WWE RAW Results (05/12/08) Jim Ross welcomes us to the Joe Louis Arena as we go into the show with the lights out in the arena. The lights come back on and William Regal is in the ring...
LET'S GET READY TO RUMBLE! That's right, WWE's annual Royal Rumble Pay Per View is upon us. Now, I know some of you may think it's just a tad bit too early, but I would like to take this time to discuss some possible candidates for the winner of this illustrious event. Why is it so illustrious? Because, it is the first "official" stop on the road...to Wrestlemania!
Now, for fans that watch the product, you know that the winner is automatically secured a spot in the main event at 'mania. That winner also decides which brands champion they want to face. There have been some amazing and exciting victories in the past; and a victory in the Rumble can propel a star to bonafide main-event level. At least, that's what it used to do, and that is what I think should still be done.
That said, early "rumblings" (pun totally intended) have Batista winning this years Rumble, then jumping to Raw and challenging for the WWE Championship. Now, correct me if I'm wrong but hasn't Batista already won the Rumble? In 2005 as a matter of fact. And, did he not choose to stay on Raw at the time and challenge for the title? I believe he did. So my question is, why do almost the exact same thing again? These same early plans seem to suggest that Triple H will be holding the WWE title by then, thus making it Batista vs. Triple H at 'Mania. That is the exact main event we the fans got back in 2005.
I would not do this. Why? For two very obvious reasons. One, it has already been done not that long ago at all. Two, Batista is already a solid main event guy who doesn't need any more help being put over. The creative team could have Batista win the World Heavyweight Title back at any given time, so why have him win ANOTHER Rumble? Also, there have been enough guys jumping over to Raw already (ex, JBL) so why not give Smackdown some more talent?
The Royal Rumble can be used as I said, to elevate some talent to the next level. I would now like to put down some names that in my opnion could benefit greatly from a win, and which direction they could go in. First and foremost, if the WWE is so bent on generating serious credibilty to the ECW brand, why not give one of those guys a big, unexpected win?
Which leads me to my first guy, ECW's own Shelton Benjamin. I pick him because I see what the WWE is trying to do; make Shelton important enough for the fans to care about him. They changed his look, his brand, almost everything and nothing really seems to hold. I say use the Rumble as the time for Benjamin to make his mark. Have him win (even with assistance from Elijah Burke) and decide to challenge for the ECW title. This would be some way to make the ECW brand credible. Having a wrestler use his big ticket to challenge for THAT title instead of the other big two. At the same time, it would put the focus on both Benjamin and the champion CM Punk as stars on the rise.
My second choice would have to go to Smackdown's own Finlay! I choose Finlay because this guy has been one of the hardest working men for the company for years. Even behind the scenes before he made his in-ring return he busted his butt for the company. Now, I say they could use a Rumble win to solidify a face-turn. Finlay chooses to stay on Smackdown and take the title from Edge. Even a triple threat between Edge, Undertaker, and Finlay would be something different.
A third and final choice I have (and this would be my pick out of everyone) is Smackdown's own Matt Hardy. I chose Hardy because he, like Finlay has spent years standing behind the company. Through thick and thin he has been willing to be there and stand tall. Even when the WWE outright fired him, he gladly accepted the invitation back when they came calling. Now, sidelined while he recovers from emergency surgery, I say (if he is healthy enough to compete) give Hardy the win.
Think about it from storyline purposes. One, you have Matt's brother Jeff challenging for the WWE title on Raw. How fitting would it be if the other Hardy (Matt) won the Rumble? Then, playing off the past, Matt chooses to stay on Smackdown and take the title from Edge! Bad blood again boils to the surface and it would finally be Matt's time to "do or die." And we all know, "Matt Hardy will..not..die!"
I think that if the WWE built it properly, a win for Matt Hardy would be believable and respected. Also, it would be a welcome change from the predictable wins by stars already established. Honorable mention goes out to Chris Jericho, Carlito, and Kane who could all benefit as well from a Rumble win.
That does it for now folks, I would like to hear your thoughts and picks as to who should win the Rumble this year. As always my email address is below. Until next time, remember you're always welcome...at The Dog Pound.
