WWE Rumors: Royal Rumble 2015 Preview, Who Will Main Event WrestleMania 31?
The 2015 Royal Rumble pay-per-view is this Sunday and will emanate live from the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. The annual 30-man match will determine who participates in the main event of WrestleMania 31 to face the WWE World Heavyweight Champion.
So without further ado, let's go through the card, break down the matches, and offer predictions for each.
The New Day (Big E, Kofi Kingston, and Xavier Woods) vs. Cesaro, Tyson Kidd, and Adam Rose
This is a match that will happen. That's about all we can say about it. The New Day continue to generate an incredible amount of indifference every time they come through the curtain, and you can hear a sneeze whenever they try to get the crowd to participate in the "Neeeeewwww Daaaaaayyy" chant.
Meanwhile, Tyson Kidd and Cesaro are being wasted alongside Adam Rose, who passed his expiration date months ago. The New Day will probably win this match, and we'll all go on with our lives.
Winner: New Day
The New Age Outlaws (Road Dogg Jesse James and Bad Ass Billy Gunn) vs. The Ascension (Konnor and Viktor)
The Ascension has been mocked, ridiculed, and pretty much treated like garbage from the minute they hit the main roster. The latest edition of Monday Night Raw featured a beat down by seven Legends with an average age in the high 40s. So the Ascension will probably win this match because they desperately need the help, but will it matter?
Winner: Ascension
The Usos (Jimmy Uso and Jey Uso) (c) vs. The Miz and Damien Mizdow for the WWE Tag Team Championship
This match should be used to finally drive the wedge between Miz and Mizdow, or at least widen the cracks a little. These two have fought in some combination on every episode of Raw for what has felt like six years, so what's one more?
Winner: Usos
Paige and Natalya vs. Brie Bella and Nikki Bella
I have no idea what this match is. I think it has something to do with Total Divas? Anyway, this match will probably end with a distraction and a roll up pin because 95% of all Divas matches end that way nowadays. Who wins? Nikki has the championship, so let's say the twins win it. Oh, and Brie is heel again because...?
Winner: Bella Twins
Brock Lesnar (c) vs. John Cena vs. Seth Rollins for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship
I haven't been able to say this too often recently, so let's enjoy it. WWE has done a magnificent job crafting this story and getting me excited for this match. There are layers to it. There's scope, and stakes, and passion.
Brock Lesnar is an unstoppable, ass-kicking beast. In his own words, he's a prizefighter. He shows up, demolishes his opponents, wolfs down a steak or four, and goes home. He's terrifying.
Seth Rollins is a weasel-y little bastard. He's cocky, arrogant, and won't engage in a fair fight. But he's also really dangerous and able to beat you with that lethal Curb Stomp of his. And he has the secret weapon of the Money in the Bank contract, which would likely come into play on Sunday. So he essentially has two chances to win.
And John Cena...well, he's John Cena. He needs to be in this match, and he has a decent chance to win. It wouldn't shock me if he did, but it wouldn't shock me if he didn't.
I've heard the sentiment that Brock Lesnar will drop the belt here and move onto UFC, but I'm not buying it. Based on the way he has been booked throughout 2014 and 2015, he has to lose the belt at WrestleMania. There's no other way this story can end but on the grandest stage.
Winner: Brock Lesnar
Royal Rumble Match
As of this writing, the following men are confirmed for the Royal Rumble match: Daniel Bryan, Roman Reigns, Rusev, Bray Wyatt, Dean Ambrose, Bad News Barrett, Goldust, Stardust, Kane, Big Show, Justin Gabriel, R-Truth, Fandango, Diego, Fernando, Big E, Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods, Tyson Kidd, Cesaro, The Miz, and Damien Mizdow.
That leaves eight spots for Legends and other surprise returns. Randy Orton and Sheamus have been rumored as entrants, along with Legends including Diamond Dallas Page.
But as for the actual winner, I'd like to say Daniel Bryan repeats his journey from last year, goes onto WrestleMania and wins the title. But the very fact that Bryan himself mentioned this in a promo leads me to believe that it won't happen. Instead, I expect WWE to use him as a heat magnet. For example, Bryan could come in at No. 1 (or some other early spot), last until the final four or so, and then get eliminated by a heel who would then receive nuclear heat.
Many fans believe Roman Reigns is destined to win this thing. And he probably is. And he probably will. And yours truly will be in Philly to watch the angry mob rip it apart.
Winner: Roman Reigns
What are your expectations for the Royal Rumble? Let us know in the comments section.