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I haven't checked exactly who is in each but...

I keep hearing about Seth Rollins winning the men's match and Becky winning the women's match.

Seth winning the Rumble would mean, I think, that Finn doesn't beat Lesnar.

Unless Finn goes heel - maybe more like his bad ass Price Devitt character from NJPW?

Maybe the Good Brothers show up and help him out?

BUT, would Vince let Finn headline Wrestlemania?

He should - but Vince, as he recently told us again, loves him some "Beef", so...

Becky is absolutely killing it these days, her "The Man" routine is fantastic.

I would love to see her give Ronda her first WWE loss too...

A Finn vs Seth rematch would be great. The propsect of facing the person who injured him and derailed his career would be a great little trigger for a Finn heel turn. Have him come out as normal Finn but during the match he starts to act like the demon king. Have that demon king persona start to bleed over, making him more brutal, not in control of his darker side, willing to do more to win.

I can get down with that!

Heel Bálor would be awesome too - his stuff in NJPW was great!

I just feel like WWE won't let him win.

But then, he HAS to come out as the Demon King.

So the only way to protect that character is to have him get overwhelmingly screwed over by...someone?

I think WWE has really painted themselves into a corner here, with the only way out being a Finn win - but damn Vince loves him some Beef Lesnar, so...

Maybe the Demon King wins, Lesnar challenges him for a rematch in a couple of weeks (because Lesnar is a Part-Timer's Part Timer!), and 'tricks' Finn into doing it 'as a Man' and not the Demon King?

I don't know.

I've been waiting a looooong time for the King to reclaim his throne, and this just doesn't feel like it will happen this time.

Talk is of a women's match headlining Wrestlemania (Rousey vs. Lynch?), so maybe WWE lets Finn go to Wrestlemania as champ?

I hope so...

Charlotte Flair also seems pretty great. Could women’s wrestling be key to WWE surviving into the next era?

Probably?

Believe it or not, Charlotte Flair is in a weird place - possibly perceived as the 'anointed one'/'golden child' (apologies to Eddie Murphy!), and as such, is probably better suited as a Heel vs. a Babyface.

WWE was taken by surprise by the reaction to Becky Lynch - she's great, and the real deal - but wasn't due for a push, apparently.

Until she was!

Yeah, Charlotte is great but there is the sense that she gets given a lot because of her name. This culminated in her insertion into Beckys championship match against Carmella which she then won. This was meant to kick off Beckys heel turn.

The problem with that was that the fans loved Becky Lynch. There was the real feeling that she had fought to earn that title shot and so when Flair just got put into the match and then won it, it felt less like Becky turning heel against the better wrestler and more like Becky laying some righteous beating on the person who had just swooped in and stolen her shot thanks to her name and popularity with the management.

Flair is a great wrestler but WWE was seemingly following the Roman Reigns booking method for her where you give her every opportunity at the expense of the people on the card who have organically built up massive fan support. That does not get her over with the fans as a babyface and risks poisoning the fan reaction to the point where it will be impossible for her to get a babyface reaction. Luckily the booking team eased off a bit, though there was the weird survivor series bit when Becky got injured by Nia, and pivoted to stop trying to force the Lynch heel turn. When you have to overdub the cheers your wrestler is getting into boos in promo packages for your intended storyline, it's probably better to just change your storyline so you don't piss off your fans.

Good summary there - nicely sums up the 'problem' with Charlotte.

And I don't think WWE has pivoted yet on Charlotte?

For some reason they're reluctant to have her go heel again, which is her...natural role!

 Alpharius wrote:
Good summary there - nicely sums up the 'problem' with Charlotte.

And I don't think WWE has pivoted yet on Charlotte?

For some reason they're reluctant to have her go heel again, which is her...natural role!

She has not been made heel but neither is she being held up as the babyface to cheer for against "heel" Becky Lynch. So that has removed her from being in direct competition against the fan-favourite and allowed her to move slightly out of the line of fire of fan backlash. The title "theft" was paid back for by Lynch beating her and Carmella in the number one contender triple threat. By keeping her away from Lynch for the time being she can maintain her face status as she is not directly up against the fan-picked top face.

Of course, this could all go up in smoke if Charlotte were to win the rumble and Becky lose or not even appear in it, at least if she were to do so as a face. I reckon that would get about the same reaction as Batista in 2014 or Roman Reigns in 2015, for pretty much the same reasons. If she were to do a heel turn to win (maybe do a stone cold and get eliminated but the elimination isn't seen so she goes back in to eliminate the legit winner), then it would at least get the desired reaction.

As for her being a better heel than face, well, she will have picked up some tips and tricks from her dad who is possibly the greatest heel in all of wrestling (behind only Hulk Hogan and all his hotdogging and grandstanding and not allowing anyone to get over the Hulkster Wrestlemania 9, never forget ).

Now if only the writers could fix what they did to Bayley...

Bayley get worked over hard!

She's still trying to recover - maybe a run with the Women's Tag Title will help?

I hope.

And that's a big 'Woooo!" to Daddy Flair as one of the greatest Heels of all time!

Evil Hulk was good to - once he (as you noted) embraced his true nature, he was off and running. Took him too long to do it though!

I *thought* this is what MIGHT happen:

https://comicbook.com/wwe/2019/01/22/finn-balor-the-demon-win-mens-royal-rumble-2018-why/

And I guess I'd be OK with it.

BUT, the problem would then remain - the Demon King never loses so...why would Finn ever NOT be the Demon King when the title is on the line?

I suppose you could do the whole "Don't be a coward Finn, face me as a man!!!!" angle?

Not sure...

But I guess I'd be OK with the above, IF it means one hell of a Wrestlemania 35 match, where the Demon King reclaims his title!!!!

DAMMIT!!!

 Alpharius wrote:
I *thought* this is what MIGHT happen:

https://comicbook.com/wwe/2019/01/22/finn-balor-the-demon-win-mens-royal-rumble-2018-why/

And I guess I'd be OK with it.

BUT, the problem would then remain - the Demon King never loses so...why would Finn ever NOT be the Demon King when the title is on the line?

I suppose you could do the whole "Don't be a coward Finn, face me as a man!!!!" angle?

Not sure...

But I guess I'd be OK with the above, IF it means one hell of a Wrestlemania 35 match, where the Demon King reclaims his title!!!!

DAMMIT!!!

Leaning into the angle of becoming the Demon King, drawing on that dark side of your psyche, having an effect on the person doing so would be a good way to go to explain why Finn doesn't use the Demon all the time for big matches. Constantly going back to that well of violence and inhumanity risking permanently affecting your own connection to your humanity and "goodness" kind of thing.

I like that!

One day (soon?!?), I'd love for there to be a video package before his match, of "human" Finn, looking slightly distraught, apologizing to his opponent, saying he's sorry for...what's about to happen, but he couldn't help it, he couldn't stop it...

...and out comes the Demon King for the match!

I am a wrestling fan and the 80s and 90s were my preferred wrestling era. Wrestling was most fun imo when the performers were wearing colourful costumes and had gimmicks. A prerequisite for a great match was also a compelling and intense promo with Mean Gene Okerlund interviewing the wrestlers. My favourite wrestlers are/were:

Male/Single
Ultimate Warrior
Undertaker
Mr. Perfect
Sting
Sid Vicious

Male/Tag Team
Harlem Heat
Legion of Doom
Money Inc.
Nasty Boys

Female/Single
Sensational Sherri
Sable
Chyna
Victoria
Trish Stratus
Lita


It´s also a shame that there are no intergender matches anymore as I enjoyed watching Chyna squaring off against the guys. Do I watch "modern" wrestling today? Nope, but I like to watch and listen to Jim Cornette on youtube about the business. That guy knows a lot about wrestling and can tell the most outrageous stories without having to take a breath. Whenever I like to see a match I either watch old school wrestling on youtube or DVD.

SO, yeah...the Rumble happened.

Overall, an "OK" show.

But in the end, a VERY predictable one.

I think I was 100% in terms of picking who would win - and that was based solely on what I thought WWE creative thought we would want, if that makes sense?

Human Finn loses, and probably drifts back down to the midcard.

Lame.

Golden Boy WWE 'dream' matchup of Lesnar vs. Rollins happens at Wrestlmania.

Yawn.

Only save possible here is if Rollins swerves us all, challenges Bryan at Wrestlemania instead of Lesnar, and then somehow, someway, Demon Finn gets another shot at Lesnar at Wrestlemania.

Probably not going to happen, but definitely the only way WWE continues to get my to fork over for their Network.

So that probably some $10 saved per month right there.

Only good thing here is Becky winning the Rumble (after predictably losing to Asuka).

She'll headline Wrestlemania vs. Rousey, and hopefully beat here there - that would be awesome!

Anyway, remember when RAW and SMACKDOWN had their worst ratings periods ever, which prompted the entire McMahon family to show up, take over, and promise things would be run differently now?

Looks like I'm back to waiting for Finn's contract to run out so Devitt can show back up at NJPW or AEW, I guess...

Women’s Matches utterly stole the show. Becky and Auska in particular set a blistering pace the men just couldn’t meet.

Both Rumbles were fun, if predictable. Nice to see Lacey Evan’s be more than a sacrificial Prawn on her first outing. Perhaps a wee bit stiff at the very beginning, but that could just be nerves, and she certainly seemed to loosen up further down the track.

Lesnar really needs to be dropped. He’s dull. He took a real pasting off a very game Balor, but as ever, it’s just ‘splunge splunge splunge here-de-derp’ and another win with not a hint of character or personality.

Bryan v Styles was also very much by the numbers, ended up with some ‘skip to the end’ action about a third of the way through. WWE need to figure a better angle for Styles.

But for now at least, the genuinely dynamic and incredible Women’s Matches are carrying the Male stable. Perhaps HHH’s comment about NXT becoming a ‘third’ brand will help there. The young bucks we saw were damned good. And enough with the silly characters. Whilst it’s usually amusing to see them squelched in seconds, they’ve no staying power, and need to be constantly rehashed.

Perhaps also focus more on 205Live, where the matches are more interesting too?

Finally? Please please please released Shinsuke. If you’re not gonna give him decent opponents, because you don’t seem to know how to use him, just let him go.

What is Shane McMahon doing on a PPV as a wrestler in 2019? Let alone winning the match and getting the pinfall.

Good point - he shouldn't be holding titles, that's for sure.

I guess it is a setup for a Heel Turn against...the Miz?

But does that mean yet another go'round of Evil McMahon Authority storylines?

I hope not.

As for Finn...he comes out to his music but with NO attempt at his usual routine. Thought it might be the start of a Heel Turn for him, but no, he was just selling the match from last night still.

So out comes Lashley and Rush. Lashley - one of the most boring 'personalities' on the roster - but he looks like Vince wants wrestlers to look still - then proceeds to obliterate Finn.

Is this setting up an Intercontinental Title feud?

Nope, as apparently the matches for the next PPV have been spoiled online thru local WWE advertising (Yeah, Card Subject to Change!), and Finn isn't wrestling Lashley for the IC title.

I suppose they could make it a 3-way fight, but he's been there, done that, and lost that already, so...

WWE wouldn't be stupid enough to waste The Demon King at Wrestlemania vs. Lashley for the IC title, would they?

(Yes, yes they would be that stupid.)

And now I'm reading rumors that Flair will be insterted into the Rousey vs. Lynch match at Wrestlemania!

That would be a big, big mistake.

 Alpharius wrote:

And now I'm reading rumors that Flair will be insterted into the Rousey vs. Lynch match at Wrestlemania!

That would be a big, big mistake.

So, what was that about the McMahon's saying they've listened and learned to the fans?

The only reason that should happen is due to some controversy over Lynch entering/winning the Rumble (such as The Rock/Big Show angle leading into Mania 2000). But then that kind of thing should be settled at one of the PPVs between the Rumble and Mania (Elimination Chamber or Fastlane) to determine who gets the title shot (as happened in 2000 before all the McMahon in every corner stuff).

On the Rumble, at least AJ Styles didn't lose to yet another hit in the groin. So that's a nice change!


Automatically Appended Next Post:

 Mad Doc Grotsnik wrote:

Lesnar really needs to be dropped. He’s dull. He took a real pasting off a very game Balor, but as ever, it’s just ‘splunge splunge splunge here-de-derp’ and another win with not a hint of character or personality.

I disagree. Brock is a legit beast and brings with him a big spectacle. He can certainly have a role, even as a part-timer. What that role should not be, however, is holding the top title for months at a time.

On the Lesnar/Finn mtach, I thought it was pretty good for what it was. Lesnar did a good job selling the stomach injury during the match, having it take away a lot of his offensive capability. The way that Finn fought was perfect for the ring psychology angle, using quick strikes and high-flying moves to hit Brock and get away and he did a great job of selling that when Brock did get his hands on him, it hurt. The post-match beat down was not great. Lesnar did not do enough to continue selling the stomach.

But Lesnar has no ring presence. He never works the mic. He never does anything flashy.

His match against Balor just showed his glaring deficiencies as an Entertainment Wrestler.

He’s not a heel. He’s not a face. He’s just a hackneyed putz that must have something incriminating on the McMahons!

He's allegedly a good draw - butts in seat and rating on the TV, I suppose.

I do think that fans in general are quite tired of him though.

Whoever thought 'part time champions' was a good idea is wrong though!

He's the part timer's part timer.

You know what he is? He's the kid on the beach just turning up to kick over sandcastles before wandering off.

 Mad Doc Grotsnik wrote:
But Lesnar has no ring presence. He never works the mic. He never does anything flashy.

His match against Balor just showed his glaring deficiencies as an Entertainment Wrestler.

He’s not a heel. He’s not a face. He’s just a hackneyed putz that must have something incriminating on the McMahons!

Vince McMahon likes his wrestlers to be buff. Here is a list of wrestlers who got a push from him that fulfilled his criteria:

- Jimmy Snuka
- Hulk Hogan
- Ultimate Warrior
- Lex Luger
- Stone Cold Steve Austin

Small cruiserweights like Koko B. Ware were never featured in the main events. I agree that Brock is boring but as Cornette says he is a "genetic freak" and this alone draws money. If professional wrestling or mma wouldn´t be a thing, he would be presented in a circus bending steel bars.

Your data is (as you admit) a little out of date.

In fact, as you go down your list in order, you can see the 'evolution' right there!

So yes, while Vince loves him some Beef, WWE has in fact moved on a bit from the 70's - 90's way of doing things.

It just needs to do it a little more.

While a mix between what we have now and what we had in the "Attitude Era" (which will never return for many obvious reasons!) would be good, what would *really* be good is if WWE Creative good craft good storylines, maintain them with consistency and actually kind of really pay attention to what fans want - some of the time!

 Alpharius wrote:
Your data is (as you admit) a little out of date.

In fact, as you go down your list in order, you can see the 'evolution' right there!

So yes, while Vince loves him some Beef, WWE has in fact moved on a bit from the 70's - 90's way of doing things.

It just needs to do it a little more.

While a mix between what we have now and what we had in the "Attitude Era" (which will never return for many obvious reasons!) would be good, what would *really* be good is if WWE Creative good craft good storylines, maintain them with consistency and actually kind of really pay attention to what fans want - some of the time!

Yeah, I haven´t followed wrestling for a long time. The only other people who I remember that got a push were Batista & Randy Orton. The former went to Hollywood in order to play a kind of superhero and the latter is still kicking ass as this documentary shows:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5e5FyG4BN0

Haters will say it´s fake but you can´t please everyone.

The outcome is pre-determined, yes, but I suppose they could just look at it as if was any other scripted hour (or two, or three) of an action/comedy/drama series?

And it is amazing that Randy Orton is still kicking around - it feels like it has been forever since his last significant title run...

Randy Orton is dull, but barely used anymore.

YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES!

Roman is in remission, and back in the ring.

Fitness wise, I suspect he’s going to miss a big event at Wrestlemania. Which is a shame, but better safe than sorry.

Here’s hoping WWE use this inadvertent reset to rework his Push. As a Wrestler, he seems well respected, and he’s certainly got the nous in the ring on a technical level. But as a character, never quite got Over.

This is a chance to rework and tweak all that.

Roman's riding high now - and we'll see what that translates into.

I know I'd cheer him - OR ANYONE ELSE - getting rid of Brock for us...hopefully forever!

It’s not often we agree dude, but on that? Just shows we must be right.

Brock ‘plot armour’ Lesnar is a bloody menace.

Ha!

I can agree with you on that!

And really, at this point, I think the majority of Wrestling Fans just want Brock gone and the Heavyweight Champion as someone who shows up, oh I don't know, more than once every other month?!?