ROYAL RUMBLE 2015: THE ROAD TO WRESTLEMANIA 31 STARTS NOW

It's that time of year again, and for some, the Royal Rumble surpasses even Wrestlemania. Even my girlfriend loves the Royal Rumble, and she isn't even a fan of wrestling. It isn't hard to see why, the surprise entrants, one man wrecking crews, and setting the stage for the grandest of them all, Wrestlemania.

This years Rumble is no different. Even more so in that heavy rumor was that Vince and company hadn't fully decided on who would win the Royal Rumble match, and go on to main event Wrestlemania. Until his injury, Roman Reigns was the rumored favorite to win it all but that is slightly up in the air since his return as he (and more so creative) get a grasp on his character and connecting with the crowd. He's good, but is he ready to headline in the main event? Then there is Daniel Bryan who has returned from an near career ending injury. He hasn't lost a step in the ring, nor with the crowd. A match between Daniel Bryan and Brock Lesner is appealing to many. Dean Ambrose has been over with the audience, who's left for him to face  before getting the nod? Will there be a surprise winner? Somebody that nobody expected? Although generally winning the Rumble match means main eventing, there could always be a swerve of some sorts, changing who actually headlines. It has to be safe to assume that at least Lesner will be defending his WWE World Heavyweight Championship at Wrestlemania 31. Otherwise, what was the point of his minimal appearances while champ?
With so many bulls in the Rumble this year, it will interesting to see who shows their dominance and clear the ring? Kane is close to breaking a record, Roman Reigns is coming off of last years performance, Ryback and Big Show are getting slight pushes in regards to power. I would mention Rusev, however I have a feeling that a lot of people will turn on the Russian eliminating him quick. That could be the opposite of what happens, also.
Who will make a surprise return this year? A bit surprised Daniel Bryan and Reigns returned before the Rumble. Daniel Bryan making his return at the Rumble after last years snub would have gotten a massive pop from the crowd. Will there be anyone making a one night only appearance this year? Was the tag-team spot on Raw a peek at who could be in? Nash, X-Pac, Road Dogg, Billy Gunn, and JBL look like they are good to go. Rumor mills have the Dudley Boys making a return to the WWE at the Rumble. With Bully Ray/Bubba Ray not under contract with TNA, could we see him perhaps make a full-time return?
What else could happen in the Royal Rumble? Although he squashed the rumor on twitter, who's to say Goldust won't be looking to exit soon, and perhaps we will see the seeds planted for a match between Goldie and Stardust. Perhaps the Damian Mizdow/The Miz situation will evolve and Mizdow eliminates The Miz...or we see him eliminate himself. And then there is always, "what will Kofi do?" which can be entertaining, but also somewhat pointless.

There's also the other matches on the card. There is a tag team divas match with the Bella Twins squaring off against Paige and Natalya Neidhart. Another tag match between the New Age Outlaws and The Ascension. As well as a WWE Tag Team Championship match with champions the Usos facing The Miz and Damian Mizdow. Then off course there is the triple threat match for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship with Brock Lesner Vs John Cena Vs Seth Rollins. However, like mentioned before, it is almost a sure bet that Lesner will be champion for Wrestlemania 31. That being said, easily can reclaim the title after the Rumble. Cena's next title reign ties him with Nature Boy, Ric Flair. Been a bit since someone cashed in the MITB briefcase to get into Wrestlemania's main event. Could Seth cash in and succeed?
What about Sting? Doubtful he will be in the match, but could we see him appear and alter the outcomes? And if the Undertaker is going to return, possibly to face Bray Wyatt, will the process begin at the Royal Rumble? Regardless of everything, the road to Wrestlemania, begins now.

For Non-Geeky Nerd's 2015 Royal Rumble predictions, click...(HERE)

VINCE MCMAHON. IS IT TIME?

For quite a few years now, I have been reading both articles and comments on how Vince McMahon has lost touch with his audience and needs to either change or walk away from the empire that he built. Up until recently I could not see it, the aftermath of the Monday Night Wars was expected to be "not as good". There were also enough good, to outweigh the bad. It is entertainment, and that means everything is hit or miss.

With reports saying that it is Vince himself writing the promos for Roman Reigns, which have been pretty weak, it is causing me to see the "haters" points of view. And now am curious if Vinnie Mac has ever really been in tune with the fans since before the gimmick era became unwanted by the audience. The edgier "Attitude Era" was after all inspired by Paul Heyman's vision with ECW. And without it, would have lost the war to Ted Turner, Eric Bischoff, and WCW. And with Reigns, it is important for his promos to be up to par as he is being prepped for main event and championship status.
Then there are some of the choices made since the launch of the WWE Network. All of which were likely made simply to somehow boost sales of the network. Small things like stalled pushes, characters being squashed, Brock Lesner being WWE World Heavyweight Champion while being more of a showcase performer. To big things, like the aforementioned Lesner ending the Wrestlemania undefeated streak of the Undertaker. Which I had no real problem with, but the rumors were that Vince made the choice, and did so for the WWE Network.
It is even somewhat apparent that he still loves his muscular heroes, and giant villains (although the bad guys are at least not obese anymore). It could be safe to say that it is Triple H who is behind guys like Dolph Ziggler, Dean Ambrose, and Seth Rollins are in the forefront. Daniel Bryan had more to do with the fans. Although they are characters that I like, Roman Reigns and Ryback must be "Vince McMahon Guys". Big, muscular, and a bit weak on the mic. Although Reigns just needs a better script to better himself.

So, are we starting to see signs that it is time for Vince to pass complete control over to Stephanie and Paul (Triple H)? Is it long over due like many others have said? The one question is for sure, will he even know when it is time to step away? 2014 could have been an epic year, and it wasn't just the injuries that hindered that from happening. 2015 is already looking good with the late and beyond great Macho Man Randy Savage will be inducted into the WWE Hall Of Fame. The possibility of seeing Sting perform in a WWE ring on the grandest stage of them all, Wrestlemania. And now there is a strong rumor that the Undertaker could face Bray Wyatt at Wrestlemania.

THE MANY FACES OF...

Mick Foley wasn't and isn't the only wrestler to have many "faces", or characters/gimmicks as their called in wrestling. It was almost the norm back in the day for almost everyone to have more than one persona. Some were lucky and/or good enough to basically remain the same through out their careers, Hulk Hogan is slightly an example of this, having only made small changes to his character with the exception of his Hollywood Hogan days (which was more of just a basic heel turn). But, most had to have multiple looks and persona's. It kept them fresh when things ran stale, and that was key as the territories began to finally die out leaving only WWE and at the time WCW, now there is TNA and ROH.

For some it was really a matter of going through failed attempts before finally finding something that works. Look at The Undertaker, there was Mean Mark Calloway before there was The Deadman. Here are some others who had many faces through out their careers...

Stone Cold Steve Austin

He will forever known as The Texas Rattlesnake. However, before there was "What?", there was The Ringmaster. And even before that, he was Stunning Steve Austin. Which was pretty successful with runs with the WCW United States championship, and Tag Team Championship with the late Brian Pillman as the Hollywood Blondes. Austin just wasn't able to break the glass ceiling with it.

Kevin Nash

Most will remember him as himself, Kevin Nash. The rest will remember him as Diesel. Very few will remember the persona's that preceded these two. Vinnie Vegas wasn't too bad considering that era. Plus it was a taste of the future when Nash was part of the stable, The Diamond Mine, which included Scott Hall. Master Blaster member Steel and Oz? Not so much.

Bray Wyatt

The Easter Of Worlds may have found the gimmick that he will use the rest of his career. It is really too early to say, but it is one that has been really working well (understatement). His real name is Widham Rotunda, and although his career is still in the early stages, he has had persona's that came before Bray Wyatt. Axel Mulligan, Duke Rotunda. He even went by Husky Harris during the initial NXT. Which was actually getting over with fans before a punt to the head from Randy Orton wrote the character off.

JBL

From rough and tough Texan cowboy, followed by beer swilling brawler, to Wall Street tycoon. That pretty much sums up all of JBL's gimmicks over the years, and has had many names, but he made them work. As Blackjack Bradshaw it was hard to believe that he wasn't the stereotypical Texas tough guy cowboy. When teamed with Ron "Farooq" Simmons to form The Acolytes/A.P.A. he was able to get over with the fans at times as a beer drinking, cigar smoking, professional butt-kicker. He followed up and ended with his money maker (pun intended), JBL. Taking from real life, a Wall Street tycoon and even won the WWE Championship. Which he holds the record for longest run as WWE Champ in Smackdown! history.

It will be interesting to see if the days of someone having multiple persona's will continue on or cease to exist. With WWE attempting to build their own wrestlers through their system (training facility to NXT to main roster), will they take those who fail character wise and rebrand them until something works given their investment? Or will we see a one-and-done way of things?

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BASH AT THE...SURVIVOR SERIES

This idea or theory will likely end up in the "beating a dead horse" pile, along with all the other theories and opinions of those who want John Cena to finally turn heel. However, there is always that small chance that it could come to fruition. Didn't have social media in the late 80's and early to mid-90's, so not too sure how people viewed the "Hogan Era". Hulk Hogan as a baby face did run dry, and eventually lead to one of the greatest moments in wrestling history, when the Hulkster turned heel, and formed the n.W.o. with Scott Hall and Kevin Nash.

Survivor Series is the next WWE pay per view, and they will have a classic Survivor Series match with Team Cena facing off against Team Authority. First, there is the obvious Hogan comparison. Started as a heel, then turned into a baby face, and hasn't looked back despite how dry the character is becoming. Cena has said that all the fans would simply start cheering him, and he is right. Same thing really happened with Hogan when he turned. Sure he got his share of boo's as heels do, but like the rest of the n.W.o. he became "cool" again (for a period of time) and rejuvenated his career. John Cena needs to do this, and take things to another level, or at least in another direction. Number one money maker in WWE, but imagine the profits if he were popular with the majority again. Also, Cena has been sporting a lot of red and yellow (before Breast Cancer Awareness effort in October).
Second, they have hinted at a Cena heel turn on a few occasions. Most notably, joining The Authority. Who is whom Team Cena will be facing at Survivor Series. It's almost a perfect setting, more so if remaining similar to Hogan. Of course it doesn't all have to be the same as Hulksters turn, but most of wrestling is reused, but updated and tweaked story lines, etc. At least it will add something new for the next Cena vs Orton feud, which we all know will eventually happen again one day (it's their new Rock/HHH from back in the day).
Lastly, like Hogan, Cena is often accused of holding people back or not allowing others to break the proverbial glass ceiling. Mostly by the IWC, but regardless, it would be an opportunity to help squash those comments and put over new baby faces, instead of crushing heels which include those who turned in order to fit into the main event picture. Goldberg was over, but became "the man" after Hollywood Hulk Hogan did the honors. Dolph Ziggler? Kofi Kingston? The list long regardless of who should be on it.

It has been shot down over and over, but with the WWE Network being rumored as the reason for The Streak ending makes it a possibility. Even if just a very small one. Survivor Series would be a great place and time to do so. A sure way for him to continue to receive boo's from the crowd would be to have his relationship with Nikki Bella part of the storyline.

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WHAT HAPPENED?

Thanks to social media, we are usually able to find out why certain wrestlers had their "pushes" halted, or were released from the company. A more recent example would be Jack Swagger, who was riding high after winning the WWE World Championship a couple of years ago. And that was exactly the problem, Swagger was driving, was pulled over, and then it was discovered that he had been smoking marijuana and was driving under the influence. He wasn't "future endeavored" like other stars have had happen. The WWE simply ended his run with the title, and ceased his push. Swagger worked hard, and now has something better than a title, he has fans who chant on command "We The People!".

Some of these wrestlers, or sports entertainers if you will, may have had the reasons already stated and I missed it. Feel free to post comments below if you have the legitimate reason. Most of these performers will be more recent, as it is hard to think of anybody from the Attitude Era and back. As those eras consisted on Hulk Hogan who rarely went without the WWE Championship or being in the main event picture. Attitude Era there was Stone Cold, and when he was down, it was The Rock and Triple H (there were others, but they were the main go to guys).


Bray Wyatt
It feels as though things were purposely toned down. Bray Wyatt literally had "the whole world, in his hands", and packed arenas supporting and signing along. Then nothing. Sure the WWE Universe still provides the "fireflies", lighting up the arenas and adding to an already cool entrance. The speeches are still strange yet amazing, but they aren't fan inclusion type of thing he was doing before. Is the WWE trying to maintain Bray as a top heel, in a talent pool slightly heavy on the baby face side of things? Wyatt had a pretty good feud with the legendary Chris Jericho, but what really came from it? A feud perhaps that was better left for Wrestlemania. Like I said, the crowd is still there, smartphones lighting the crowd, just waiting for their chance to be involved again. When will we finally get to follow the buzzards that are hovering around championship gold?


Sheamus
Yes, he got injured and the titles are now unified making mid-card titles just as good in a sense. However, Sheamus seems to be completely out of the WWE World Heavyweight Championship picture. He's in the beginning phase of a feud with Cesaro, something I hope culminates at Wrestlemania 31, because it should be very good. But, with Brock Lesner holding the WWE WHC and Sheamus currently being a face, wouldn't it make sense for the two of them to square off at some point? It would be fresh, and interesting to see. Rumored to be a "Triple H guy" in the beginning, what happened?


Fandango
What started as a cheesy gimmick, actually began to work. With some crowd support, mainly during his entrance mind you, but support was there. He had a beautiful valet in Summer Ray. And then, he slowly seemed to just disappear from television. Was there an injury? Another issue like a failed drug test or scuffle backstage? Summer Ray seemed to actually progress her career further since the dance duo split up. What happened to Fandango?


Adam Rose
Almost everything about this character is geared for fan love, and fan involvement. His entrance doesn't get much more catchier. He had a catch phrase that the audience joined in on, "Don't Be A Lemon! Be A Rose Bud!". Rumors state that it was a simple case of Vince McMahon getting bored with the character, similar to how he supposedly feels about the Bo Dallas character. Whether or not this is true, not sure.


Damian Sandow
This is a situation that is similar to Triple H after the MSG Send-Off with fellow Kliq members Shawn Michaels, Scott Hall, and Kevin Nash. When he was "punished" and dropped to the bottom of the card to work his way up. Damian Sandow was a Money In The Bank winner, and a really good heal. Then, in an instant it was all gone. He became Santino Marella's replacement in a sense, filling he comedic role on the card. What makes him similar to Triple H, is that he hasn't let this stop him. Making the various characters, including his current role as The Miz's stunt double, quite entertaining. If he keeps this up, it will only be a matter of time before he is back in the mix at the top of the card. I just can't help but wonder what caused the sudden stop. It was
n't something bad enough to fire him over, but at times it feels as though it is intentionally trying to break him. Then again, WWE creative has had moments of "wtf" without being provoked before.

Zack Ryder
Not even a fan of The Long Island Iced-Z other than his "Woo, Woo, Woo! You Know It!", but one can't argue that he has quite the following. A fan base larger than some main eventers. And that was without any real push of any kind from the WWE. It appeared as though it was going to happen. Getting the main event "rub" from Cena. Mick Foley claims it was the lame storyline involving Ryder, Kelly Kelly (I think) and Kane. Regardless, the fans didn't really falter, yet he never appears in PPV's, doesn't even appear on Raw or Smackdown! And when he does, it on the losing end of things. Will he ever get another shot at glory?

Perhaps the reasons for these staled pushes have already been stated, but if not, it would be nice to know. Although it is a business where only hard facts (drug tests, crimes, etc) tell us the truth with both WWE and pro-wrestlers having a habit of bending and molding the truth.

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WRESTLEMANIA SEED PLANTED, OR ONE AND DONE?

If you caught Raw last night, then you are most likely aware of The Great One making a surprise appearance. If not, you missed out on what was one of the more exiting moments as of late. You missed out on the goose bumps from being electrified. Not even sure if the "dirt sheets" knew the The Rock would be making an appearance.

It wasn't a pure verbal segment either, although it was vintage Rock owning the mic. There was a nice small, one-sided exchange with The Rock layin' the smackdown on Rusev. It was short, yet made an impact. Now that is over, I can't help but wonder, "was that it?". It is almost a throw-back to have a legend make an appearance, run through the current monster heel, and then leave. However, The Rock himself has said he wants to be a part of Wrestlemania 31, after missing out on action for Wrestlemania 30 (other than the opening segment with Hogan and Stone Cold). It was apparently going to be Brock Lesner and Rock at 'Mania XXX, but that all fell through due to scheduling, and now The Streak is over. Anyway, with the rumor still being that it will be Roman Reigns squaring off with Lesner for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at Wrestlemania 31. Who does that leave for The Rock?

If I were in charge of booking, I would have Rusev continue to mow through the competition, even Big Show. With Lana boasting the Russian propaganda. The once we hit the Royal Rumble aka The Road To Wrestlemania, we have Rusev and Lana begin to call out The Rock. The one man to get one on Rusev and go unpunished. It would be USA versus Russia with no real worries about the WWE pulling the plug like they did with Jack Swagger. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is a full-blown patriot, and if there were "issues" regarding the story, after match at Mania The Rock can simply leave again and return when the heat has died down. I don't see what the problem was with Swagger, but this is how I would go about it since it is how it is. Guess we will see once we do reach the Road To Wrestlemania at the start of 2015.

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RETURNING TO GLORY

Randomly caught an episode of Global Supercard Wrestling. Seeing a list of superstars before the Attitude Era/Monday Night Wars. Guys like Booker T and his brother, Stevie Ray. Which made me think, we're all waiting on Sting to finally step foot into a WWE ring. Whether it for a match, or a simple interview segment, it will be historic. But, what about all the stars of yesteryear? Sure we had Booker T, and he is now a WWE Hall Of Famer, but what about his brother? More notably, their Harlem Heat tag team? After Vince McMahon and WWE bought out WCW back in 2001, we were provided with an opportunity for all the stars WCW made to make their mark on WWE. There were a variety of reasons for their absences. Some opted to take time off and finish collecting the guaranteed money form their WCW contracts. Some simply weren't offered a spot, while some refused to go to the WWE. Regardless of the reasons, we were denied.

With us now over a decade removed from the demise of WCW, and age being the proverbial biatch when it comes to athletics, it becomes less and less likely that we will ever see these stars make a WWE debut. Sure, we now have the WWE Network now so that we can watch all of our favorite moments from the past. And all the new found attention some of the wrestlers will get, could earn them an induction into the WWE Hall Of Fame. That would be great, for both the performers and fans alike. The "Legends Contracts" and deserved props from the fans for the wrestlers, and a final chance to say "thank-you" for the dedication and sacrafice simply to entertain us for us fans. However, as we have seen in some cases, although time is running out, some of these veterans can "still go". Remember Steamboat after he was inducted into the HOF, facing off with Chris Jericho. And the "You Still Got It" chant was extremely apt. Or even more recently with the New Age Outlaws, or the resurgence of Goldust keeping up and tagging up with his younger bro Cody (Stardust).

So, the point of all of this is to name off some guys who I wouldn't mind seeing making their debut, or return to a WWE ring. Guys from WCW's glory days, or even recently from TNA. Whether it be for one last run on the main stage, or a simple one match and done type situation. Even if that comes in the form of say a 6-man tag team match. Here are those I want to see debut or return to a WWE ring and eventually be inducted into the WWE Hall Of Fame...

Harlem Heat
Not too sure about Stevie Ray's status, and although Booker takes on more of a promoter/commentator/general manager type role, I would like to see a reunion of the brother tag team. A reunion that is also a WWE debut for the team and for Stevie Ray, as well as a return to in ring action for Booker. As far as I know, this tandem hasn't been in a WWE ring together. It wouldn't have to be a run like NAO had, or Goldust is currently on. Would hate for the world to see Stevie Ray's main stage career end with is part in the mock WCW at the end of the company. And I want this tag team in the WWE Hall Of Fame. Which could never happen with Booker having a successful WWE career on his own. What about you? Can you dig it?


Scott Steiner
Although we aren't supposed to say "never" in this business, this return is very unlikely. Which would be a shame really. I was ecstatic about Big Poppa Pump being in the WWE, I wasn't too keen on how they utilized him. And given the now near PG level of product (at least not full blown PG anymore), Freakzilla wouldn't quite fit into the scheme of things. Scott Steiner teamed with his brother, Rick, worked in years prior to the Attitude Era. But, the awesomeness that he became on his own unfortunately does not. Would be nice to see a proper run, even with the WWE World Heavyweight Championship since he was denied back when Triple H was playing the new age heel (his run with the World title was almost to peeve off the haters who said it was because of Stephanie). If not though, hopefully there is a spot for him in the WWE Hall Of Fame at least. Both for himself, as well as with his Dog Faced Gremlin bro Rick as the Steiner Brothers.


TNA Wrestlers (Past & Present)
Sure they aren't really who I was referring to, but for some of them, their careers are winding down or could possibly end at any moment given the high risk in this business. And lets be honest, as good as the performers are at TNA, the company itself has turned into somewhat of a joke. And if they don't get into the WWE now, then we could "lose them" forever in regards to main stages. Which can be important in developing stories that add to the matches. Gives them "reason". Who would I want to see? AJ Styles would be top of the list. The other guys would be Robert Roode and Eric Young. EY could be utilized as the WWE's mix of Santino Marella and Daniel Bryan. Comedy or underdog. I would say Samoa Joe, but would be fearful of how the WWE would use him. Especially with "Joe's Gonna Kill You" chant not fitting under the current format. Too many changes at the moment.


Jeff Jarrett
Yes, I still spell his name "J-E-Double F, J-A-Double R-E-Double T" in my head while writing/typing his name.And I didn't mention him in the TNA crew as he is a special case in comparison to those mentioned. Jarrett went to the WWE a somewhat established name, had a decent run in the WWE (although with a mid-card and tag team peak). He put over Chyna before he left for WCW, where he rose to the main event in a company with that proverbial glass ceiling. After WCW folded, instead of returning to the WWE Jarrett created  TNA. And too many out there, the company was a legit contender when he was in charge of things. Now, he is building another wrestling company. Add the fact that he has never really had a good relationship with the WWE, it makes this one of the most unlikely returns. Perhaps a HOF induction could happen one day, but even that seems unlikely. Never say never though right?


Bully Ray
More than any of the other "WWE Guys" on the TNA roster, I would want Bully Ray to return to the WWE. Not saying I don't want Devon to ever join him, I just appreciate how Bubba Ray has become Bully Ray. He would be a perfect heel, especially with an anti-bully campaign. And likely willing to take the heat for his role. A solo run, possibly with the WWE Wolrd Heavyweight Championship, ending with a Dudley Boys reunion. Capped off with an induction into the WWE Hall Of Fame. Yes, they just did this in TNA. This would be better, no?


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