WWE Royal Rumble 2013: WWE Championship - CM Punk (c) VS The Rock

[Jack-Hammer]

After last night's Raw, it's official that CM Punk will face The Rock for the WWE Championship at the 2013 Royal Rumble.

I thought they kicked off the hype to their match extremely well last night. They seem to have really good chemistry and I generally put things even. Some will say Punk was better, some will say The Rock was better. I don't really care personally. Last night's segment was all about building anticipation for their match and I thought they did an excellent job.

While I do think Punk will drop the title to The Rock at the Rumble, I kind of hope that doesn't happen. If reports are true, WWE is going for Cena vs. Rock II at WM and I think the presence of the WWE title in that match already gives away the ending. After WM, The Rock is going away again for a while, everybody knows it, so having him wrestle Cena for the title at the show is a guarantee that Cena walks out with a win. Whereas a match without the title makes things less predictable.

At any rate, I expect a great match from these two with a lot of near falls and big spots. They'll both probably trade finishers at least once. I expect The Rock to win, but I personally hope Punk retains.

 

[LoudClearVoice]

I'm starting to think there's a chance Punk retains at the Rumble due to interference from the Shield. The Rock will then demand a rematch at the Elimination Chamber either in the chamber itself or in a No DQ match or with some sort of stipulation to prevent The Shield from interefering. He will then win the belt at the Elimination Chamber.

This allows for WWE to milk Rock's title chase for two PPVs so that they get the maximum amount of buys. If he wins the belt at the Rumble, no one on the face of the Earth is going to believe that Punk will win the rematch the EC. BUT if Rock somehow loses (which will be by interference, no way he loses clean to Punk) everyone will buy the EC hoping to see Rock win the belt then.

It would be sweet if the Rock competed in the actual chamber and won the belt, but I don't think he'll compete in the chamber itself.

 

[Deoxyribonucleic A.C.I.D.]

Last night's promo made me not wanting to see Cena vs Rock part II at Wrestlemania again this year. What's left to be told in that story? Except of the "John Cena huge comeback" story? Nothing. A rematch at Summerslam would be much better and in my opinion the more profitable one.

On topic now, I'm higly excited about this match-up. I except to see a fast paced match with lots of near falls with a mixture of a hard hitting brawl. I predict that there will be at least one outside interference on Punk's side, probably by The Shield, but that will not affect the outcome.

Rock said in an interview that he and the WWE have planned a 4-month long program for him. Which means that I see The Rock winning at the Rumble only for Punk to get back his title at Wrestlemania or Extreme Rules.

 

[Pedigree1]

The match we all knew was coming is now official! I thought last night the two were pretty much on par with each other jab for jab. Punk has what the longest reign in a quarter of a century not too bad. I can see definitely a very eventful matchup between these two.

As far as who is gonna win i want punk to retain i really do. I am enjoying this reign as champion goes i really am. But i think rock is gonna win through a hard fought 25 minute battle. But the buildup to the RR is gonna be epic IMO!

 

[Wolf Pac]

I'm really pulling for Punk to retain here. I'd like to see the WWE extend his title reign to Wrestlemania to make it far more impressive than already is, then for the Royal Rumble winner (if it's not Cena) to win the title and end Punk's streak on the grandest stage to put him over huge and make his title win doubley special, or for Cena to win the Royal Rumble match, Punk to retain against Rock, then lose the belt to Rock inside Elimination Chamber, only for him to cash in his rematch, making it a Triple Threat between him, Cena & Rock at Wrestlemania- just imagine the three way promo battles they would have if it is gonna be a Triple Threat at WM, sure would be fun to keep count of & see who wins the promo battles every week until Mania.

But I don't expect either of those options to happen even though Rock vs. Cena II doesn't need the belt on the line and it will sell like crazy on it's own and an easier way to just set up their rematch is for Cena to cost Rock the belt as payback for Rock costing Cena the belt at Wrestlemania 27, what I expect is Cena is gonna win the Royal Rumble match early in the night, Cena is then gonna interfere in the match and make it look like he's gonna cost Rock the belt but instead will help him fend off The Shield's interference, then Rock will go onto win the belt and have a staredown with Cena to end the PPV and sell their Wrestlemania rematch. I wouldn't mind if Rock does win and he and Cena face off for the WWE Title at Mania but I'd prefer Punk retain more, it would just really suck to not see Punk in one of the main events at Wrestlemania after the year he has had. I just can't imagine who he'd face at WM without the belt unless Stone Cold miraculously returns to the ring.

Whatever happens though, this should be a really fun match to watch, like Jack-Hammer I also expect a great match with lots of near falls and big spots and with the crowd going insane throughout the entire match.

 

[HBsam31]

I thought last night was great, and I think the Rock and Punk played off of each other well. I wish The Rock would stay around just to keep the promos between the two going up until Rumble. I am starting to think Punk could retain here. I, like the rest of the people posting am not too excited about Rock/Cena 2 if it happens and I would like to see Punk keep his title until Mania. Whatever happens I think we will see a great match with a lot of edge of the seat moments. The whole time I have been sure The Rock was going to win, but I am going to change my mind and say Punk retains with or without help from The Shield.

 

[6timehitta]

I can't wait to see this match. If Rock does win this match, I won't be surprised, but they are making Punk look unstoppable with help from everyone. I think Maddox will have something to do with Punk retaining. Maddox, The Shield, hell maybe even Brock Lesnar.

Nevertheless, this is going to be one hell of a match, but as far as my opinion on who I want to win, it has to be Punk, as I don't want this AMAZING title run to end.

 

[Mustang Sally]

I'm starting to think there's a chance Punk retains at the Rumble due to interference from the Shield.

Could be, but as far as I'm concerned, they've already gone to the well once too often by doing that very thing this past Monday in the fight between Punk and Ryback. When it gets to the point people stop being interested in Punk's feuds because they know there's no chance of a clean ending, the company will be taking bread out of their own mouths, in terms of lower buy-rates and less interest on the part of their fans for the most important event on the card. If you told me in advance that the Rock-Punk match was going to have a bogus ending, I'd be less interested in buying the event.

I don't know what WWE has planned for the Rock's limited engagement this time around. Last year, the company showed they're willing to sacrifice their #1 performer in order to give a visiting dignitary a win (Rock vs Cena). But Punk is no Cena; I don't know if Phil Brooks star shines brightly enough to be able to absorb a clean loss to Rock. Then again, if a series of matches between the two is planned, they can exchange wins and losses, thereby salvaging the standing of both men.

But the only way I want to see the Shield have a hand in these proceedings is if a group of people show up to beat them down and leave the outcome of the match in the hands of the two guys originally scheduled to compete.

 

[The Fabulous Rougeau's]

I can't wait for this one because of all the directions the WWE can go in after The Rumble. With just about everything open between guys like Rock, Punk, Cena, Lesnar, Taker, HHH, Zigger, Ryback, Sheamus, Orton and Big Show WWE can pull off any comination of these guys for a quadruple main event. So as I see it this match at The Rumble can go either way and that makes it all the better.

 

[Skeletor17]

Punk should win this match to save the big drop of his title to someone who needs the bump. But if Rock loses it shouldn't be cleanly. I think it would be too stale to have the Shield ruin the title match in the same fashion.

Although most see it as a foregone conclusion that Lesnar/Trips will happen at Wrestlemania, what if we see Brock return (under Heyman's lead), interfere and allow Punk to retain? Setting up Brock v Rock for Mania, a huge marquee match that opens the card to allow someone who needs the rub to end Punk's historic reign.
Thoughts?

 

[tomthebodz]

I'm really against The Rock winning. What has he done in WWE since he left? If my memory is correct he's had 3 matches. 2 of which were tag matches. However as he is a legend of the business he will more than likely walk away with the belt and will defend at Mania against Cena.

 

[LoudClearVoice]

I'm really against The Rock winning. What has he done in WWE since he left? If my memory is correct he's had 3 matches. 2 of which were tag matches. However as he is a legend of the business he will more than likely walk away with the belt and will defend at Mania against Cena.

What has he done you ask? Well let's see. He helped bring mainstream interest back to WWE. This benefits EVERYONE on the roster. He was in the main event of the most watched and bought PPV in WWE history (WM 28), and a lot of that credit has to go to him. In his return on Monday, RAW's ratings were the highest they've been in months, even in the wake of the college football championship game. He's bringing millions (and millions) of dollars to the WWE. Due to his mainstream exposure, he's putting WWE back in the mainstream spotlight, which again, helps everyone on the roster. If he gets the belt, it will be all over TMZ, Hollywood red carpets, talk shows, etc. Everytime he appears outside of WWE with that belt, it will get exposure for WWE. Casual or former fans will tune in and they will see what WWE has to offer. Look at the big picture here. His return and his eventual championship run (as short as it will be) is extremely beneficial for WWE. Hell, no one other than WWE fans would know who Dolph Ziggler or Daniel Bryan, or Antonio Cesaro are unless they have a reason to watch WWE. Rock brings that reason. Mainstream interest.

 

[FunKay the Inevitable]

Should be excellent. I thought Rock seemed more natural with Punk than he had all of last year with Cena. Perhaps it was, as JGlass said, because he had the better part of half a year to prep for it, but to me it would seem he's just better set to against an out-and-out heel in Punk. The two of them are excellent at working a crowd as was evident on Monday and they know how to construct an entertaining battle in the ring too. The match should be top notch and while I expect we'll see The Shield make an appearance, I don't believe they'll be a deciding factor with faces likely chasing them away.

As for who wins well that's just the thing, I'm not sure. For months I had it penned in as the Rock, and with his somewhat busy WWE schedule that should seal it, but I can't help but shake the feeling that Punk walks out of Phoenix with the title. He's the longest reigning champion since the golden years of Hulk Hogan and for him to drop the belt to Rock in his third match in a decade seems a tad...wrong. Punk upsetting the odds and going into Mania with the belt would make things far less easy to predict and could possibly lead to the triple threat of Punk/Rock/Cena which would be a fine Mania main event.

My heart says Punk, but my head says Rock and as that's usually right, I'll say The Dwayne wins.

 

[Martin Gabriel]

What has he done you ask? Well let's see. He helped bring mainstream interest back to WWE. This benefits EVERYONE on the roster. He was in the main event of the most watched and bought PPV in WWE history (WM 28), and a lot of that credit has to go to him. In his return on Monday, RAW's ratings were the highest they've been in months, even in the wake of the college football championship game. He's bringing millions (and millions) of dollars to the WWE. Due to his mainstream exposure, he's putting WWE back in the mainstream spotlight, which again, helps everyone on the roster. If he gets the belt, it will be all over TMZ, Hollywood red carpets, talk shows, etc. Everytime he appears outside of WWE with that belt, it will get exposure for WWE. Casual or former fans will tune in and they will see what WWE has to offer. Look at the big picture here. His return and his eventual championship run (as short as it will be) is extremely beneficial for WWE. Hell, no one other than WWE fans would know who Dolph Ziggler or Daniel Bryan, or Antonio Cesaro are unless they have a reason to watch WWE. Rock brings that reason. Mainstream interest.

the WWE is a "What have you done for me lately" business, the rock hasn't done SHIT lately, while other guys break bones and get injured and bleed he's out there making movies.

You can say "oh well he uhh he payed his dues and broke his bones so he deserves the right to call out a title shot at any point he wants" but that's bullshit, if flair did it you'd be like "well shit that doesn't seem right" but because it's the rock this mystical wrestler of the 90's you're like "boy howdy he sure does have every right to come back, get a shot, possibly win the title and then leave."

You know who else helped put the WWE in the spotlight, that mainstream spotlight? CM Punk. all the sports shows were blowing up his phone because of the contract situation. so to say without the rock there would be no main stream attention is asinine.

 

[LoudClearVoice]

the WWE is a "What have you done for me lately" business, the rock hasn't done SHIT lately, while other guys break bones and get injured and bleed he's out there making movies.

You can say "oh well he uhh he payed his dues and broke his bones so he deserves the right to call out a title shot at any point he wants" but that's bullshit, if flair did it you'd be like "well shit that doesn't seem right" but because it's the rock this mystical wrestler of the 90's you're like "boy howdy he sure does have every right to come back, get a shot, possibly win the title and then leave."

You know who else helped put the WWE in the spotlight, that mainstream spotlight? CM Punk. all the sports shows were blowing up his phone because of the contract situation. so to say without the rock there would be no main stream attention is asinine.

Dude, no one outside of the WWE universe knows who CM Punk is. RAW ratings have been at their lowest in years, over the past year. Guess who was the champ during that time? CM Punk. Rock comes back once, and the ratings are higher than they were the last 3 RAWs combined. What have you done for me lately? Uh, I dunno, brought the product back into the limelight. This wrestlemania will be the most bought and viewed one of all time. You know why? Because the Rock will be appearing as WWE champ and all the mainstream audience will be tuning in to see him and thus they will see the WWE product and hopefully many of those casual fans will say "this is pretty good, I think I'll check this out more often." If Rock was not back now or at this WM, it wouldn't get as many buys. It's that simple. IT'S A BUSINESS. ROCK IS GOOD FOR BUSINESS. If he wasn't they wouldn't be bringing him back.

 

[Big Nick Dudley]

While I do think Punk will drop the title to The Rock at the Rumble, I kind of hope that doesn't happen. If reports are true, WWE is going for Cena vs. Rock II at WM and I think the presence of the WWE title in that match already gives away the ending. After WM, The Rock is going away again for a while, everybody knows it, so having him wrestle Cena for the title at the show is a guarantee that Cena walks out with a win. Whereas a match without the title makes things less predictable.

That match should absolutely be for the WWE Championship. People constantly complain about the title no longer meaning anything, but have no problem when it's defended in the second or third to last match. Doesn't make any sense. The biggest match should be for the biggest prize.

I wouldn't book for surprise over the title, not this time around. Cena's winning regardless (no way does he lose clean to Rocky two years in a row), so might as well make the title the most important thing at WrestleMania.

However, I'm starting to think it's possible Punk doesn't lose at the Rumble. He won't win, but I'm not sure he's going to lose. Punk wins dirty, has one-on-one rematch with Rocky at EC, Rocky wins the belt. At the same time, John Cena either wins the Royal Rumble or a #1 Contender's match at EC. Either way, we end up with Rock vs. Cena II, and if it's for the strap, WWE is protected from the crybabies who have a problem with "Once In A Lifetime... Part II" seeing they (kayfabe) can't control who has the belt and who is the #1 contender when WrestleMania rolls around. Just happened to be Rock and Cena... again.

 

[Mitch Henessey]

I'm starting to believe in Punk retaining the title here. A few months ago, Rock winning the WWE Championship at the Rumble felt like a sure thing. But I also thought John Cena beating The Rock at Wrestlemania was a sure thing. I didn't believe in Rocky walking out of Wrestlemania with a main event win over the company's top face, but it happened.

I'm sure WWE could work around Rock's schedule, and anyone with a half brain knows world championships don't change hands at house shows, so Rock not working live events shouldn't be a big problem.

I'm expecting a great match between these two, and I'm picking The Rock to win here. I don't think WWE is going to pass up the opportunity of putting the strap on Rock. That moment should bring a huge, nostalgic pop out of the live crowd, and Rock as WWE Champion will create some real buzz.

 

[LoudClearVoice]

I'm starting to believe in Punk retaining the title here. A few months ago, Rock winning the WWE Championship at the Rumble felt like a sure thing. But I also thought John Cena beating The Rock at Wrestlemania was a sure thing. I didn't believe in Rocky walking out of Wrestlemania with a main event win over the company's top face, but it happened.

I'm sure WWE could work around Rock's schedule, and anyone with a half brain knows world championships don't change hands at house shows, so Rock not working live events shouldn't be a big problem.

I'm expecting a great match between these two, and I'm picking The Rock to win here. I don't think WWE is going to pass up the opportunity of putting the strap on Rock. That moment should bring a huge, nostalgic pop out of the live crowd, and Rock as WWE Champion will create some real buzz.

It's also the perfect opportunity to debut a new championship belt. I can't see the rock walking around with that piece of trash belt. I can see him talking about it reminding him of John Cena and then debuting a brand new title design. The timing would be perfect, heading into Wrestlemania.

 

[Piss Bucket]

I for one hope Rock kicks CM Punk's overrated arse at the Rumble.

Sure the IWC loves Punk, but IMO his promos are boring, and he hmself only does about 3 moves.

 

[Cross_Rhodes]

Will be interesting to see the quality of the match. Cena/Rock was a god awful match. A lot of it had to do with Rock's rust. He should have just as much, if not more rust this time around, but he's in the ring with a better performer than Cena. I think if the match is good from a wrestling standpoint, it will be because of Punk and will only further prove how much of a stud he is.

As for the result, I am against the Rock winning, for all the obvious reasons.

 

[THE Great GAMMA]

Dude, no one outside of the WWE universe knows who CM Punk is. RAW ratings have been at their lowest in years, over the past year. Guess who was the champ during that time? CM Punk. Rock comes back once, and the ratings are higher than they were the last 3 RAWs combined. What have you done for me lately? Uh, I dunno, brought the product back into the limelight. This wrestlemania will be the most bought and viewed one of all time. You know why? Because the Rock will be appearing as WWE champ and all the mainstream audience will be tuning in to see him and thus they will see the WWE product and hopefully many of those casual fans will say "this is pretty good, I think I'll check this out more often." If Rock was not back now or at this WM, it wouldn't get as many buys. It's that simple. IT'S A BUSINESS. ROCK IS GOOD FOR BUSINESS. If he wasn't they wouldn't be bringing him back.

Would just like to state that even though CM Punk was the the champ over the past year he was not booked as THE MAIN GUY in the company. That honor still goes to John Cena. Which i think is wrong and an injustice to Punk and his title run. but thats besides the point. The Rock will probably win i don't want that to happen or even think it should happen but that is what will happen. The Rock winning the title is a BAD long term business decision. if your planning to close the WWE after WM then its Great business. Instead of the Rock winning the title what would be good for business is that he puts over Punk and gives him more credibility. And make a mega-star of one of the guys that havent won the title yet. That is good for business.

 

[The Butcher]

I think some of the people here are fooling themselves into thinking that Punk will retain. I'm cool with it if he does or he doesn't, as I'm a fan of both men; but let's face it, The Rock has cachet and name recognition worldwide these days. G.I. Joe: Retaliation comes out a little over a week before 'Mania. Fast and Furious 6 comes out not long after 'Mania. Movies coming out means promotional junkets, talk shows, and a red carpet premier. It means publicity!

Now, does anyone in their right mind honestly think that Vince McMahon is going to miss an opportunity to have his championship title carried down a red carpet by a megastar that his company a hand in making? In favor of CM Punk, no less, who, while a magnificent wrestler, has little crossover appeal or promotional power. Sure, Brock Lesnar or The Shield could run in on Punk's behalf and cause The Rock to lose, but why get cute with this angle? The Rock has to be the odds on favorite win the belt, interference or not. And, while it doesn't make me very happy, The Rock vs. John Cena: Once in a Lifetime 2 will be set up to take place after Cena wins his second Rumble.

Okay, so maybe that last sentence got me rethinking who I want to win. It doesn't change who I think will win, though. The Rock is just too big of a star inside and outside of WWE for the chance to make him WWE Champion to be passed up. Give me The Rock via Rock Bottom in the 9th round.

 

[Mattitude]

I think Rock will win the title will be at Elimination Chamber. I've got a feeling that they'll want to protect Punk here so Rock will win via DQ (for obvious reasons). I mean, Punk is the longest reigning WWE Champion IN THE MODERN ERA! Do you think they'll job him at a "big 4" PPV?! Even if it is against The Rock?

Nah. Scrappy finish. DQ win and Rock will "go through 5 other men" and get his second chance in the Chamber - with time to spare for the publicity that the good Doctor above mentioned.

Plus it's kinda TOO obvious that Rock will win at the Rumble, isn't it??

 

[The Butcher]

I mean, Punk is the longest reigning WWE Champion IN THE MODERN ERA! Do you think they'll job him at a "big 4" PPV?! Even if it is against The Rock???

I do, wholeheartedly. The title means little compared to star power. Or did you not notice John Cena main eventing over Punk for the majority of this title reign? The Rock brings press, publicity, and eyeballs to WWE; being the longest reigning WWE Champion of the modern era has brought none of the those.

Hey, like I said, I'm a fan of both guys. I'll honestly be pleased just so long as the match is good, which I've no doubt it will be. I just can't see Vince wasting what little time The Rock has just to add 30 days to CM Punk's tally. The sooner they put the belt on The Rock, the sooner they can get the main event feud for WrestleMania solidified and start the build.

 

[LoudClearVoice]

I think Rock will win the title will be at Elimination Chamber. I've got a feeling that they'll want to protect Punk here so Rock will win via DQ (for obvious reasons). I mean, Punk is the longest reigning WWE Champion IN THE MODERN ERA! Do you think they'll job him at a "big 4" PPV?! Even if it is against The Rock?

Nah. Scrappy finish. DQ win and Rock will "go through 5 other men" and get his second chance in the Chamber - with time to spare for the publicity that the good Doctor above mentioned.

Plus it's kinda TOO obvious that Rock will win at the Rumble, isn't it??

I agree with you but I don't think it's a matter of "protecting" Punk per se, it's more of a business and money matter. If you have The Rock win the belt at the Royal Rumble, then NO ONE on the face of the Earth (other than maybe a handful of extreme Punk marks) is going to believe that Punk is going to win the presumed rematch at the Elmination Chamber. So, no one will buy that PPV. BUT, if the Rock loses (via interference from Heyman and Shield) at the Rumble, then everyone will buy the EC, hoping to see the Rock win the belt there. So, what Vince is going to do, is sucker you into buying both the Rumble and EC, rather than just the Rumble to see Rock win the belt.

Plus, if you have Punk vs. Rock at EC for the belt, then you can have Cena win the EC chamber match for the #1 contendership for WWE title and then WWE can have a CENA-ROCK stare down/confrontation as Rock is celebrating with the belt.

A couple months ago I was 100% sure Rock would win the belt at the Rumble, now I think there's a less than 50% chance. Again, though, it has nothing to do with "protecting" Punk's streak. What's another 30 days, at this point? They don't care about that.

If they give him the belt at the Rumble it's because they want a longer period of time with mainstream exposure. When Rock wins that belt, you better believe Vince is going to have Rock make sure he's booked on talk shows, red carpet premieres, etc. to show off the WWE title as that is going to bring in mainstream media attention which = $$$$