General Royal Rumble 2008 Discussion

[Fiction]

I'm going with Edge. It's supposed to be Taker vs. Edge at wrestlemania, so it makes sense that Edge should get his first Rumble win to emphasize his legacy. As for the RAW side of things, it looks like wrestlemania is going to be Triple H vs. Orton. Triple H doesn't need a Rumble win, he already has one from 2002. And God forbid, should they give it to an ECW guy. Although Punk vs. Kane at WM might be good.

Other than them, Jericho will be fueding for the belt for the next couple of months, so he'll probably get the title shot at the Rumble, thus not be a participant in the Rumble itself. Michaels and Kennedy have just started a program, which should culminate at WM. And Jeff Hardy seems more primed to get his title shot be winning MITB. Could Lashley or Flair upset? They're both possible. And both are faces who would fit fighting against the heel Orton. Flair does have a win under his belt, but that was about 65 years ago, so one more go might be in order (as much as I'd personally hate to see it).

As far as Smackdown, Batista needs a rest from the title picture, having been in every title defense on PPV for the entire duration of 2007. Kane is Smackdown's red-headed step-child. Matt Hardy and MVP are more MITB-type winners. And Finlay, Khali and Mark Henry? Cmon... it's not going to happen. Rey Mysterio and Ric Flair are wild cards, especially since Flair is jumping to RAW, but I'm reasonably convinced the match will be Taker vs. Edge.

ECW? No way.

In order:
1. Edge
2. Lashley
3. Ric Flair
4. Triple H
5. Kennedy (if his program with Michaels ends quickly)
6. Chris Jericho (he should have a high-profile match at WM, but it probably won't be the Heavyweight Title match)

 

[Shocky]

So here's my semi-card at this moment.

I'm still tossed up with what direction the WWE is going to go in, especially concerning the WHC. Part of me thinks Batista holds onto this thing till Wrestlemania, while another part thinks that Edge gets it, but I'll do this based on Batista keeping the title.

The Royal Rumble: The Matches. Well the matches, especially concerning the world titles, usually have someone not deserving of this match. Why? Because no one watches the Royal Rumble for the title matches.

ECW World Title: CM Punk vs. Shelton Benjamin. Maybe, Maybe it would be the Miz or Matt Striker, but I think they completely continue to bury Benjamin on ECW. This match should be at Mania, but the WWE doesn't like Benjamin.

WHC: Batista vs. MVP. I love MVP, but no way is he ready for the spotlight yet. This will help boost him like Kennedy last year at the Rumble. Hopefully though, MVP actually does something with the push he gets instead of prove himself incapably to hang in it like Kennedy has done the last year.

WWE Title: Randy Orton vs. Jeff Hardy. Yup, Jeff Hardy. What better way to shut the people up that think he is deserving of a title shot by putting him in the most meaningless title match of the year. Orton retains.

As far as the Rumble itself, I think it's a 5 way dance at this point.

5/4. Edge/Undertaker. I think we see a scenario where won eliminates the other, and the other comes back and eliminates the other one. This feud is bigger then a title match in the WWE's mind.

3. Triple H. Yup, Triple H. For some reason, I'm starting to think he's not going to be in the main event this year. I really think we are oging to see a Triple H heel turn and a match with Jeff Hardy at WM.

2. Jericho. Yup, Jericho at Number 2, not number one. I think it would be nice, but he doesn't need it. However, I do think he'll win the rumble, but I think he will face Orton at Wrestlemania.

1. Bobby Lashley. Yup, that one guy still left to comeback before the rumble that would have an impact. I really think they need a way to get this guy off of Raw and back to Smackdown, and what better way then to win the rumble and jump to Smackdown to face Batista.

 

[hbk&triple h]

Royal Rumble Predictions:

So here are my first thoughts of the card.

WHC Championship:I really see a title change before this pay-per-view. Just because Edge/Taker is set in stone pretty much and needs a lengthy/nice build up. Edge I think will get the title and might have just another match with Batista or a short feud with Mysterio or something to pass the time.

WWE Championship: Either Jericho or Orton will be holding the title but regardless the match will be between them both. Have Jericho lose at Armageddon and have a rematch or have it vice versa. Either way I really see Jericho with the titleor in the title picture at Mania.

ECW Championship: CM Punk will still have the title. Who he will be facing is kind of tough. I want to say he will be facing Shelton but that deserves to be a Wrestlemania match. If not Shelton then maybe Dreamer.

Royal Rumble:

As of right now I have a few scenarios as to who can win this match.

1. Bobby Lashley:The man is making his return soon and Vince sees something in him. What a better way to push someone into the main event scene by winning the Royal Rumble. I do not see him in the WWE Title match at Mania though.

2. Jericho:If he somehow does not make it in the main event I'm pretty sure that he will win the Royal Rumble. I just do not see a Randy/ Jericho main event at Mania. If Jericho doesn't win I see him being final two without a doubt.

 

[megaman]

I think either triple h or bobby lashley will win because if lashley returned by then and won royal rumble match, it would be a good comeback and if he does win, i think triple h should be champion by wrestlemania so that it would lashley vs. hhh at mania and if hhh won the royal rumble then he would go down as one of the few wrestlers who have won the royal rumble two times and i like the sound of it

i use to think edge might win the royal rumble match because everyone was saying edge would face taker at mania for the title but now that edge has brutally attacked taker at survivor series, i dont think they would save that match for mania, if they were then edge wouldve attacked batista instead, so that he could take his world title at armagedoon and then face kane first at royal rumble while taker could possibly win the royal rumble for a second time in a row which i also like the sound of, edge retains too and then at no way out rey mysterio vs. edge at no way out, edge retains and then taker vs. edge for the title at mania with taker winning but now i think triple threat match at armageddon, i think edge will win the title back then on smackdown, edge would defeat batista to retain the title and taker would become the no 1 contender after that, taker vs. edge at the royal rumble, taker would win by dq, i think and no way out maybe either a last ride, casket or another hell in a cell match with edge at no way out, edge would win, then probably rey mysterio or kane might face edge for the title unless edge faces ric flair in his retirement match with the title on the line and flair wins his 17th world title before retiring and then maybe wwe might bring in a new world title, usually when the wrestling sites reveal stuff like that and it gets out then wwe usually change the main event, so dont be suprised to see a different smackdown world title main event at mania

 

[BIG FAT AL]

I can see a tag match and 3 world title matches.Proably....

TAG MATCH
Something cross brand.Maybe Major Bros VS Rhodes and Holly.I,d like to see that match.

ECW TITLE MATCH
Bit tough....Something with Morrison and Burke.I can see Burke doing a face turn.He owuld be like the rock.

SD TITLE MATCH
Something with Edge and Rey.I think the angle with Vickie will give Edge power over his oppenetts.

RAW WORLD TITLE
Lashey will be in it just t prove how good he is.Screw job finish with the champ getting DQ,ed.


RUMBLE MATCH.
No idea.Perhaps Jericho or Kennedy.

 

[ABS]

1.Kennedy - He's in line for a HUGE push
2. Hardy - Same as Kennedy
3.Jericho - DO it similar to HHH's return.
4. MVP - Well I think it's too early for him.
5. Matt Hardy - NF07 said - If theyre hesitating to give him the US champion.well....
6.And then we got Umaga

Now IF Kennedy does indeed win it then I got no problem as that will give Hardy the MITB , or the other way around. And as for Jericho we all would love to see Jericho win it and win the WWE title , heal or face. This years Royal Rumble is looking great. SO many possiblties...this is a RR to catch. But I got the feeling the WWE will fuck it up Big time with giving it to someone who has already won it.

 

[smurdock01]

Honestly... I think they might give to an ECW guy this year, simply because in the past years it's been about the brand that needed the ratings...

With ECW, to me, becoming decent in ratings but falling behind... I see WWE giving ECW in a whole the big push by having someone like Elijah Burke, The Miz, or Morrison win the Rumble...

I mean, if you want to talk about underdogs... nobody would expect an ECW superstar to win

 

[Roosters_rule]

Really, i can only see 3 possible winners for the Royal Rumble.

Y2J
Kennedy
Edge

these are the guys that can main event Wrestlemania! Kennedy is in line for a push, Jericho has just come back and could easily main event Wrestlemania and edge is supposdly going to wrestle taker at Wrestlemania so there is a huge chance he could win it to build up the match. But should be a good rumble none the less.

 

[Steamboat Ricky]

I really hope they let Jeff Hardy win the Rumble. He's due for a push...he's had the Intercontinental Belt for about 6 years, now. It would be pretty sweet to have him win the Rumble and go into Mania with the IC title to face Orton...Mania VI revisitation.

 

[hbk&triple h]

I really hope they let Jeff Hardy win the Rumble. He's due for a push...he's had the Intercontinental Belt for about 6 years, now. It would be pretty sweet to have him win the Rumble and go into Mania with the IC title to face Orton...Mania VI revisitation.

I'm soryy for the Jeff Hardy marks but he will never, ever headline Wrestlemania. or win the Rumble for that matter. When has he proved that he is Main Event worthy. Sure, it might be Title against Title, but Wrestlemania 6 revisitation. Not even. Hardy and Orton can not work a crowd like that match did. Maybe Hardy will have a good run in the Rumble but he will not win.

I think Lashley is one of the top candidates to win the Rumble. He is still one of the awaited returns. He is supposed to return soon here and what a great way to return that in the Rumble and win.

Bottom Five Survivors:

Lashley, Triple H, Kennedy, Jericho, Undertaker.

Seems like a reasonable bottom five. The only one I'm not so sure of is Kennedy. But more than likely those five will go far in the match. Lashley and Jericho both because of their returns. Triple H because he is well.. Triple H. Undertaker because I see him getting screwed out of it by Edge. Maybe final two and it'll just help put gas on the fire.

 

[A-Train]

i also think lashley will win it. vince is building him up to be awesome and winning the royal rumble would make that happen. i think he would have an awesomne match with any of these guys.
Jericho- great technical wrestler, lashley can be too but they will make it a technical vs power match. only problem would be that jericho would wipe the floor with lashley in mic skills and promos.
triple h- kind of a past and future type match. would be a great match.
batista- power vs power. would be awesome. lashley would win though
orton- great match. orton would probably find a way to cheat to win.
taker- would be like taker/batista feud only that lashley is quicker then batista and younger so would be better.
if lashley got a better finisher he would be so much better cos everytime i see a spear or running powerslam i kind of cringe.

 

[Steamboat Ricky]

I'm soryy for the Jeff Hardy marks but he will never, ever headline Wrestlemania. or win the Rumble for that matter. When has he proved that he is Main Event worthy. Sure, it might be Title against Title, but Wrestlemania 6 revisitation. Not even. Hardy and Orton can not work a crowd like that match did. Maybe Hardy will have a good run in the Rumble but he will not win.

I was just referring to WWE title v IC title....obviously Orton/Hardy couldn't be a Hogan/Warrior....at least right away.

I think that hardy has the ability to be as over as Vince lets him be. If Benoit can headline a Mania....so can Hardy.

 

[karazmatic]

first of i need to say stuff. Steam boat ricky. i think you are a very smart man saying that jeff hardy should win the rumble because. he is due for a push and what happened at survivor series only helped that push. and i think he should run in at armaggeddon if another heel runs in. then have a rematch for jericho vs orton rematch at rumble and see hardy win the rumble. but i do not see hardy winning the rumble . because he doesn't to have the same strength as the last 5-6 winners. like lesnar, taker, austin, batista, benoit. obviously rey isn't like that but the only reason he did win was because of eddie

now for you a-train. how has vince being making a big thing for lashley to return. i haven't seen on thing on bobby lashley since he got injured. so lashley wont win this. because if wwe wonted him to have the title they would of set him up at sumemrslam straight away.

now to get back to the topic. this is who i think will win the rumble next year

1) m.v.p ( he is defenetly the top dawg on smackdown)
2) kennedy.( yes jericho will have the title by wrestle mania so you have to have a good heel to vs him)
3) j hardy( if they want to have a great match like wrestle mania 22 a face vs face hardy is the way to go)
4) triple h ( even i no he is not gonna get anotehr long title reign or even win another rumble, there is only so many guys left on raw)
5) eligah burke ( i just have faith in this do to win the ecw title because you cant just have cm punk and morrison in then title picture the rest of your life)

i just no raw is gonna win this royal rumble because they need it for ratings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[hbk&triple h]

I think that hardy has the ability to be as over as Vince lets him be. If Benoit can headline a Mania....so can Hardy.

Wait what? Huh?

Okay first off, something is wrong here. Benoit is a fucking wrestling god. He might just be the best technical wrestler of the last ten years. The only negative about him was his charisma. Hardy lacks in every compartment of wrestling. The only way he gets over is by relying on huge spots and nothing else. Name a match by Hardy outside of TLC that even compares to Benoit?

Bottom Five Predictions:


I've been thinking and I've come up with a new top five.

Jericho- He just made his return and is definitely going to be in the main event picture so why not have him make it till the end of the match.

Lashley-I've said it before. The man is making his return and it would only solidify him as a main event guy if he returned at the Rumble and won.

Triple H- He is definitely going to make it far. Maybe he can start a big feud leading up to Wrestlemania in the process of eliminating somebody or him being eliminated. That is why I see him lasting far.

Undertaker- Why not have him make the bottom two again with a Raw Superstar and have Edge screw him out of a win. This would give Raw a main event for Wrestlemania and Undertaker and Edge could even get more heated.

Umaga- Why not end the feud with Triple H and Umaga here. Have Umaga and Triple H fight and right when Umaga is about to eliminate him, have somebody else eliminate Umaga. Thus creating a new feud for Umaga and Triple H.

 

[hbk&triple h]

first of i need to say stuff. Steam boat ricky. i think you are a very smart man saying that jeff hardy should win the rumble because. he is due for a push and what happened at survivor series only helped that push. and i think he should run in at armaggeddon if another heel runs in. then have a rematch for jericho vs orton rematch at rumble and see hardy win the rumble. but i do not see hardy winning the rumble . because he doesn't to have the same strength as the last 5-6 winners. like lesnar, taker, austin, batista, benoit. obviously rey isn't like that but the only reason he did win was because of eddie


now to get back to the topic. this is who i think will win the rumble next year

1) m.v.p ( he is defenetly the top dawg on smackdown)
2) kennedy.( yes jericho will have the title by wrestle mania so you have to have a good heel to vs him)
3) j hardy( if they want to have a great match like wrestle mania 22 a face vs face hardy is the way to go)
4) triple h ( even i no he is not gonna get anotehr long title reign or even win another rumble, there is only so many guys left on raw)
5) eligah burke ( i just have faith in this do to win the ecw title because you cant just have cm punk and morrison in then title picture the rest of your life)

i just no raw is gonna win this royal rumble because they need it for ratings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Why is Jeff Hardy due for a push? What has he done that is so great that we desperately need to put him in the main event picture? Nothing.

Umaga has been around since the nigth after Wrestlemania 22 and has been wrestling constantly since then. He has taken no time off except for like a two week suspension due to steroids. The man is a great worker and has had two title matches and lost his undefeated streak to John Cena and is stuck in a feud where he is being buried by Triple H and doesn't mind. He is in need of a title push.

What has Jeff done except try to reunite with Matt and put on matches that are OK at best.


Winning the Rumble doesn't require you to have strength. It just shows that the wrestler is finally making it to the big time after all their hard work.

Now on to your predictions.

M.V.P., while he has improved greatly and is a great wrestler he needs more experience. He hasn't been around long enough.

Kennedy should not win. He is still very green in the ring. He needs improvement.

Wrestlemania 22 was not face against face. It was face against heel. Except the crowd totally turned against Cena and rooted for Triple H.

The least likely to win would be an ECW superstar. I highly doubt they will ever make an ECW superstar win the match.

 

[Steamboat Ricky]

Big deal. Benoit is the best technical wrestler ever? Ok. Well, I would argue that Jeff Hardy is the best high-flying, risk-taking wrestler ever.

I'll name a pretty sweet match outside of TLC: Jeff Hardy v. Undertaker Ladder Match for WWF title on SmackDown. Hardy held his own, and he really put UT and himself over. He made the Undertaker look good in a LADDER MATCH. You can say what you want about the athleticism of the Undertaker, but the Ladder Match is about the last kind of match that the Undertaker should excel in. And Hardy made him look good. So, don't say that Hardy can only get over by doing huge spots. LIES.

Would Benoit's headline of Mania been legitimate without both Trips AND HBK? I'm not so sure.

Benoit is a good wrestler, and he could put on a show. But he was once a guy stuck on the midcard who got his push right before he came to WWF. So don't say that Benoit is in a category above Jeff Hardy...because he was down that road before.

 

[hbk&triple h]

Big deal. Benoit is the best technical wrestler ever? Ok. Well, I would argue that Jeff Hardy is the best high-flying, risk-taking wrestler ever.

I'll name a pretty sweet match outside of TLC: Jeff Hardy v. Undertaker Ladder Match for WWF title on SmackDown. Hardy held his own, and he really put UT and himself over. He made the Undertaker look good in a LADDER MATCH. You can say what you want about the athleticism of the Undertaker, but the Ladder Match is about the last kind of match that the Undertaker should excel in. And Hardy made him look good. So, don't say that Hardy can only get over by doing huge spots. LIES.

Would Benoit's headline of Mania been legitimate without both Trips AND HBK? I'm not so sure.

Benoit is a good wrestler, and he could put on a show. But he was once a guy stuck on the midcard who got his push right before he came to WWF. So don't say that Benoit is in a category above Jeff Hardy...because he was down that road before.

I'm sorry. Jeff is not the biggest risk taker. That spot goes to Foley. No arguments there.

But see the match you listed is again a Ladder Match. The only matches of his that anyone remembers are the Ladder Match and that match wasn't that great either. How many people do you find talking about that match in particular? Yes he does rely on big spots. If he didn't then his Raw matches would be good. but they aren't because his matches are him being a complete spot monkey.

I'm pretty sure it would have been a great match if it was just Benoit/Michales or Benoit/Triple H.

Benoit is way above Jeff. How is Jeff even on the same level as him? Benoit has been a United States Champion, Intercontinental, Heavyweight, World Tag Team, WWE Tag Team, has had amazing feuds.

Jeff Hardy will not win the Rumble. He might go far but he will not win. And if he went far into the match it is because he is Triple H's little buddy.

For the Rumble, I see another Kennedy/Michaels match. I don't know why but I see them extending the feud a little further.

 

[Steamboat Ricky]

I'm sorry. Jeff is not the biggest risk taker. That spot goes to Foley. No arguments there.

Oh. I was simply saying that Jeff was the biggest risk taker based on the fact that he takes risks. You seemed to award Benoit with the "best technical wrestler ever" simply because he is a "technical wrestler." What about Shamrock, Bret Hart, Flair, Taz, Angle, or even Malenko? Benoit was probably a better character and wrestler than some of them...but better technically? Why, because he can do 3 consecutive german suplexes? And a crossface? And a diving headbutt...oh wait.

But see the match you listed is again a Ladder Match. The only matches of his that anyone remembers are the Ladder Match and that match wasn't that great either. How many people do you find talking about that match in particular? Yes he does rely on big spots. If he didn't then his Raw matches would be good. but they aren't because his matches are him being a complete spot monkey.

Dude, you seemed to have ignored the part where I said that Hardy totally put over UT in that match. And if I can remember correctly, I don't think Hardy had a big spot in that match (if there was one, then it obviously wasn't major since i cannot remember it off the top of my head...i'll go back and watch to make sure). Ladders ARE Jeff's specialty...just like Benoit's specialty is mat wrestling. And Jeff made UT look good. Many people credit that match as being very good.

I'm pretty sure it would have been a great match if it was just Benoit/Michales or Benoit/Triple H.

Based on what?

Benoit is way above Jeff. How is Jeff even on the same level as him? Benoit has been a United States Champion, Intercontinental, Heavyweight, World Tag Team, WWE Tag Team, has had amazing feuds.

Um, Jeff has held all but two of those titles (US and World Heavyweight). Furthermore, Benoit's US Title reigns have been average, at best, and he won US Titles in WWE after winning the World Heavyweight belt, which is clearly a step back...a step back to where you would say Hardy is at currently. And US Title is even keel with the IC belt. So, Benoit could be considered better than Jeff because of one significant World Title reign...the same World Title that The Great Khali was sporting for months. And Tag Team reigns? I don't even think you could disagree that Jeff is one of the most decorated tag team wrestlers ever.

Jeff Hardy will not win the Rumble. He might go far but he will not win. And if he went far into the match it is because he is Triple H's little buddy.

Sometimes that's what you need to get ahead in this business. If Hardy won the Rumble, he would put on a good show and would automatically be legitimized.

For the Rumble, I see another Kennedy/Michaels match. I don't know why but I see them extending the feud a little further.

What's so great about Kennedy? That guy is sub-par, at best, in my opinion. I have seen nothing that separates this guy from the rest of the roster. I think of him as a younger Hardcore Holly.

 

[hbk&triple h]

Oh. I was simply saying that Jeff was the biggest risk taker based on the fact that he takes risks. You seemed to award Benoit with the "best technical wrestler ever" simply because he is a "technical wrestler." What about Shamrock, Bret Hart, Flair, Taz, Angle, or even Malenko? Benoit was probably a better character and wrestler than some of them...but better technically? Why, because he can do 3 consecutive german suplexes? And a crossface? And a diving headbutt...oh wait.



Dude, you seemed to have ignored the part where I said that Hardy totally put over UT in that match. And if I can remember correctly, I don't think Hardy had a big spot in that match (if there was one, then it obviously wasn't major since i cannot remember it off the top of my head...i'll go back and watch to make sure). Ladders ARE Jeff's specialty...just like Benoit's specialty is mat wrestling. And Jeff made UT look good. Many people credit that match as being very good.



Based on what?



Um, Jeff has held all but two of those titles (US and World Heavyweight). Furthermore, Benoit's US Title reigns have been average, at best, and he won US Titles in WWE after winning the World Heavyweight belt, which is clearly a step back...a step back to where you would say Hardy is at currently. And US Title is even keel with the IC belt. So, Benoit could be considered better than Jeff because of one significant World Title reign...the same World Title that The Great Khali was sporting for months. And Tag Team reigns? I don't even think you could disagree that Jeff is one of the most decorated tag team wrestlers ever.



Sometimes that's what you need to get ahead in this business. If Hardy won the Rumble, he would put on a good show and would automatically be legitimized.



What's so great about Kennedy? That guy is sub-par, at best, in my opinion. I have seen nothing that separates this guy from the rest of the roster. I think of him as a younger Hardcore Holly.

Shamrock definitely not. Flair while he is great is definitely not as technical as Benoit. The only person up there that would even be debatable in my mind is Hart.

Yes those are his specialties. But he can't rely on Ladder Matches to get him over. Benoit while being a great mat wrestler has had incredible Ladder Matches. The one with Jericho at the Rumble and his Money in the Bank Match. Benoit delivers in almost every aspect of wrestling and doesn't rely on one type of match to get over or receive recognition.

Based on the fact that Shawn and Triple h are both great wrestlers and Benoit has had one on one matches with both of them and they were both great matches.

Jeff has not held the WWE Tag Team titles either. And his Intercontinental Title runs have meant absolutely nothing. His run right now is meaningless and how many times have he actually defended the title?

Yes exactly. His tag team was great. And why? Because of his feud with The Dudleys and E&C. And guess what? The famous matches from that fued happen to be ladder matches.

Let just say he wins the Royal Rumble. And Randy is champion come Wrestlemania. How many people will be pleased with that as our main event? Hardy simply is a main evnt guy. He has yet to prove he can wrestle a match without being a complete spot monkey.

I agree as well. In 2006 the guy was gold but this year he has digressed.

 

[Steamboat Ricky]

Shamrock definitely not. Flair while he is great is definitely not as technical as Benoit. The only person up there that would even be debatable in my mind is Hart.

Shamrock would have beat Benoit in a shoot wrestling match 9/10 times.

Yes those are his specialties. But he can't rely on Ladder Matches to get him over. Benoit while being a great mat wrestler has had incredible Ladder Matches. The one with Jericho at the Rumble and his Money in the Bank Match. Benoit delivers in almost every aspect of wrestling and doesn't rely on one type of match to get over or receive recognition.

You're still not addressing the fact that Hardy put over UT in that match. I would disagree that Benoit delivers in all kinds of matches. He had a really good match with Angle at Mania, but not much else is standing out to me.

Like I said earlier, Hardy can be over as much as his opportunities allow him to be. Would Jericho be as legitimately over as he was without his title reign and Mania headline? I don't think so whatsoever. I will give you the fact that Jericho is more skilled on the mic and more overall talented than Jeff, but given the chance, I think Jeff would not disappoint.

You really don't give the ladder match v. Undertaker the credit it deserves. UT put him over when he wouldn't powerbomb him for the second time, and J.R. put him over throughout the match.

How is Jeff any different than RVD? I'm not seeing that big of a contrast between the two except that RVD was put over in ECW, so he was automatically over in WWE. If RVD isn't a "spot monkey," then I don't know who is.

Based on the fact that Shawn and Triple h are both great wrestlers and Benoit has had one on one matches with both of them and they were both great matches.

Then why did they think there was a need to throw HBK into the mix? Sure, to get more buys, but if Benoit was as over as you say he was, then he should have been able to stand alone with Trips.

Jeff has not held the WWE Tag Team titles either. And his Intercontinental Title runs have meant absolutely nothing. His run right now is meaningless and how many times have he actually defended the title?

He hasn't held the "WWE Tag Team titles" because he hasn't been on the SmackDown roster (i'm pretty sure). It doesn't matter though, they are the same thing as the World Tag titles. Stupid brand extension. His run is currently meaningless because they aren't allowing him to defend the title. I don't know what the writers are thinking.

Yes exactly. His tag team was great. And why? Because of his feud with The Dudleys and E&C. And guess what? The famous matches from that fued happen to be ladder matches.

That's pretty ignorant to say that the Hardys' success was based solely on the fact that they were feuding with the Dudleys and E&C. They all complimented each other so well, and it was clearly the best tag team feud I've ever seen. So what if they were ladder/table matches? That's what the fans wanted, and they could deliver every time.

Let just say he wins the Royal Rumble. And Randy is champion come Wrestlemania. How many people will be pleased with that as our main event? Hardy simply is a main evnt guy. He has yet to prove he can wrestle a match without being a complete spot monkey.

I would for sure be pleased. I'm tired of predictable Mania headliners. Push somebody new and unexpected. The system they have going right now isn't working too well, so they should probably think of something new. Vince should take a risk...he might end up being really successful...or he might bomb. But chances are, ratings will continue to be where they are right now: being consistently average-subpar.

I agree as well. In 2006 the guy was gold but this year he has digressed.

Ha. Well at least we agree on something.

 

[A-Train]

karazmatic. i didn't mean vince is building up his return i meant b4 he got injured he made him near unbeatable and you and i know both know that lashley is a future world champion.

 

[king of kings icon]

i would have to say any of these would do

lashly
jericho - he is back, he hasnt done one yet why not ?
kennedy - imagine all the ranting he would do if he won
um umaga - lol it can happen

 

[hbk&triple h]

Shamrock would have beat Benoit in a shoot wrestling match 9/10 times.




You're still not addressing the fact that Hardy put over UT in that match. I would disagree that Benoit delivers in all kinds of matches. He had a really good match with Angle at Mania, but not much else is standing out to me.

Like I said earlier, Hardy can be over as much as his opportunities allow him to be. Would Jericho be as legitimately over as he was without his title reign and Mania headline? I don't think so whatsoever. I will give you the fact that Jericho is more skilled on the mic and more overall talented than Jeff, but given the chance, I think Jeff would not disappoint.

You really don't give the ladder match v. Undertaker the credit it deserves. UT put him over when he wouldn't powerbomb him for the second time, and J.R. put him over throughout the match.

How is Jeff any different than RVD? I'm not seeing that big of a contrast between the two except that RVD was put over in ECW, so he was automatically over in WWE. If RVD isn't a "spot monkey," then I don't know who is.



Then why did they think there was a need to throw HBK into the mix? Sure, to get more buys, but if Benoit was as over as you say he was, then he should have been able to stand alone with Trips.


That's pretty ignorant to say that the Hardys' success was based solely on the fact that they were feuding with the Dudleys and E&C. They all complimented each other so well, and it was clearly the best tag team feud I've ever seen. So what if they were ladder/table matches? That's what the fans wanted, and they could deliver every time.



I would for sure be pleased. I'm tired of predictable Mania headliners. Push somebody new and unexpected. The system they have going right now isn't working too well, so they should probably think of something new. Vince should take a risk...he might end up being really successful...or he might bomb. But chances are, ratings will continue to be where they are right now: being consistently average-subpar.

Maybe in a UFC match. But Benoit has wrestling down. I'll agree that Shamrock is a good wrestler though.

He has had plenty of good matches at Mania. His match with Angle is great. His tag team match at Wrestlemania 19 was one of the last great tag matches in my opinion. His match at Wrestlemania 20 was the last good main event at Mania. MITB Ladder match was great and is way better than the last two. Wrestlemania 22 he had the best match of the nigth with MVP.

Jericho definitely would not be as over without those things. But would Hardy be as over without his ladder matches? No. He will be forever remembered as the guy who only succeeded in Ladder Matches.

I give it some credit. It was an okay match but Undertaker is not comfortable in this match and it shows.

I agree but RVD has had some actual wrestling matches that come to my mind. Other than that yes he does rely on spots but not as frequently as Jeff.

HBK being added into the match only created more for the sotryline, made the match better, and it had never been done before at Mania. The title was in a Three Way match. Except for the Fatal Four Way but whatever. The match made you think if Triple H was really going to walk out champ? It made you think if Benoit could fulfill his destiny with two men? It made you think does Shawn had enough in him to win.

Soryy I could have stated it a little different. The Hardys will be remembered for that feud not because of the Dudleys or E&C. Yes but at sometime you have to break away from the gimmick matches and start showing more wrestling talent.

Who isn't tired of the predictability of wrestling? But people still love it. Sure he might be different but there arer many younger superstars as well who have shown more talent than him. MVP has been around for a little over a year and has shown tremendous effort and skills. Does Vince really care that much for Jeff to let him headline Mania? Does he trust him? He might finally get a push and just do drugs and get fired like he did before.

For the Royal Rumble match I was thinking of what a great final two could be. Since Randy and Shawn just finished their feud and Jericho and Randy are starting their feud, why not have them be a final two? First, the fans would love it and we all know what happened when these two were in the ring with each other.

 

[karazmatic]

karazmatic. i didn't mean vince is building up his return i meant b4 he got injured he made him near unbeatable and you and i know both know that lashley is a future world champion.

actually before he moved to raw he was unbeatable. but when he moved to raw he was beatable. i bet super crazy could of done it. no well not crazy but i bet, booker t, hardy, kennedy, trips, shawn michaels, orton and edge (before he moved). but no vince had to stuff up things and make him vs cena.

now dont get me wrong i no he will be a champion (world champ not wwe) but pn;y because of his body. he not that goood on the mic but he is a lright wrestler with some good moves. he reminds me of goldberg but with only one title reign (wcw 1997-mid 1999).

but even vince would over look hardy for lashley because if they put lashley in the picturre now they would have to take jericho, hardy and kennedy out. and we all no jeff hardy and kennedy are defently getting there world title shot soon.

but sorry man hardy is gonna beat lashley

 

[Derf]

My Turn!!! Hahahahaha

Jeff Hardy - Someone already said it, they're pushing him, for what? He actually not only survived at Survivor Series with the Shovler, but he got the pin! Thats a HUGE sign that he's getting a push.

Lashley - You all keep saying that Jericho might win it cause of his return, but I doubt it. (I'll add more later) Lashley is also returning shortly before the rumble, and he was main eventing when he got hurt. I wouldn't be surprised to see Lashley/Orton feud.

Ric Flair - We all know Flair is having his retirement match at WM. Wouldn't it be great if he won the rumble this year, and went on to main event WM? If he made it that far, I don't think it would matter if he won the title, the presige of retiring at WM would be huge. He could pull a Trish Stratus move, win the title, and drop it after the show.

Mr. Kennedy - They keep trying to push this guy! First he won the MITB, only to lose it. Then he was about to become Mr. Kennedy McMahon, but he got busted from Signature. Could this be lucky #3 for him? His charecter is screaming for a push, I'd say give it to him. Only problem, I don't see them pushing a heal into the title picture that easily.

And on the flip side, I don't see the following people winning.

Chris Jericho - Yay, he's back! This hype, however, will only last a month before we all forget he even left. And he's already in the main event picture, they're not gonna lower him to rumble status just to re-push him again.

Edge - He doesn't need a rumble win to main event anymore, he's a three time champion. Not to mention that it'll be either him, Batista, or Undertaker going into Wrestlemania with the title, and no matter what way you go, all three have been done, except Edge and Taker. But thats hapening now, so that will probably be your Rumble Title match.

Anyone else - Every year, I make a guess on whos going to win the rumble right before the match starts. And every year since 04, I've been right. And I can tell you right now that no one else is getting that kind of push that they need a Rumble win to main event. Either they can main event with what they have now, they're not ready to main event, or I just listed them as potential winners. I can garentee that at least two of my guesses will be in the top 4.