WWE Royal Rumble 2011 - Aftermath and General Discussion

[Y2JChrisJericho]

Didn't expect him to return at the Rumble at all, same went with Jericho and Christian. I don't know if Triple H will ever return now to be honest with you, he's been out for almost a year and I can't see them having him return anytime soon. I want him to return at Mania, where he can have a Wrestlemania rematch with Sheamus, or have him return as a heel and instead beat down on a guy like Morrison. Sheamus-Morrison could feud and HHH could surprise us with a heel turn. It's wishful thinking considering how badly I want Triple H to retire as a heel, he's been so stale as a face (it's been 5 years now). Also, no, I don't think he'll return tonight on Raw, and maybe he'll return the night of Mania. The pop would be crazy.

 

[Hitman-HBK United Inc.]

What requires someone to win the Rumble is alot more than Del Rio has to offer. How about someone that has earned their time in the WWE for at least a year, had at least one memorable/big match, held at least 1 title belt, carried at least one PPV main event, and most importantly has the ability to draw PPV buys at the biggest show of the year.

You do raise a good pont....Del Rio may not have had his "Bret match" yet like someone the calibr of Steve Austin did....but he's been involved in a well plotted and good angle with Rey.

But really though? Do u seriously think Del Rio's push will trump teh Cena/Miz main event as the top title match on the card? I doubt it. The buys will be what they are regardless of who's there and who isn't.

 

[Smartie]

1-Santio can become a great actor.The look on his face when he was getting ready for Cobra told the whole story.

2-Vince finally understood that with 2 world titles , he can give the rumble victory to the less over guy as he did.

3-Orton and Sheamus have had lost their heat.Sheamus is becoming a mid-carder.Orton is still the no.2 guy but in summer he was so fuckin hot that everyone was calling for a Cena heel turn and Orton taking his place.But now he has lost heat.

4-Kofi will be a mid-carder for life.

5-We are all lucky that Vince doesn't think like lots of people in this thread.Because I see people keep saying that Orton's addition wasn't necessary and some other guy could use the spot.In quiet words of Virgin Mary,Really?Oh sorry the final 3 should have been Barret ,ADR and Darren Young.The added Orton because this should looked like ADR is winning rumble not a lame battle royal.Cena was supposed to be eliminated by Miz so Orton is the next guy to beat.

 

[Tech N9ne]

I am going to say, NO. He is not being pushed back down. It might happen, he could possibly fade back into oblivion, only time will tell though.

I can see why someone would make that assumption, being he wasn't in the final 4 guys left, or didn't go for 45 minutes or something like that.

I'll tell you this though. I think he made a HUGE impact last night. If anything, sure he isn't gonna be headlining Wrestlemania (This year)... But, he showed once again, he has the ability to steal the show.

I think as every week goes by, he gets closer and closer, even if he doesn't win the match he is in. His popularity is growing and he gets louder pops every week.

That move he did last night, where he jumped from the apron to the guard (rail) and then walked across it and jumped back to the steps was AWESOME!!

It could have very well failed if he would have fell and got eliminated. But he pulled it off. It was one of the best RR moments ever, even over a lot of the final eliminations and what not.

EPIC moment from JoMo. Going down? Pushed down? I'd say the opposite, I think by summer he will have surpassed a lot of guys on the roster and be one of the top guys.

 

[Tech N9ne]

At first I was disappointed. I expected him to come back, and he didn't. But the more I think about it. It would have just been less of a surprise, because we all expected it.

I think he will be facing Sheamus at Mania, so his return will be soon. Tonight? I do not think so at all. I think there are some Royal Rumble things to hash out and figure out and all that. So, I think his return can still wait.

I can see him being added to the Chamber Match, or making an appearance to screw Sheamus then or something.

I definitely want him to come back. But, I think a calculated, unexpected, or at least a little surprising return would make a better impact and be more effective!!

See, now tonight would be perfect, because I am not expecting it... LOL

 

[Tech N9ne]

I think overall it was a great PPV. The best PPV any company has put on in a while. ADR winning was great and everything. JoMo's jump to the steps was awesome.

But what I will take away most from last night is Ziggler. I knew Edge was going to win, but as the match wore on, even though I can't stand the site of Vickie. I found myself pulling for Ziggler. He looked great.

I have been much more of a supporter of most of the other younger talent. McIntyre, Rhodes, Barrett, Miz, Sheamus, Del Rio, etc...

Ziggler was a guy that I kind of thought would fade out. But, as he has faced off against the company's biggest stars over the last few weeks, especially against Edge last night. The guy has made a believer out of me. I do think he could carry some heat without Vickie, and more important, he proved he could hold his own against the best, where it counts most, between the ropes.

So, if anything, that is what I will remember from last night's Rumble the most. In my mind, the emergence of Dolph Ziggler as a true viable competitor for WWE's Top spots.

 

[Shotaro]

I'm sorry but the only thing preventing JoMo being a main eventer is the man himself, I truly enjoy his matches but I have seen a lighter with more Charisma and his finishers aren't great either. He is above the mid-card titles on that I agree with most of the posters I have read in this thread, however, he still needs a lot of fine tuning before he can really be a main event regular.

 

[Tech N9ne]

Above all else, I learned Ziggler is for real. He was NOT one of the "younger" guys that I thought would be at the top of the company anytime soon. But, his IC Title run was great, and over the last month he has held his own against the best there is in WWE.

But last night was that final moment of being convinced that I needed. Ziggler looked unbelievable and I actually began to want him to win. LOL... He was pulling out all the stops and I was even pissed when Edge hit the Spear on him.

Sure Edge was the Face, and I HATE Vickie. But now, I am officially starting to buy into what Ziggler could mean to WWE and the business overall.

I now believe he IS the future and will be putting on great matches for years to come!!

That is what I learned last night. Dolph Ziggler is legit!!!

 

[Kesteral]

Absolutely loved it. Maybe it's because I didn't read any spoilers and had the volume on loud but I was fully immersed and begging for it not to end. My heart is still racing (Just finished watching it, not having a heart attack). Incredibly exciting stuff and seeing some old familiars was a nice touch. The only bad thing about it is that we have to wait a whole year again to see the next one.

I seriously think that the people who didn't enjoy that PPV at all should stop watching wrestling or just watch tapes from the past because it's clearly never going to get any better for you. As a wrestling fan myself, I loved every bit of it.

 

[Shotaro]

1. Daniel Bryan is a credible future main eventer
2. CM Punk is the number one heel WWE have right now
3. Cena will NEVER lose cleanly, EVER (I don't blame him for it but creative need some perspective)
4. Alberto Del-Rio will be fighting with Punk as the number one heel
5. Ziggler is capable of putting on matches that truly are main event worthy
6. WWE can use the Rumble to push new stars
7. Bryan v Punk is money
8. Punk v Orton, Cena v Miz are both happenning at mania
9. Hornswoggle is not big and he's not clever, he should not be involved in the rumble (is it possible he subbed for Primo for some reason?)
   That being said I am being harsh on the man, his involvment added some humour and I did laugh when he hit an Attitude Adjustment on Tyson Kidd.

 

[Kesteral]

Things I've learned from the rumble and this thread?

- A lot of you take wrestling way too seriously. It's supposed to be fun and entertaining, so what if Hornswoggle helps eliminate Heath Slater and Tyson Kidd. Would you really want to watch Cena against Slater/Tyson anyway? Then you'd be complaining that he buried them by throwing them out so easily. The crowd would have been virtually dead for both of them and it would have been a waste of five minutes.

- Booker T and Diesel did their part, just how RVD did a few years back. It was nice seeing them appear but I don't think they'd fit in the WWE now. Nice for them to get one more big pop as a send off.

- I would have loved Santino Marella to win just for comedic value, doesn't matter if he lost the main event spot it would have just been classic. However Del Rio isn't the worst choice, glad he won out of the last three.

- I thought the way Nexus eliminated the wrestlers one by one was perfect and exactly what the Rumble needed. It was great story telling and was much better than a series of random eliminations. Wasn't suprised to see Cena as it was a matter of time, but pretty suprised to see Punk eliminated so early.

- Feel sorry for a lot of the people complaining, the WWE isn't going to get much better than that for a long time and if you can't enjoy it even slightly and you're still watching it every week then you need to sort your life out.

 

[xcalypsox]

I really enjoyed the Royal Rumble this year the championship matches were both entertaining. Even though going into the match i thought Ziggler had no chance of winning (and im a Ziggler fan and have been for a long time now) in the middle of the match i actually started to believe he might pull it off.

The Rumble match was great from the start Punk and bryan did a hell of a job getting the crowd fired up then there was Jo Mo's spider man spot that will be remembered forever. Once Punk was eliminated though it started too cool off a bit but I really do like the fact that they gave the win to Del Rio hes been good since he came into the company and I think he will be ready by the time Wrestlemania comes.

I keep wondering though what the last part of the Rumble would of been like though if Riley didnt screw up and slip because it seemed like they had to change somethings around and some stuff looked sloppy after he slipped.

 

[TheOneBigWill]

How does coming out in a different collectors edition car and having your own staff announce you into the arena not make you appear rich? He has a servant! I drive a Vauxhall Astra! It was £700. It was made LAST CENTURY! I'd have to trade about 1000 of these cars in to even come close to test driving a Bentley or a Rolls Royce. As for his ability. He's a very good in ring worker and I've yet to see him make any big mistakes. Keep an eye on him after this, he's just gonna get better.

There is a difference between "appearing" rich, and actually using that to benefit you in some physical form other than for bragging rights. Ted DiBiase Jr. is the son of a former "wealth unlimited" Wrestler who used his money the way his character was meant to. He tried buying the Heavyweight Championship, for sakes.

So, ADR runs his mouth about fame and fortune, and yeah he has those "fancy" cars - but what does any of that do?

Why does he need to flash the cash anymore than he is doing? Seriously? A Limo? That doesn't show off any more class than Del Rio is doing right now. Why does he need to be exactly the same as what we've seen before? If you are seeing differences to JBL's character then that is certainly a good thing. As for Guerrero. He's Mexican. He comes out in a car... he's about 100lbs heavier than Eddie ever was. He has a much slower, methodical pace to his game. I really can't see any comparison besides the inconsequential.

You want ADR to get attention for his fortune, or his wealth, have him buy something useful. An announcer? I seem to recall Chris Jericho having a personal body-guard, did that make him a wealthy man? No. The point - you can have a personal announcer, and it won't make you appear super-rich.

Fancy cars? Eddie came to the ring in tons of unique, fancy cars. Maybe they didn't cost what ADR's did, but this all goes back to the point of what are those vehicles actually doing for him? Nothing.

As for the comparison to Eddie, how can you not see it? ADR is using his heritage/ethic race to boost his career. (Latino Heat, anyone?) If the guy wasn't latin, he'd likely be a huge failure. (ADR, that is) He comes to the ring in a different collector's car each week. (Eddie connection) He does the latino jiggle that Eddie and Chavo both do, for sakes. All of that is completely unoriginal.

Please. Go to your local wrestling school and ask them to lock you in an Armlock. It hurts. Watch any MMA event. There are no Figure Fours, Walls of jJricho or Sharpshooters. It's arm locks, leg locks and chin locks. Oh, every now and then you get a sleeper. These 'basic' holds are the most real thing you see in the ring. I personally have always loved these kinds of moves when used as big moves. The Ankle Lock was great from Shamrock or Angle. Triple H used to sleeper for a few months back in the early 00's and I'm really happy to see Ziggler using it now. Chris Masters getting Wrestling 101 - The Full Nelson over was a thing of genius. An Armlock has just as much place as a finisher in that ring if you can accept the 619 or the Skull Crushing Finale as one too.

WOW. Man, look, this is NOT the UFC, or an MMA event. It's a Sport's Entertainment show. It's not meant to look 100% real, if it was then you'd have a pretty hard time explaining the character of The Undertaker, Kane, and even ADR. (seriously, why would a wealthy rich 'king' wanna lower himself to fight, and not just hire people to fight for him)

So, I was corrected that it's an "armbar" not an "armlock", and either way you have it - yes, it's painful when actually applied, and it hurts in real life. But this isn't exactly meant to be completely real; which is why moves like the 619, Attitude Adjustment, and RKO are held in higher regard because they're flashy.

In order to get yourself over in a Wrestling ring, you need to have something appealing. An armlock/armbar, no matter how painful and realistic it is - isn't appealing. It's boring.

This says a whole lot about your skills as a talent scout. I'll help you out. You're supposed to be looking at what they're doing in the ring... not what they're wearing!

Apparently you've not been to too many interviews for jobs in your life.

"Appearance is 80% what gets you hired". Same goes for Wrestling, how else did the Ultimate Warrior get a job?

I truly think that the 9 faction members were a deciding factor in the 40 Man event. With the roster so packed out with new talent, it would have been wrong to leave them out but it would have been at the sacrifice of the other lower carders who would normally take those spots. In the end it was only ever about Barrett and Punk. The other 7 were never going to matter. 8 if you count Daniel Bryan as well. As for the Nexus/Core feud. They've sent the feelers out. It's a slow burner but we'll get the war eventually.

I didn't mean to leave out the Factions. I meant to involve them MORE. Guys like Gabriel and Slater were made to look like jokes. Gabriel was the first guy eliminated in the entire Rumble, and Slater was beaten up by Hornswoggle. Whether anyone likes it or not, that's the future of this Company.

I also don't count Daniel Bryan as a former Nexus member, because unlike all of them he has previous talent and experience in this business, and a huge background in the industry. The fans love and adore that guy, and it's showing as to why he's a Champion, and on television multiple times a week.

Firstly, I'm guessing you're over 16 and you must realise that the show is not meant for you. I hated Hornswoggle being there wasting my time but every 9 year old watching absolutely loved it. The inclusion of Ziggler and Orton (especially) was exactly as you said. They were lacking star attraction. It was either this or give Nash and Booker larger roles... but that really wouldn't have made sense. I was disappointed in the way they made Ziggler seem weak. He should have been in there at least until Kane arrived as man #40. Instead he was dumped out without much incident, just like any other mid carder.

The Hornswoggle segment was funny to me, it truly was. I'm going on 29, and understand they need to appeal to everyone (kids/children, and adults alike) however I'm merely pointing out that Hornswoggle didn't have to be an actual "number", he could've just came out.

Remember 2000, when Kaientai (sp?) kept trying to run out and be apart of the Rumble like 3 different times? Hornswoggle could've easily did that.

Ziggler was made to look weak, but you have to keep in mind he Wrestled a long match earlier in the night, and was likely meant to be viewed as "drained". As for Randy Orton, his spot was because of the lacking star power - but considering they're STILL on-going with this Jerry Lawler/Miz angle, they could've just had those two fight, and put Orton IN the Rumble. Or had Lawler in the Rumble, and kept Orton out.

Kane should've been in a lot sooner than #40. If you wanted a big man to enter last, it should've been Big Show, or even the Great Khali. Kane has a strong history in the Rumble, and should've been allowed to continue that domination, especially considering throughout the majority of last year he was meant to be viewed as an unstoppable monster.

Again, it'd be great for the Kids but my 7 year old nephew Lewis knows Santino can't wrestle. Everytime we fight he says "I'm John Cena... You're Santino" and I know that that is code for "Carl's Gonna Lose" - I do do an excellent Santino impression however! I expect all 7 year olds figure the same. They laugh at Santino when he does the Cobra. When he does the Trumpet... When he gets his rectum kicked... He's expected to lose.

Santino winning the Rumble doesn't mean he'd HAVE to go to Mania. Sometimes "shock value" means more than match-value. Santino winning would've sent that entire arena into a frenzy. And I'm almost positive Raw would've had an even LARGER rating because everyone would be looking for an answer as to whether Santino was legit getting a Mania Main Event match.

I felt it lessened Del Rio's win by having him do it twice. Seriously, The Headline "Del Rio dumps both Barrett and Orton... then Santino" doesn't quite have the classic WOW Factor Austin Elim. Rock. Rock Elim. Big Show. Austin Elim. Kane. Mysterio Elim. Orton has.

Eh, not every Rumble winner has had an impressive last elimination.

Hulk Hogan d. Mr. Perfect - 1990 (guys like Savage, Warrior & Earthquake were all bigger stars then.) I'm sure there are more, but this was the first one that came to mind.

I hope to see an Edge/Drew feud come from this inspired by jealousy. Drew will believe that Edge is seeing Kelly and the Kelly heel turn will play out as I mentioned earlier. However, the timing for this is all wrong in my opinion.

I've mentioned this before, but I think it's actually going to turn more toward Dolph Ziggler and Drew McIntyre feuding right now, than McIntyre and Edge. I didn't view Kelly helping Edge, so much as I viewed her attacking Vickie - which will warrant Vickie to wanting her BF (Ziggles) to take revenge on the guy who likes Kelly. (Drew)

Albeit, I still crave an Edge/McIntyre showdown.

 

[Poop Master Flex]

I watched the RR match last night and I must say it was one of the better rumbles I've seen. The match top to bottom was just solid w/ punk and bryan starting it off, that spot Morrison did (which was one of the most impressive things I've ever seen), the ending, Booker and Diesel showing up, Miz eliminating Cena, and my personal favorite Del Rio winning the rumble, then Santino hitting the cobra, then Del Rio winning again, the whole match was just impressive top to bottom.

I was really happy to see they went with a new, young rising star when they almost always go with main eventer's, it shows WWE is willing to give new guys the ball. I also feel Del Rio is a great talent and is actually a great pick to be in the world title match w/ Edge (assuming Edge is still champ).

All in all a great rumble match with the best part coming at the end, maybe not the best ever but I felt it was pretty rock solid.

What's your favorite part of last night RR, all responses are welcome.

 

[NoChanceInHell]

I was there last night and the Booker T pop when 'Can you digggggggg it suckaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa' was one of the biggest pops I've ever heard live.

Nash got a big pop too but i think it took a second for it to register in people's heads that it was Diesel.

 

[Mr_Rodriguez]

I really like when Booker T showed up, I thought it was awsome but I was so glad that Alberto Del Rio won. I knew he was going to win but I just couldnt believe it...lol

 

[jccool420]

DIESEL!!!

That was awesome to see Big Daddy Cool clotheslining
Cena!

I really wish he would do a WM storyline with Show or Taker...

Booker was fun too, it would be cool to involve him somehow...

It was also cool to see how dead the crowd was for the Cena & Orton staredown... (They were dead because Diesel had just been eliminated!)

 

[Dayno]

I loved the rumble, it was a great match, however there were some annoying aspects...mostly relating to Cena (i.e. the Hornswoggle thing and him eliminating all of nexus immediately and with ease). But this isn't the thread for all that.

As for my favourite bit, I don't think I had a specific favourite moment. What I really did love is that they gave the wrestlers that deserved there moment. Morrison got his moment, Regal dominated and had an exchange with his pupil which was awesome and something I really, really enjoyed was that Chavo, the soaring eagle! got his moment. He is a remarkable wrestler and for a man in his 40's to be hitting that many suplexes is just amazing.

I also found it awesome that they gave the real fans what they wanted and the first ten or so stars were all incredible wrestlers capable of pulling off amazing things and they all got a chance to shine. Starting with DBD and CM Punk was a great move and they had some really good action.

Diesel and Booker returning was again another great moment and I only wish they could have done more, putting Booker in against all of Nexus didn't give him a chance to do anything and he was only in there for under two-minutes.

All-in-all alot of great moments to remember and it offered something for everyone!

 

[Kenny Powers]

I enjoyed the rumble match although the ending left a lot to be desired. Usually the crowd is red hot and you could cut the tension with a knife when it comes to the final 4 participants. The audience really didn't give a damn until there was a winner.

I really enjoyed the surprise appearances of Booker T and Diesel. Who would have thought that in 2011 that Diesel would be back in WWE? Even if it is for the short run. I really think WWE may have pulled the trigger too early with Del Rio winning. I know he is an uprising star with a bright future, but Del Rio isn't a household name yet.

I don't have a problem with it, but I don't think audiences will give that much of a reaction to Del Rio then he already gets. It isn't on a Miz level of heat yet. Anyway, not a bad rumble with 40 stars and only a handful of big names.

 

[CruzControl]

I LOVE ME SOME ALBERTO DEL RIO!!! So obviously him winnning was probably my favorite part, but I thought this rumble was awsome all around. Morrison's spot was nothing short of AMAZING. The pop Diesel and Booker both recieved was great to see. I even enjoyed when Santino did the sign of the cross, set up the cobra and nailed it. I actually belived for a minute Santino would win the Royal Rumble, yea SANTINO win the rumble even funny to think about.

All those moments are great and Del Rio winning was my favorite part, but is anyone with me when I say I loved Chavo giving everyone in sight the "3 amigos?!?!" If you were like me you thought Chavo was just gonna enter and get eliminated right away with no impact.. But no he came in and suplexed everything in sight. I just thought it was great to see Chavo having a moment to shine, paying homage to the late,great Eddie Guerrero. Again nothing topped Del Rio winning, but the Chavo moment was just somthing I had to bring up as i enjoyed it very much.

 

[The Eighties]

I thought Punk's entire performance in the Rumble was the highlight, he just had the crowd in the palm of his hand.

Morrison saving himself in such a spectacular fashion was the stand out spot of the match, just incredible athleticism.

I also marked for Diesel, it was great to see one of the big names of my youth back in the big time for one last time.

 

[Dgnr82]

there were a couple things. First, I completely called that Punk and Bryan would start the Rumble in a thread last week. Second;... the Morrison spot. That was AMAZING. I don't know how it came off on TV, but Live it was great!

The crowd chanting for Diesel was loud as hell live. I don't think he expected that much support from the crowd. And lastly,..Booker T's entrance. I was recording the entrances as my seats were looking straight up the aisle. When his music hit, I marked out, but on top of that, it was easily the loudest pop I have ever heard from a live crowd. It was so loud, the floor was shaking.

Its kinda funny. Out of all the video I got, Booker T and Cena were the only two that I really couldn't get a steady camera on.

 

[xsKiitz]

I was legit speechless when Booker T's music hit. Too bad he lasted around 2 minutes, but still, good to see him.

The whole Santino thing was hilarious, pretty much knew he wouldn't win though.

Two downsides.
Booker not being in for long, and Super Cena shows his face.
1 v 4, and he happened to eliminate the remaining neXus by himself? Yeah, whatever.

Quality rumble though.

 

[The Stallion]

My fav part would have to be during the divas match a fan in the background held up a sign that said "Black Ref" we were cracking up. i have a pic of it and il post it later.

 

[Scofield]

Alberto Del Rio winning the Rumble, good for you for taking a gamble and deciding to give a fresh face a chance at running with the ball for WWE.

Honorable mention would also go to Booker T's crowd reaction..if you can make a crowd pop aswell as Matt Strikers girly mark out, you are doing something right.