it is definitely up there as one of the most anticipated PPVs of the year. The big announcement in regards to this years Rumble was the change from the traditional 30 participants to 40. As of right now 34 participants have been confirmed 13 of
which are rostered to Smackdown, so the odds are against the blue brand having the winner. "Dashing" Cody Rhodes was removed from the list to tie in with his broken nose storyline and not wanting to be seen in public.
The blue brands success rests on 13 Superstars as the other 6 places are probably reserved for Legends and suprise returns. So the possibility of more Smackdown guys been involved is slim. I'll look at each of the guys and offer a prediction of
how they will do.
1. JTG- "Anyone can win the Rumble". This quote is usually spewed about alot from January 1st up until and even during the Rumble. In regards to JTG, sure he is "anyone" but could he be the Royal Rumble winner?...No. JTG will be elimination fodder for Kane or Big Show or anyone who is in the ring with him at the same time.
2. Chris Masters- More along the same lines as JTG. Rumour of a push post Rumble has been mentioned. Why not push him at the Rumble? Stepping on someones toes? I'm not a Masters fan, never have been. But a push post Rumble leading into Chamber and then Mania just seems like it will fade away. Far more other things going on. As far as the Rumble goes he may get a good amount of time in the ring but will lead to nothing.
3. Jack Swagger- Up and down 2010 for Swagger. A strong Rumble showing could benefit him hugely. He has the capabilities to last in the Rumble for a long period of time. I'd say he will not win it but I said he wouldn't win MITB last year at Mania and look what happened there.
4. Kofi Kingston- Current IC champ. Winning potential for Rumble is slim. I see Kofi as IC champ heading into Mania. Kofi in the Rumble has a different role than the aforementioned, Kofi is the guy who'll come up with creative ways in which to stay in the ring etc. Some may say he's "spotty" but its things like that that keeps the Rumble interesting.
5. Rey Mysterio- Similar to Kofi. Rey has a lot of Rumble experience so the likelihood of him being involved for over half an hour is nearly certain. With alot of first timers involved Rey will be a marshall for them and as such important to the Rumble match. Not the winner but paramount to the match.
6. Kane- Like Rey, has vast experience (this will be his twelfth consecutive Rumble I think) so like Rey he'll be used as a general in controlling the pace of the Rumble. Also like Rey I'd rule him out of winning. Kane is kind of in a storyline cul de sac currently. But considering how his previous Title run petered away the possibility of him getting back involved in the title picture with a Rumble win is non existent.
7. Big Show- Show is always portrayed as a favourite to win the Rumble based on his size. But what usually happens is a group of three or four guys gang up and eliminate him. This year should be no different and if I was a betting man I'd be betting on these guys-
8-11. The Corre- Consisting of Wade Barrett, Justin Gabriel, Ezekiel Jackson and Heath Slater. In Wade Barrett we have in my eyes the first potential Rumble winner for Smackdown. After the year he has had he has to be considered as such. What is more likely though for Barrett is similar to what happened Kane 7 years ago (look it up). As for the other Corre members its storyline progression for them. Odds are members of the Corre will interact with the Nexus. This will make the Rumble interesting as its an arc that could run throughout the Rumble. The plan is to have the two factions fued well into the summer so this will be a good place to start it.
12. Drew McIntyre- Potential dark horse. Drew could benefit himself with a good showing. He seems to be on the cusp of the main event scene and a strong showing could help him no end. "The Chosen One" gimmick needs to be validated and winning the Rumble could do it.
13. Alberto Del Rio- I left ADR until last as I believe out of those announced for the Rumble match for Smackdown he is my choice for the winner. The reasons are obvious. His star and reputation has risen not just with every match he has had but with every appearance he has made. In 6 short months he has become a lynchpin for
Smackdown. If they are going with a face champion on Smackdown it is between ADR and Dolph Ziggler for number 1 contender. ADR could seal this with the Rumble win.
As for the World Title match, I mentioned before in my previous column how I thought it would go. If that comes to be and Edge does win don't be suprised to see Dolph pull a double shift and be entered into the Rumble (via Vickie). If that happens
Dolph could be a potential winner especially if he comes in with number 40. Also he has been having alot of interaction with both Edge and Randy Orton (possible WWE Champion after Rumble). That way he could viably choose either title and it would
make sense.
This years Rumble is setting up to be one of the more unpredictable ones. Hopefully it will live up to expectation. More importantly hopefully it will see the continuation and strenghtening of the youth movement.
Time will tell, those watching please do enjoy.
Take it easy,
Gar.
