
Back on the panel, each man gives their thoughts on who will win the Royal Rumble here tonight. Booker T makes the suggestion that Roman Reigns has been on fire of late and that - though it will be tough here tonight his momentum makes him the favourite in his eyes heading into this one. Riley disagrees and says that the presence of the Authority in the WWE right now means that guys like Reigns, Bryan and Ziggler are outsiders for this as HHH will not allow them to win if he can help it. With his unbeaten run in tact, Rusev is Rileys pick and he says that the Bulgarian could mow his way right through the competition here tonight and get the chance to become a double champion come WrestleMania. For William Regal, he says that you cannot count out Daniel Bryan despite the obstacles in his path. Who would have thought that Daniel could overcome Triple H, Stephanie McMahon, Randy Orton and Batista last year? he asks. Renee throws out the suggestion that there are sure to be plenty of surprise entrants, as always, in the Rumble could one of them win it? In fact, Renee informs us, one of those surprises is waiting to speak with Byron Saxton right now
THE FIRST SURPRISE ENTRANT WILL BE
Saxton builds up the identity of the man he has with him in the interview area before revealing it to be The Viper Randy Orton! Big pop in the arena and another sure fire contender to win tonights Royal Rumble, the 2005 Royal Rumble winner comes into shot looking ready here tonight. Saxton asks Orton whether he believes he can win tonights Rumble match and return to WrestleMania as the #1 contender for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship and The Viper responds by saying he is back for two reasons here tonight. Firstly, he is back for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship that he lost at WrestleMania last year, he never stops wanting to hold that title and nothing has changed there. However, secondly, he is back to get his hands on that piece of crap Seth Rollins. Orton says that although Rollins will not be in tonights Rumble, he could end the night holding the WWE World Heavyweight Championship and, should that happen, he wants to be in prime position to face Rollins come WrestleMania and be the one to end his dream. Tonight, 29 other superstars, 29 RKOs out of nowhere vows Orton to cheers from the crowd, and when I get my hands on Seth Rollins, I will make him pay for taking me out. A pumped up and determined Viper here tonight and he exits with a gleam in his eyes can Randy Orton win the Royal Rumble here tonight?
After another advert for upcoming NXT shows on the WWE Network, we return to the Kickoff Show panel where the inclusion of Randy Orton in the Royal Rumble match is discussed and how this changes the dynamic of tonights Rumble. Booker T declares Orton a very real threat whilst Riley points out that Orton has clear issues remaining with Seth Rollins could he not only impact on the Royal Rumble but also the WWE World Heavyweight Championship match prior to it? Attention then turns to the final match here on the Royal Rumble Kickoff Show as Renee Young throws back out to the commentary team tonight Michael Cole, Jerry Lawler and JBL who inform us that the match were about to witness will be for the final two spots in tonights Royal Rumble match.
TAG TEAM MATCH
CESARO & TYSON KIDD with Natalya vs. JUSTIN GABRIEL & ZACK RYDER
With Gabriel and Ryder not appearing as often as they would like on our TV screens, they come out with a determined attitude to earn their spot in tonights Royal Rumble match. However, their opponents tonight, Cesaro and Tyson Kidd have been impressive recently since forming their team and stand in the popular duos path to the Rumble here tonight. In a fast-paced, entertaining little match, Gabriel and Ryder thrill the crowd as they fight back after being dominated for a long period by Cesaro and Kidds solid tag team strategy. A hot tag from Gabriel to Ryder has the crowd up off their seats and Ryder comes in like a ball of fire as he hits Kidd with the Broski Boot in the corner and then sets himself for the Rough Ryder. Unfortunately for Zack, Kidd sees it coming and ducks to make a tag to Cesaro who catches Zack by surprise with an Uppercut that leaves the New Yorker sprawled on the canvas. Signalling for the Big Swing, Gabriel, still a little groggy from the earlier beating he took, tries to come to Ryders aid but Kidd cuts him off with a running drop kick before Cesaro hits the Big Swing and sets for the finish. NEUTRALISER! CESARO HITS THE NEUTRALISER ON RYDER! With Gabriel taken out of the equation by Kidd, this is now academic and Cesaro gets the 3 count to secure his and Kidds spot in tonights Royal Rumble match.
WINNERS:
Cesaro & Tyson Kidd
(07:06)
CESARO & TYSON KIDD with Natalya vs. JUSTIN GABRIEL & ZACK RYDER
With Gabriel and Ryder not appearing as often as they would like on our TV screens, they come out with a determined attitude to earn their spot in tonights Royal Rumble match. However, their opponents tonight, Cesaro and Tyson Kidd have been impressive recently since forming their team and stand in the popular duos path to the Rumble here tonight. In a fast-paced, entertaining little match, Gabriel and Ryder thrill the crowd as they fight back after being dominated for a long period by Cesaro and Kidds solid tag team strategy. A hot tag from Gabriel to Ryder has the crowd up off their seats and Ryder comes in like a ball of fire as he hits Kidd with the Broski Boot in the corner and then sets himself for the Rough Ryder. Unfortunately for Zack, Kidd sees it coming and ducks to make a tag to Cesaro who catches Zack by surprise with an Uppercut that leaves the New Yorker sprawled on the canvas. Signalling for the Big Swing, Gabriel, still a little groggy from the earlier beating he took, tries to come to Ryders aid but Kidd cuts him off with a running drop kick before Cesaro hits the Big Swing and sets for the finish. NEUTRALISER! CESARO HITS THE NEUTRALISER ON RYDER! With Gabriel taken out of the equation by Kidd, this is now academic and Cesaro gets the 3 count to secure his and Kidds spot in tonights Royal Rumble match.
WINNERS:
Cesaro & Tyson Kidd
(07:06)
Big win here tonight for Cesaro and Tyson Kidd as they not only further their credentials as Tag Team Championship contenders down the line with a victory over Gabriel and Ryder but also secure the final two places in tonights Royal Rumble match. With the Swiss and the Canadian now in the Rumble, it remains to be seen whether or not Daniel Bryan can keep hold of his spot as Michael Cole informs us that his match against Kane where Bryans spot in the Rumble is in jeopardy if he loses is scheduled to open tonights Royal Rumble PPV which goes live in moments. Its going to be an amazing night here in Philadelphia. Will Brock Lesnar see off the threat of John Cena and Seth Rollins to take a giant step towards the WrestleMania main event? And which man will win the Royal Rumble later tonight and secure their spot in that very same WrestleMania main event? The Road to WrestleMania is about to kick off with the most unpredictable WWE pay-per-view of the calendar its time for the 2015 ROYAL RUMBLE!
************************************
CONFIRMED MATCHES
SINGLES MATCH
(if Daniel Bryan loses, he is out of the Royal Rumble)
Daniel Bryan vs. Kane
TAG TEAM MATCH
The Ascension vs. Los Matadores
WWE DIVAS CHAMPIONSHIP
FATAL FOUR WAY
Nikki Bella © vs. Brie Bella vs. Natalya vs. Paige
WWE TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS
The Usos © vs. Damien Mizdow & The Miz
WWE WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
TRIPLE THREAT MATCH
Brock Lesnar © vs. John Cena vs. Seth Rollins
30-MAN ROYAL RUMBLE MATCH
(winner challenges for WWE World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 31)
Adam Rose vs. Bad News Barrett vs. Big E vs. Big Show vs. Bray Wyatt vs. Cesaro vs. Daniel Bryan (TBC) vs. Dean Ambrose vs. Dolph Ziggler
vs. Erick Rowan vs. Goldust vs. Jack Swagger vs. Jey Uso vs. Jimmy Uso vs. Kane vs. Kofi Kingston vs. Luke Harper vs. Mark Henry
vs. The Miz vs. Randy Orton vs. Ryback vs. Roman Reigns vs. Rusev vs. Stardust vs. Tyson Kidd vs. Xavier Woods vs. 4 others (TBD)
CONFIRMED MATCHES
SINGLES MATCH
(if Daniel Bryan loses, he is out of the Royal Rumble)
Daniel Bryan vs. Kane
TAG TEAM MATCH
The Ascension vs. Los Matadores
WWE DIVAS CHAMPIONSHIP
FATAL FOUR WAY
Nikki Bella © vs. Brie Bella vs. Natalya vs. Paige
WWE TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS
The Usos © vs. Damien Mizdow & The Miz
WWE WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
TRIPLE THREAT MATCH
Brock Lesnar © vs. John Cena vs. Seth Rollins
30-MAN ROYAL RUMBLE MATCH
(winner challenges for WWE World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 31)
Adam Rose vs. Bad News Barrett vs. Big E vs. Big Show vs. Bray Wyatt vs. Cesaro vs. Daniel Bryan (TBC) vs. Dean Ambrose vs. Dolph Ziggler
vs. Erick Rowan vs. Goldust vs. Jack Swagger vs. Jey Uso vs. Jimmy Uso vs. Kane vs. Kofi Kingston vs. Luke Harper vs. Mark Henry
vs. The Miz vs. Randy Orton vs. Ryback vs. Roman Reigns vs. Rusev vs. Stardust vs. Tyson Kidd vs. Xavier Woods vs. 4 others (TBD)