[OFFICIAL] Sheamus Wins The 2012 Royal Rumble Discussion

[LoudClearVoice]

I'm very happy for Sheamus. He works hard and I couldn't understand why he started falling to the mid-card. It will be interesting to see if he goes heel and feuds with Orton again or if they keep him a face.

What I do know is that Daniel Bryan will drop the belt in the Smackdown Elimination Chamber. It could be to Barrett, but most likely to Orton (as they didn't let him win the Rumble in his hometown).


I actually just thought of something that could be a good idea but WWE won't do it. What about having Sheamus surprise everyone and say he's going for the WWE title at Wrestlemania? Then have him win the Smackdown elimination chamber to become the World Heavyweight Champion. At Wrestlemania, have Sheamus vs. CM Punk to unify the two titles. A championship unification match could be greatly hyped and would definitely fit as the second main event behind Rock vs. Cena. WWE will never even consider doing that but this wrestlemania is the perfect one to unify the titles, IMO. A re-designed belt is long overdue AND they're basically combining the brandsd every week on RAW.

 

[Jack-Hammer]

As for the Rumble match itself, I was disappointed in some of the comedy stuff that went on as well as some of the special entrants. I hated having Michael Cole & Kharma be part of it and I also thought they had too many special entrants as well with very few of them making much of an impact. At the same time, however, I did enjoy the Rumble match overall. There was some fun action and it was good to see The Miz & Cody Rhodes have such a good showing for themselves. In my view, Cody Rhodes was the mvp of last night's Rumble match. It wasn't as good as last year's Rumble match but it was still enjoyable.

As for Sheamus winning, no problems on my end. Sheamus has been doing great work since he's gotten back on track over on SmackDown! and it'll be good to see him get back into a real feud again. They haven't really had much for Sheamus for the past month and a half, so him against Daniel Bryan at WM has a lot of potential. A feud between them could be fun and I'd like to see some of their history worked into the feud, such as the fact that they were supposed to have a match at WM last year but it got bumped. Assuming, that is, that Bryan leaves the EC ppv as the champ, which I think is more than likely to happen. I'm not disappointed in Jericho not winning, I'm actually pleased that WWE went in a different direction than what most people were expecting. It's not as if Sheamus isn't a great talent or doesn't deserve to win it after all. I'm sure some hate it because Jericho didn't win, which isn't surprising since the internet is filled with fans that hate on anything that doesn't go exactly the way they want it to or feel that it should. I think Chris Jericho said it best last night on Twitter when it comes to addressing the critics: "Stop whining....."

 

[NegativeFeedback]

I would have preferred to see Chris Jericho walk out on Sheamus. Sheamus would be declared the winner and he would celebrate with the crowd, but everyone would have been confused as to why Jericho lost the Rumble on purpose... and then Jericho would announce that he doesn't care about the title shot, he just cares about THE STREAK.

Instead, Jericho looked like a loser and his whole return was burnt in a matter of minutes. I would have been fine with him losing if he would have at least came in early and dominated the match. But he didn't, he came in at #29, spent a few minutes brawling and got tossed out like a jobber.

What a waste of a return. The Rumble was fine and Sheamus is okay for a title contender, but they ruined the hottest angle they had going on just for "shock value".

 

[thelegacywillremain1]

i love the fact that sheamus won becuz dick heads on here swear they kno every outcome its not your world vince knos you guys come on here and try to spoil his ppv's everything that happen last night was a last sec thing thanks to all the duche bag reporters of wrestlezone thanks !!

 

[Truly Phenomenonal]

The overall show was definitely weak, and the Rumble match itself was far from spectacular, but I must say I loved the idea of Sheamus going over.

I had him in my final 4, but expected him to be eliminated and it would leave Orton, Jericho and Barrett. I was shocked when he was in the final two, it was almost a mark out moment.. But I still wasn't giving him a chance to win. When he won I have to say that I flipped out and I was going crazy.. and I do believe that he was the better choice to win than Jericho.

It would've been very hard to build up a credible World Heavyweight Championship match (assuming he goes after that one) without the contender winning the Rumble. I do believe that Jericho will feud for the WWE Championship but they can build up a WWE Title match without the Rumble, when I don't think they could have for the World Heavyweight Championship.

 

[Jeritron5000]

I would have preferred to see Chris Jericho walk out on Sheamus. Sheamus would be declared the winner and he would celebrate with the crowd, but everyone would have been confused as to why Jericho lost the Rumble on purpose... and then Jericho would announce that he doesn't care about the title shot, he just cares about THE STREAK.

Instead, Jericho looked like a loser and his whole return was burnt in a matter of minutes. I would have been fine with him losing if he would have at least came in early and dominated the match. But he didn't, he came in at #29, spent a few minutes brawling and got tossed out like a jobber.

What a waste of a return. The Rumble was fine and Sheamus is okay for a title contender, but they ruined the hottest angle they had going on just for "shock value".

Well said. I just don't understand everyone's problem with this attitude. I like Shaemus but come on. Forgive me for not wanting to "wait and see where this goes" every time an angle is red hot and then it becomes clear that they're about to drop the ball. If I had some historical context in recent years then maybe...but I just can't believe after all that, Jericho was tossed out like any other superstar. Really? Weeks and weeks of brilliance followed by a declaration that "It's the end of the world as you know it" at the Rumble and then that? Tune in tonight? For what? Sorry. Jericho needed that win or, at the very least, needed a unique exit in that Rumble. Much more than Shaemus needed it to challenge Daniel freakin Bryan in the opening bout at Mania. Good lord will it ever end.

 

[Ithil]

I would have preferred to see Chris Jericho walk out on Sheamus. Sheamus would be declared the winner and he would celebrate with the crowd, but everyone would have been confused as to why Jericho lost the Rumble on purpose... and then Jericho would announce that he doesn't care about the title shot, he just cares about THE STREAK.

Instead, Jericho looked like a loser and his whole return was burnt in a matter of minutes. I would have been fine with him losing if he would have at least came in early and dominated the match. But he didn't, he came in at #29, spent a few minutes brawling and got tossed out like a jobber.

What a waste of a return. The Rumble was fine and Sheamus is okay for a title contender, but they ruined the hottest angle they had going on just for "shock value".

Seriously? He looked like a loser by putting on a great final few minutes and more or less having a a full singles match with Sheamus? That looked as hard fought for Sheamus to win as any Rumble has been in its final moments.

What are you peope thinking?

You pay far too much attention to the win/loss records.

 

[LoudClearVoice]

Well said. I just don't understand everyone's problem with this attitude. I like Shaemus but come on. Forgive me for not wanting to "wait and see where this goes" every time an angle is red hot and then it becomes clear that they're about to drop the ball. If I had some historical context in recent years then maybe...but I just can't believe after all that, Jericho was tossed out like any other superstar. Really? Weeks and weeks of brilliance followed by a declaration that "It's the end of the world as you know it" at the Rumble and then that? Tune in tonight? For what? Sorry. Jericho needed that win or, at the very least, needed a unique exit in that Rumble. Much more than Shaemus needed it to challenge Daniel freakin Bryan in the opening bout at Mania. Good lord will it ever end.

I agree. It's not about the fact that Jericho didn't win the Rumble, it's about the fact that nothing happened regarding Jericho. It's not like he came in and lasted 40 mins or something. I have no problem with Sheamus winning it. What I have a problem with is that there's no controversy surrounding Jericho's appearance. That's what they needed to build on his storyline. Some people might say that would have taken something away from Sheamus's victory (if Jericho eliminated himself for example) or tarnished it in some way but Sheamus won a Rumble in which Michael Cole and Roberto Rodriguez (in his underwear) competed. That's about as low as it gets.

 

[TheRealDeal]

I am not very very ecstatic that Sheamus actually won, but the fact that he and Jericho pulled of an awesome 6 minute show at the end just made me think that putting Bryan v Sheamus at the dark match last year was intentional for a reason. No one knows if WWE had Sheamus planned as the winner from 2011. I'm actually happy for Sheamus, he deserves it, and I think as time goes, he will progress to be a face of not only Smackdown, but the WWE.

 

[xg311]

I agree with the consensus that I have no problem with Sheamus winning the Royal Rumble (he was in my top 5 to win it) but it deflates a lot of air out of the Jericho balloon going forward.

After a great month of silence, mocking the crowd and a perfect one line promo on the Raw before the Rumble, we get a normal Chris Jericho appearance. He performed as he always would and had his typical heel antics (continually pointing at the WM sign, the wry smile) only to lose in a normal fashion. When Sheamus didn't go out on the trademark Jericho turnbuckle dropkick I figured we'd be getting a Great White win.

No matter where they go from here (and I'm sure Jericho has some idea in order to keep the story flowing) it feels like it's been cheapened. The WWE feels that they have to swerve the IWC because we "know" what the result will be. Sometimes it's ok to give the fans what they want, especially when it makes the most sense.

 

[LoudClearVoice]

The WWE feels that they have to swerve the IWC because we "know" what the result will be. Sometimes it's ok to give the fans what they want, especially when it makes the most sense.

You're exactly right. I'd rather have a predictable ending if it leads to a long-term great storyline. I think most of the WWE fans and the IWC would prefer that as well. It's almost like Vince is "punishing" us just because we "knew" who would win.

 

[ChaffRKO]

I feel massively let down by the Rumble this year. In fact I felt devastated at the end.

* WHC - Wasn't a bad match and gave what we expected without being disappointing. Expected a Bryan win which is fine with me.

* Divas - Again, as you'd expect. Barely worth having a divas division anymore

* Kane/Cena - Liked this match personally. I'm really liking new masked Kane and fully expect Cena to "embrace the hate" in the near future so that we'll see this angry Cena at Mania. The Zack beatdown would have been good if they'd not said he'd broken his back because that made it unrealistic. He certainly wouldn't have been able to roll into a ring with a broken back. Ryder could possibly have sold it more.

* Brodus/Drew - Absolutely cringworthy again. Brodus Clay is sooooo poor in the ring that this whole thing is a sham. His gimmick just looks shockingly uncomfortable and I dread it coming on. Why have him squashing decent potential stars like Tyson Kidd, A-Ry and now Drew? Don't get it at all. If they're getting rid of Drew, just do it already.

* Punk/Ziggler - Loved it. Am a big fan of both guys and thought it played out quite well. They played out the Laurinitis angle well and leaves it open tonight on Raw for Punk to come out and slate JL for not having the balls to screw him over.

Now to the Rumble match. I quite enjoyed a couple of the surprise entries. Especially Road Dogg (I completely marked out) and also Kharma and Ricardo. Other than that, the announcers, Khali, Hacksaw and Foley shouldn't have been there. Those spaces could quite easily have been taken by the likes of Mason Ryan, Ted Dibiase, Regal etc. It basically turned half the Rumble into a gimmick.

The final four was fine, a strong line-up but a Y2J win just made sense. It may have been what many predicted but so what, it was a better ending than giving it to Sheamus. I like Sheamus but I don't really see the point of giving the big ending of the second biggest PPV of the year to a Smackdown superstar when it's so second rate compared to Raw. Yes, Sheamus can now go on to fight for the WHC but I hope it's against someone different to DB because I don't fancy having that match as the third biggest on the mania card. Sheamus/Barrett would be a far better match. We could do with Sheamus coming out ASAP and stating that's the title he's going for so we can start with Jericho challenging Punk for the more important title.

I don't get why they've wasted Y2J's return. It's a major fuck up if you ask me. He could still have been hot coming out of the Rumble, even without winning it. Having him walk out would have been much better.

A wasted PPV. Hope they can rectify this VERY quickly!

 

[Paralyzer Z]

Sheamus winning to me was a abrupt and bewildering decision at first, but after awhile I see the reasoning behind it and accept it as a good move by WWE.

As far as "swerving" goes I think it's fine that they give us something different. That's not to say that the product is always predictable but it was somewhat abnormal to see a semi-shocking Rumble winner for once. Everyone was saying that Sheamus was going to win this undoubtedly prior to Jericho's return or Orton's injury, as always the return factor convinced many fans to think otherwise. I thought the match itself was very fun to watch, it may have not been the most serious rumble match but I enjoyed it. The last 5 or 6 minutes were amazing, I was on the edge of my seat in suspension and anticipation as to who would win the 2012 Royal Rumble match.

I don't get why people are saying that "Jericho's return was wasted". In fact this makes his character more intriguing because we are oblivious to what he is going to do next. This makes it easier for him to go fully ledged heel and feud with whoever his Wrestlemania opponent. Things for Sheamus on the other hand look even better. Daniel Bryan vs Sheamus is what I hope we see, and I am sure these 2 would put on a great match.

All in all I don't see the problem here, as always the Road to Wrestlemania has begun with a bang.

 

[RKOrob]

Jeez, people complain when the WWE is too predictable, then they do a major swerve by having an outsider win the rumble and people complain again! Good for Sheamus. I really enjoyed the final 2 showdown, and glad they put on a short wrestling match full of suspense. My only concern is whether Sheamus is ready for a world title match at wrestlemania? I know he's a former champion, but can I see him and Bryan put on a meaningful memorable feud? I'm not sure. Bryan may lose the title at Elimination Chamber of course. Sheamus vs. Barrett would certainly be more interesting, maybe even a triple threat with Bryan, I don't know. Either way, the WHC title scene is open to many possibilities which I like!

Moderator's Comment: Guys, please note that this is not a Royal Rumble Aftermath Thread. This thread is to discuss Sheamus's win. If you're looking to post your personal views on the entire Rumble match or PPV, post in the Aftermath section HERE.

Thank you.

 

[rokuma]

Jeez, people complain when the WWE is too predictable, then they do a major swerve by having an outsider win the rumble and people complain again!

I think the general complaint is not for Sheamus winning the rumble, but the fact that Sheamus winning the rumble made very little sense with the amount of momentum Jericho has been building lately and the lack thereof from Sheamus.

 

[Aquaman6686]

Ahh, what a fucking horrible rumble...Why the hell did they change it from 2 minutes to 90 seconds? It felt way toooooo short.


Jericho should have won, Sheamus could have won it next year or the year after that.

Fuck, I got no goosebumps whatsoever from Sheamus winning.

It's been 90 seconds for 99% of the Rumble matches. Only a handful had the 2-minute time, and only one had the 60-second time.

 

[The Crock]

I liked the decision to go with Sheamus. I was definitely thinking Jericho would take it, but this was a very welcome "swerve." Sheamus has been growing on me -- and in-house crowds -- as of late and they look to be committed with building him up as a top babyface. I think it's a great idea, personally. I mean, where else are you going to find someone like Sheamus? He's about as unique as they come. This is a simple way to put him right back on top, especially since Chris Jericho didn't really need to win the Rumble.

The outcry over Jericho losing has probably been the funniest thing about this all. It's not as if he won't get a premier match at WrestleMania. He could still face Punk or even 'Taker, if he returns. Sheamus was a better choice all around. I mean, think about this: Who will Sheamus face? Right now, neither champion is a lock and that's a great thing. With Jericho, I tend to believe it would have been pretty transparent. The WWE would never use that huge of a build to put Jericho into a match with the Smackdown champion, it's just not their way.

Great choice by the WWE; good on Sheamus.

 

[Mustang Sally]

* Brodus/Drew - Absolutely cringworthy again. Brodus Clay is sooooo poor in the ring that this whole thing is a sham. His gimmick just looks shockingly uncomfortable and I dread it coming on. Why have him squashing decent potential stars like Tyson Kidd, A-Ry and now Drew? Don't get it at all. If they're getting rid of Drew, just do it already.!

But appearing five weeks in a row on Smackdown and getting a singles match at a major PPV doesn't necessarily mean Drew is getting released. It's a lot better than being left off TV and PPVs for months at a time. Whether management is planning better things for him remains to be seen.

It's ironic, though; watching Smackdown last week, I felt bad for Alex Riley, being thrown to Brodus Clay in that manner. I'm thinking; the poor sap......only to see my guy Drew treated the same way two days later! Well, at least Drew got a bit of offense in, which is more than Clay's previous opponents have done.

One more thing: considering the contrast in appearance of the two men in the ring....... the best looking man in wrestling showing up in the same place as the ugliest......I'm surprised our TV screens didn't explode.

 

[Davi323]

Why is everyone getting pissed that Jericho didn't win? Did you seriously think that just because you wanted him to win that the WWE HAD to make it so? Nobody promised you that Jericho would win it. Nobody at all. If you assumed it was a foregone conclusion that he would, well, that's on you, not the WWE.

Jericho promised that something huge would shake up the WWE universe? Well, guess what? He is a heel, he is going to make a lot of boasts that simply don't have any substance to it and don't come true. That's part of being a heel.

I predicted Jericho would win too, but at no point did I think that just because I thought he was going to win that it meant he MUST, and that it would be the OMG! END OF THE WORRRRRRRRLD if he didn't.

 

[Sheamus' Suntan]

*sigh*

Dear IWC...
I love you guys. You're amazing to talk to on the whole...but then sometimes you just say stupid things that make me smack my own wireless keyboard against my skull...

So here I am. Here to help clear things up. In theory at least...

1) The winner of the rumble.
Sheamus as winner...is a GREAT move. He's been over for ages and is someone who the WWE clearly value as the "next big thing". He's done well in matches and every feud he's been in, he's looked like a winner as as his opponent. At no point in time since him debuting have I felt like Sheamus hasn't been a winner...and now, he's the rumble winner. He deserves it...without a doubt.

2) The PPV on the whole...
Was actually decent. I mean what did people expect from the steel cage? Need I remind you that it had 2 of the SLOWEST MEN IN WWE HISTORY in the match? I mean it was never going to be crazy. My main problem was actually Mark Henry NEVER looking like a credible winner in it. Daniel Bryan retaining was great - he's a cowardly champion who poses as a 'fighting champ'...it's a great gimmick.

3) Daniel Bryan still as champ...
While I'm on the subject of Bryan, there was a post saying we should all stop watching if Bryan is champ by mania and he's making a mockery of the title? Sorry. Wait. Hold up. ONE OF THE MOST TECHNICALLY GIFTED WRESTLERS OF ALL TIME...is making a mockery out of a WRESTLING TITLE?! Tbh its almost set it stone, he'll lose it at EC...but he's had a great run and a pretty decent slowburn into being heel.

4) Kharma...was it stupid?
Has anyone cleared up yet if he's had baby? If she miscarried? If she's good to go properly or not? This opened the biggest shock for me of the night and I wish people would stop whining about it...good on her if she's back.

5) Jericho's...NORMAL return.
This does get me...why his return was so normal, but we will find out more in time to come. Like he's said. "Stop whining". Let them get on with it.

I think ive covered off everything there dear chaps in the IWC. Like I said before, I love you all very much but you need to learn to stop being so impatient - we have a great 2 months ahead of us and we need to just look forward to it instead of bashing every single last move.

Yours sincerely...
Bishi

 

[The Eighties]

Jericho will no doubt have had a hand in his own comeback angle and we are all at least three moves behind. I didn't take his sentence on Raw to mean anything because he's a heel, he used to lose often and yet come out saying he was the best in the world at what he does the next night, this has been Jericho's style as a heel for years.

As for Sheamus winning, I was hoping for Ziggler but I'm fine with the choice and it did surprise me a little although he was amongst the top 4 picks I had as likely winners.

I think it's going to be interesting to see where he goes with this win, I'm not sure him vs Bryan will generate enough juice to keep SD interesting for 6 weeks, but it might be worth a try. I just suspect Orton will be added, unless there is a total swerve and he chooses Punk, but that would seem improbable.

 

[GCB]

People complaining that Sheamus won the Rumble after having little build and feuding with Jinder Mahal, stop and think for a second. In November, Sheamus the face was red hot - I prefer him heel but that's by the by - and the WWE knew he could be a big enough draw then. So there is the reason he had a low profile feud in December - they're keeping him fresh for whoever he's gonna face at Mania. It wouldn't surprise me if they don't yet know his opponent and it'll be Bryan, Henry or Barrett to be determined later. So they keep him away from them all safe in the knowledge that people are ready for a big Sheamus WM push.

 

[Defekt]

The Rumble Match was kinda weak.

Too many jobbers and comedy entrants. It was kinda cool to see Road Dogg back in a WWE ring for the night, but Jim Duggan has worn out his nostalgia value.

The last five minutes between Jericho and Sheamus were great tho. I wanted Jericho to win, but I can understand why they gave it to Sheamus. He needs the shot in the arm more.

 

[kingk12]

I have a feeling Sheamus will face the undertaker and decide to challenge the streak instead of for a title

 

[cmfunk]

I enjoyed this PPV, the steal cage match was great I was laughing the whole time how DB got out and how Big Show was choking him and stopping him from getting out of the cage it was great.