wrestling / Columns

411 Roundtable Preview: WWE Royal Rumble 2016

January 24, 2016 | Posted by Sean Garmer

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Introduction

This year’s WWE Royal Rumble is pretty historic as it is the first time that someone is defending the WWE Championship inside the Rumble match itself. The event that has long started the “Road to Wrestlemania” since 1989, is perhaps more wide open than ever before. Even though the contenders in the Rumble match don’t appear numerous, there could be some surprises that could throw a wrench into the whole situation. Everyone’s attention will be on the main event, but there is a solid undercard here too. Four title matches proliferate the match lineup, headlined by Charlotte defending her WWE Divas Championship against former best friend Becky Lynch and Dean Ambrose and Kevin Owens go at it for the WWE Intercontinental Championship in a Last Man Standing Match as well. It could be a whole new world when the Royal Rumble event ends, but before we get to that, find out what the 411 staff think could happen on the show.

The Staff

Justin Watry, Wrestling Zone Article Writer

Mike Hammerlock, Wrestling Zone 8-Ball

Chad Perry, Wrestling Zone Video Reviewer

Kevin Pantoja, WWE NXT Reporter, Wrestling Zone Video Reviewer

Michael Weyer, Shining a Spotlight,

Wyatt Beougher, Wrestling Article Writer, MMA Fact or Fiction Organizer

Mike Chin, The Magnificent Seven

Paul Leazar, Co-Host of Wrestling 2 the MAX Podcast

Mitch Nickelson, The 411 Top 10

Gary Vaughan, Co-Host of Wrestling 2 the MAX Podcast

Sean Garmer, Co-Host of Wrestling 2 the MAX Podcast, WWE PPV Roundtable Organizer, Games Top 5 Organizer, Host of Co-operative Multiplayer Live Podcast, Quizmaster on Four Player Co-op

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The Ascension vs. Dudley Boys vs. Mark Henry & Jack Swagger vs. Damien Sandow & Darren Young
Pre-Show Kick-Off Match: Fatal 4 Way Tag Team Match

Justin Watry: Normally, I would pick the Dudleyz and say ‘no explanation needed’ due to the other teams lacking. Since this is for two spots in the Royal Rumble match, I am picking two solo competitors – Mark Henry and Jack Swagger. Very little reason for them to be teaming, except that they work better as solo guys. Weird to think about, but that fits the stipulation…right?

Winner: Mark Henry and Jack Swagger

Mike Hammerlock: Wait, this match cannot possibly exist. Where’s the Charlie in the Box and the squirt gun that only shoots jelly? It’s like Vince McMahon stumbled across the nap room in the back, woke up these guys and told them they’re having a match. Technically these guys aren’t pushovers. One team features two former world champions. The Dudley Boyz are nine time tag champions. Young and Sandow have been on champion tag teams in the recent past, and Sandow once won Money in the Box (but blew his cash-in to make John Cena feel better). There’s also the Ascension, for whom there is no hope. They should have stipped this thing: winner get into the Rumble match.

Winner: The Dudley Boyz

Chad Perry: I wonder how many people saw this match announced and were confused by Swagger & Henry. They have been teaming on Superstars/Main Event for the last month or so (because MURICA), but of course that is not mentioned on TV. Heck, Swagger didn’t even team up with Henry in the 8 man tag on Raw. On the other hand, why in the blue hell are Young & Sandow teaming!?! Not only is that one of the strangest combos, but it is also totally unneeded. This could be a fun start to the night, but in the end we know none of these eight men are winning the Rumble.

Winner: Team America (Ascension eat the pinfall)

Kevin Pantoja: What the hell is this? I hate it when they don’t even try with the pre-show. At least at last year’s Rumble we got New Day vs. Kidd and Cesaro. I do give them props for adding spots in the Rumble as a stipulation. I think this is quite obvious.

Winner: Dudley Boyz

Michael Weyer: It’s pre-show do we care? Just not that fun on paper, could be promising but nothing truly special. I’ll give it to the Dudleyz to continue this nostalgia run but nothing too serious over all.

Winners: The Dudley Boyz

Wyatt Beougher: Is Ben Folds Five the official musical provider for Royal Rumble 2016? Because this is definitely the “Battle of Who Could Care Less”, and Roman Reigns is a “Brick” and the WWE’s drowning slowly. But hey, the average WWE fan has proven to be exceedingly dumb, so they’ll probably still be “Rockin the Suburbs”…okay, okay, I’m done. I literally have nothing serious to write about this match, so…Go Sandow! (Although I’d much rather see him tagging with Goldust and the PTP staying together.)

Winners: The Dudley Boyz (3D, probably on Sandow, just to break my heart)

Mike Chin: If none of these guys are making it into the Rumble match, then I like this as an eight-man preview to the chaos to come. Young and Sandow come across as completely thrown-together; Henry and Swagger do, too, though I see more potential in them as a sustained team. In the end, though, this one seems to come down to the Dudleys and The Ascension. Assuming New Day keeps the tag titles, it makes sense for Bubba Ray and D-Von to pick up the win here and gear up for one more program with the champs.

Winner: The Dudley Boyz

Paul Leazar: The very definition of filler. The Dudley Boyz get the win here to the surprise of no one, and maybe we see if their was any salt to the rumors about giving them a singles run.

Winners: The Dudley Boyz

Mitch Nickelson: I’m confused why the Dudleyz and Mark Henry aren’t automatically in the Rumble. They all seem like established enough names. Even poor Jack Swagger is a former World Champion; shouldn’t that give him a bye? I’m rooting for Damien Sandow and I’m hoping the crowd goes ballistic and cheers like crazy for him, but I don’t think he’ll win. I’ll pick the Dudleyz to win so they can pop the crowd for a 3D or a table spot in the Rumble. If the rumors of WWE wanting to give Bubba a solo run have any truth behind them then maybe they can plant some of those seeds during the 30-man match.

Winner: The Dudley Boyz

Gary Vaughan: I like the stipulation for this match. The Dudleys are the only tag team relevant to the fans and even they could not make this matter by themselves. With the winners getting spots in the Royal Rumble, I have to go with two guys I want to see in the Rumble. So, I have to go with Young and Sandow. Despite love for the Dudleys, I just have go with the two guys I want to see back in the ring.

Winner: Darren Young & Damien Sandow

Sean Garmer: I really don’t care too much about this, but it is nice to see some Rumble spots on the line here. I’m going to take the two singles wrestlers that might do something in the Rumble Match.

Winner: Jack Swagger & Mark Henry (World Strongest Slam)

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(Champion) Alberto Del Rio vs. Kalisto
United States Championship Match

Justin Watry: Tough match to predict. Honestly, I have been writing in my Jay’s Ways column for over a year now that WWE should pick a mid-card title belt (United States Championship in this case) and play hot potato with it for a few weeks. I know, I know. It sounds ridiculous, and trust me – I DISLIKE hot potato title changes as much as the next person and much prefer long-term champions. However, every once in awhile, you have to switch things up. Give Kalisto and Alberto Del Rio until WWE Fast Lane to go back and forth over the US Title. Then pick one guy, preferably Kalisto, and have them as champ for the next six months. Heck, bring back the weekly open challenge for all I care…

Winner: Kalisto

Mike Hammerlock: After trading title victories a week ago, this is the rubber match. It could become a best-of-seven. This is where we find out if fans will get behind Kalisto. To his credit, this is already Del Rio’s best WWE feud in what feels like forever. They’ve got ring chemistry and Kalisto disrupting Del Rio’s complacency is a good story. My hope is they let these two deviate a bit from WWE style and give us some lucha libre. Both of these guys have bags of tricks WWE audiences haven’t seen. If they want to make this card feel special, they’ll let these two put on a real spectacle.

Winner: Alberto Del Rio

Chad Perry: I have felt very differently about all three singles matches these two have had thus far. Their first encounter felt like a tease of what could be a great match. The second match, which saw Kalisto win the belt, was a good match and it was a feel good moment. Their latest encounter with ADR winning the belt back was just a really long squash to me and not very interesting. I will not be surprised with the result either way, but am hoping that WWE is ready to push someone fresh and actually give Kalisto a little run.

Winner: Kalisto

Kevin Pantoja: This has been a strangely booked series. They’re already wrestled three times in about two weeks, so the appeal of their matches is pretty lackluster. Still, I think they could have a really solid match. Picking a winner is kind of tough though. On the one hand, another loss for Kalisto would be rough on his young career. On the other hand, Alberto Del Rio can afford the loss but the WWE is paying him so much that I can’t see them taking the belt off of him. I’m still waiting for Del Rio to look as motivated as he did in Lucha Underground. Anyway, I suspect Del Rio retains here, but consider it a test to see how Kalisto does in his first major singles match.

Winner: Alberto Del Rio

Michael Weyer: The whole switches back and forth do the belt no favors and just make both guys look weaker. Which is too bad as this is one of Del Rio’s best programs in WWE, he and Kalisto working great together and should perform another great battle. Tempting to say another change but I think they want to keep it stable to give Del Rio more of a push and he retains here, hopefully going all out for a better fight to keep Kalisto strong.

Winner and still US Champion: Alberto Del Rio

Wyatt Beougher: This is the championship match on the card that has had the least amount of build time, and yet I feel like the condensed story that they’ve told has been executed so much better than any of the other championship feuds that will get matches on this card. Del Rio doesn’t take Kalisto seriously (and why should he? Dude teams with Sin Cara, who Del Rio has beaten 997 out of their 1000 matches, a rarity in today’s 50/50 WWE) and Kalisto takes his title. An incensed Del Rio then proceeds to annihilate Kalisto to show him that his victory was, in fact, a fluke and that the League of Nations are more than just a bunch of jobbers to Roman Reigns and John Cena. The next logical step is for Kalisto to prove himself here and defeat Del Rio again, firmly establishing him as a rising star, at which point he and Neville can make the US title the closest thing we’ll ever get to WCW’s Cruiserweight division in WWE. That said, WWE probably has this feud lasting until Survivor Series, so I’m fully prepared for Del Rio to win here. I’m still picking with my heart, though

Winner and NEW WWE United States Champion: Kalisto (Salida del Sol)

Mike Chin: This prediction may well end up being wishful thinking, but I’m choosing to believe that Kalisto’s brief title run wasn’t a fluke and a ratings ploy, but rather part of a bigger push. WWE could use a new rising star toward the top of the mid-card. Kalisto fills the void of a Latino face, besides being a darn good in-ring performer. My fingers are crossed he’ll pick up this win.

Winner: Kalisto

Paul Leazar: I’m still scratching my head at why they did the quick change between Kalisto winning it and then immediately dumping it back to ADR the next night, but I think it’s simply been a device to keep people interested in seeing the rubber match. That being said, I think pushing Kalisto has been a breath of fresh air on RAW, and I really, really hope that all of this has been working towards getting that strap back on Kalisto, and giving him a serious run to see what he can bring to the table.

Winner and NEW WWE United States Champion: Kalisto

Mitch Nickelson: These two have proven that they can put on a good match together but I’m not too invested in the title that’s on the line. They’ve both won and lost the United States Championship to each other in recent weeks, so whatever reaction I might have to a Rumble title switch is at least a little diminished at this point. As for the finish, I think Del Rio is retaining. As much as I want to see Kalisto get a good push, I think this US Championship rivalry is just something to do while the other half of the Lucha Dragons is out with injury. Del Rio is the guy that WWE likes in the role and I think they’ll keep it him in it.

Winner: Alberto Del Rio

Gary Vaughan: Del Rio has to be one of the most boring US champions in history. That’s why not only do I want, but we all need Kalisto to end his title run. It should be a good match with Kalisto squeaking out a victory.

Winner: Kalisto

Sean Garmer: I was ok with the title switches in short order, due to the way they presented both matches. Kalisto beat Del Rio to earn the titleshot, won the title on RAW in a surprise, and then Del Rio destroyed Kalisto’s arm and it took a few interventions from King Barrett to get him the title back as well. Now we have the rubber match and I hope they get the time to deliver a great match here. Del Rio has basically had that title as a prop. He doesn’t need it and I think Kalisto could get people to care about the title again. John Cena did a lot to make the title mean something. Del Rio has done nothing to continue that.

Winner AND NEW UNITED STATES CHAMPION: Kalisto (Solida Del Sol)

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(Champions) New Day vs. The Usos
WWE Tag Team Championship Match

Justin Watry: Yep, time for some new blood in the tag team division. The Prime Time Players are back to being The Background Players. The Lucha Dragons have went their separate ways (due to the Sin Cara injury). The Dudley Boyz and The Wyatt Family have moved on. The Ascension are…yeah. I can see why WWE is interested in Doc Gallows and Karl Anderson as a tag team. My only fear is we get the Hype Bros. Ugh. Long story short, The New Day beat The Usos.

Winner: The New Day

Mike Hammerlock: I could argue for non-finishes for almost the entire undercard. It would drive fans (and 411’s Larry Csonka) crazy, but this is the perfect example of a feud that should extend far beyond this event. This really should be the start of something that leads to WrestleMania and a tag match that can play on the industry’s biggest stage. New Day has been a revelation this year. The Usos are their optimal opponent. Now they need to make us ache for a definitive clash between them. We aren’t close to there yet. I suspect the Usos win the match via shenanigans and New Day retains, which is why I’m picking New Day below. I find it hard to believe they won’t march into WrestleMania as WWE Tag champs. By hook or crook, they’ll get through this night. Yet the Usii will be seeking righteous revenge for it.

Winner: New Day

Chad Perry: Sadly I think the time has come for The New Day’s second title run to come to an end, but what a run it has been. The build to this has been just fine, your typical tag team title build really. What will be intriguing is if and when New Day looses the straps, what role do they then play on WWE television? Dropping the belts here and then moving Kofi into a singles feud with Kalisto for the US belt could be an interesting switch up.

Winner: The Usos

Kevin Pantoja: It’s really hard for me to pick against the New Day. I voted them as my Tag Team of the year for 2015 and they’ve been the best thing about the WWE throughout the second half of the year. Their opponents are the Usos though, who the WWE really seems to love. I’m sure this will be a good tag match, with potential to be the best New Day has had since Tyson Kidd and Cesaro. As it stands, the New Day are too good to have them drop the belts here. They should retain through nefarious terms. If the endgame is for the Usos to get back atop the tag team mountain, save it for WrestleMania. They could win the yearly pre-show multi-team match.

Winner: The New Day

Michael Weyer: It just isn’t time for a change as the New Day continue to be the best thing in WWE right now, entertaining as hell, huge with the crowds and always a delight to watch. Expect some great moves and back and forth but New Day manages to win as their celebrations are always great and this promises another fun run.

Winner and still WWE Tag Team Champions: The New Day

Wyatt Beougher: I feel like this was an actual conversation in a WWE Creative Team meeting:

Vince: “DAMMIT, New Day are the most over act on the roster, they’re moving merchandise, and they’re taking attention away from Roman Reigns! What can we do to stop this without making it too obviously racist?”

Random Creative Team Member #1: “We could have a returning Chris Jericho do a poor man’s version of 2013 Rock, then shift him into the Roman Reigns feud for no reason.”

Vince: “I like it, but it feels like it’s missing something…”

Random Creative Team Member #2: “We could have them lose non-title match after non-title match to Roman Reigns’ cousins.”

Vince: “That’s more like it…what else?”

Random Creative Team Member #3: “We could have Stephanie completely emasculate New Day backstage…you liked it the last several times we did that.”

Vince: “She’s going to be too busy emasculating Roman Reigns, Brock Lesnar, AND Paul Heyman; that’s a terrible idea! YOU’RE FIRED!”

I’m honestly sure it went nothing like that, but that’s absolutely how it has felt. I’ve made no secret of my fandom for New Day or of my loathing for the Usos, but even in my worst nightmares, this feud didn’t play out this badly. I honestly thought, naively in hindsight, that feuding with the Dudley Boyz would be the worst thing that would happen to New Day while they were so insanely popular and moving merchandise, but then the talent vacuums that are Uce 1 and Uce 2 returned, and I realized that WWE is always going to find new and inventive ways of proving me wrong any time I think something can’t get worse. In a recent Wrestler of the Week column, I called the Usos “WWE’s version of the Young Bucks”, but I feel like that’s a disservice to the Young Bucks, because the Usos don’t have the self-awareness of the Bucks, or the moveset, or the ability to actually fly, or the charisma, or really anything that makes people like the Jacksons. Honestly, if the Usos win this match, it will be significantly worse than if their similarly charisma-deficient cousin lasts throughout the entirety of the Rumble and retains his title.

Winners and STILL WWE World Tag Team Champions: New Day (Big Ending/Elbow Drop combination)

Mike Chin: I never would have called it a year ago, but The New Day is on fire and The Usos have felt downright stale since their return. Heading into ‘Mania season, if there’s any justice at all, New Day goes over and carries the tag straps into Dallas.

Winner: The New Day

Paul Leazar: This should be a really fun match once again, but the focus of the feud has been sort of scattered since their last encounter at TLC. Maybe it’s because WWE has been scrambling with everything since the string of injuries has hit them at every position on the roster. That being said, The New Day continue to entertain myself, and I still see no reason to shift the belts, so New Day retains. Also, RIP Francesca. You’re wonderful melodies will live on in our hearts.

Winners and STILL WWE World Tag Team Champions: New Day

Mitch Nickelson: This could be a great match because both teams are entertaining in the ring. I’m not too keen on The Usos as characters but they definitely can put on a great match. WWE sees them as a franchise of sorts for their division so I wouldn’t be shocked if they got the titles back. I hope The Usos don’t win but I do see this one as a toss up. My pick is New Day just because they’re still consistently one of the best things about WWE’s product. Let them be the Hulk Hogans from the 1980s of the current tag teams and just feed them different duos one after the other to mow over. As long as they’re selling crazy amounts of merch (my wife and I have 3 New Day shirts between the two of us), then keep those Tag Team Championships right where they are.

Winner: The New Day

Gary Vaughan: I can’t say I’m excited about this match. Both tag teams are great in ring workers, but this match feels so much like a RAW match. New Day should win this match because I don’t see a reason for them to lose the belts yet.

Winner: New Day

Sean Garmer: Both of these teams are awesome and they have good chemistry with each other. The thing is, we’ve seen a little too many variations of it to this point that I am tempering my expectations. I don’t know that WWE is going to care too much about it, especially with some bigger matches ahead on the card. That being said, I don’t see a reason why the New Day need to lose the belts.

Winners AND STILL WWE TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS: New Day

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(Champion) Charlotte vs. Becky Lynch
Divas Championship Match

Justin Watry: I will be hard headed and believe Sasha Banks is the one to defeat Charlotte for the title at WrestleMania 32. Stubborn thinking and all, it feels like this championship reign has to last until then. Sorry Becky Lynch, that means you have to lose again. Disappointing but sometimes, these story lines have to drag out until the final scene. That comes on April 3rd…

Winner: Charlotte

Mike Hammerlock: I fear what might happen if Becky Lynch wins this match. Would she have an immediate heel turn? That’s the way divas roll these days, right? Just when you think one of them might have a pleasant disposition we discover she’s just another crazy bitch. I have hope for this match from a technical standpoint and Lynch actually seems popular. They could go for a feel-good moment here, though I’m guessing they have Charlotte sink to a new low in order to retain.

Winner: Charlotte

Chad Perry: Turning Charlotte heel has been a very good move, and Slick Ric has been helping greatly. Lynch is a great competitor and really was very overlooked by the general public on the call ups because of being brought up with Charlotte and Sasha Banks. These ladies have had a couple good matches on TV the last few weeks, and I anticipate to see that again here. Charlotte is not dropping the belt yet though, and I would guarantee that.

Winner: Charlotte

Kevin Pantoja: A Divas match on the main roster that I actually care about? It’s a goddamn miracle. Charlotte was really good in NXT, but has sputtered since leaving the friendly confines of the Performance Center. Her character needs work too and the baby Naitch stuff isn’t very good. The reason I’m invested is simple. Becky Lynch. I can’t remember the company EVER having such a naturally likable babyface Diva. Even going back to the days of Trish and Lita, there were reasons you could find to dislike both women. Becky is adorable, plucky, fun and damn good in the ring. I would be beyond ecstatic if she won and faced Sasha in a TakeOver: Unstoppable rematch at Mania. Instead, the WWE loves Charlotte, so she’ll retain. Hopefully we can see Sasha/Charlotte/Becky at least at Mania.

Winner: Charlotte

Michael Weyer: The heel turn is doing great for Charlotte and pushed this feud up a bit and having Flair on her side just helps more. A change is possible but Charlotte just looks so good now that WWE will roll with it to keep her on top and give the division more life as if anyone can help it rise more, it’s Slick Ric’s kid.

Winner and still Divas Champion: Charlotte

Wyatt Beougher: Here’s my spin on a Greg DeMarco BOLD prediction – Ric Flair will get involved in this match. Shocking, right? This would probably be second in my list of best-booked championship feuds going into this card, but a) it’s a pretty distant second, and b) that’s not saying a whole lot. Not that there’s been anything wrong with this feud, but it’s not breaking any new ground, it hasn’t really helped the Divas division develop characters (Charlotte’s “girl Ric Flair”, Becky’s “main roster Bayley”, and everyone else is basically interchangeable), and, like the Del Rio/Kalisto feud, I have no confidence that they’ll wrap it up here, meaning this match will probably have a screwy finish to set up another match at Fastlane. That last part wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world, if Becky and Charlotte hadn’t already wrestled each other approximately 84 times in the past month or so. The only way I see this having a decisive finish is if Nikki ends up being medically cleared, at which point Charlotte wins decisively and they bring Nikki back as a face (WITHOUT ANY EXPLANATION, YOU GUYS) to feud with her until Wrestlemania (or the handful of live events after, since nothing wraps up at Wrestlemania anymore). I’m going to assume that doesn’t happen, though, and predict the outcome that makes the most sense.

Winner and NEW WWE Divas Champion: Becky Lynch (Disarmer)

b>Mike Chin: While the injury bug may be fouling up longer term plans, this rivalry feels like a placeholder before Sasha Banks gets her title program. Of course, the way WWE books female performers, they might slide just about any or all of the women on the roster into the title picture for WrestleMania.

Winner: Charlotte

Paul Leazar: With all this change at the top of the card, I think the WWE goes the opposite way with this one. I think we’re going to be building towards a multi-woman match as per usual at Wrestlemania, which seems like two steps back from what they’ve been trying to do with Women’s Division since the start of the Revolution. I’m sure we’ll get Charlotte playing up the heel role, and Becky will come so close, but she just won’t get the W.

Winner and STILL WWE Divas Champion: Charlotte

Mitch Nickelson: Say what you want about how much the Divas Revolution of 2015 turned out to be a bust but Charlotte and Becky Lynch have done their best to get that train back on the tracks. It was just a month or so ago that a baby face Charlotte was a part of a cringe-inducing promo with Paige in which her deceased brother was mocked. Now, heel Charlotte is in full Flair-mode and I’m totally buying into it. Her dad Ric might be stealing the spotlight much of the time but at least their antics clearly define them as heels. With Becky Lynch emerging as a solid babyface worth rallying behind, this has turned out into a pretty coherent rivalry that I’m starting to care about. My winner for this contest is Becky Lynch, but this is another close one. I think the end-game will be a multi-woman match at WrestleMania that ends with Sasha Banks winning it all and I’d guess both of these ladies to be in that match. I think a title win would boost fan investment into Becky Lynch whereas a Charlotte win wouldn’t really change much of anything, so I’m going with Lynch.

Winner: Becky Lynch

Gary Vaughan: I actually believe we will see a really good match between these two. They have chemistry and it shows through their consistent quality matches. I originally chose Becky Lynch to win, but I think Ric Flair will cost her the match, which will lead this feud into a continuation.

Winner: Charlotte

Sean Garmer: This has to be the best booked WWE Divas feud in ages. Who would have thought that something simple as, friend turns on friend, Charlotte brings in her Hall of Fame father and Charlotte becomes just like him, this gives Becky sympathy. Becky says she wants to take the title from Charlotte and proves her mettle by beating other Divas on the roster. The icing on the cake was Monday’s RAW where she got Flair to accept for Charlotte, creating a little tension between father and daughter that could be a distraction in the match. I think Becky has been built very strong and they’ve kept Charlotte and Becky away from each other for the most part. I’m going to go for the surprise and say Becky pulls off the win.

Winner AND NEW WWE DIVAS CHAMPION: Becky Lynch (Disarmher)

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(Champion) Dean Ambrose vs. Kevin Owens
Last Man Standing Intercontinental Championship Match

Justin Watry: Another tough one to predict. Logic says Dean Ambrose retains and keeps the IC Championship. However, my gut is telling me Kevin Owens wants that belt back. Bad! The beauty of this feud is that both men have opponents waiting at WrestleMania 32. Ambrose has Chris Jericho (who has been a heel since returning), and Owens has a Sami Zayn call up on the horizon. Two great matches for the Mania card…IC Title or no IC Title. I will pick Dean here even if I think Owens winning thanks to some Y2J help is the better option, but really – does it even matter?

Winner: Dean Ambrose

Mike Hammerlock: I have gone back and forth in my own head on this match. It seems wrong that either one of these guys could lose. Ambrose is most popular regular on the roster and Owens is the company’s strongest regular heel (at least among the healthy options). It’s also a bizarre stipulation because you’d think both of these guys are needed for the Rumble match. At least one of them, the guy not left standing, probably won’t pull double duty. The case for Owens is the E is desperate for meaningful heels. Too many of them during the past year were sacrificed to John Cena’s open challenges and Roman Reigns’ march through the roster. Also, from a character perspective, the Passion of the Ambrose probably furthers the Ambrose legend. They could, not that I think they will, have Ambrose take a vicious beating to start the night only for him to rise from the dead and claim the WWE title to close the show. That would be a night we remember forever, and for all the right reasons. However, I think it’s more likely Ambrose retains here, setting up what looks to me like his inevitable clash with Chris Jericho at WrestleMania. The IC belt is an important part of that feud if they go that route.

Winner: Dean Ambrose

Chad Perry: Outside of the Rumble match itself, this is the match that I am most looking forward to. These two have wrestled plenty of times on TV since November (including the last 2 PPVs) and every time it felt like they may have been saving a little something for a bigger match, and here we are. The Last Man Standing match has been one of my favorite gimmicks over the years, and there is no doubt in my mind that if this was happening on the independent scene 5 years ago that it would have torn the house down. But, how far will WWE let these two go? I think it will be more tame than most people would like to see it, but we will still have a great contest on our hands. This could also be a strong way to write either guy out from competing in the Rumble later in the night. Though I think that a conclusive end to the feud is needed, I see WWE taking the classic “no man left standing” finish.

Winner: NO CONTEST

Kevin Pantoja: I pray that this is the show stealing match I’ve wanted for months. I thought their outing at Survivor Series was good, while TLC was heavily disappointing. Their television matches have all been pretty good, but I feel like this stipulation is what they’ve been waiting for. They always seem to be holding something back, but this should allow them to really deliver. Picking an outcome is a bit tough. I don’t expect Kevin Owens to walk away as champion. However, I can see one of two scenarios happening. Either Ambrose wins straight up, or they do a no contest like HBK/HHH in 2004 to set up more matches. Part of me senses the latter, but I’m going with an Ambrose win.

Winner: Dean Ambrose

Michael Weyer: A real toughie here, back and forth battle and both guys deserve the win. Ambrose is doing well as the champ and a good push would help him out but we know Owens can be good in the role as well. Either way, it should be a fantastic battle, both giving it their all and smashing hard but I don’t see a change just yet. I say they wait for more to go but at least we get a possible MOTN here and nice to see the IC belt given a good showcase for a change.

Winner and still IC Champion: Dean Ambrose

Wyatt Beougher: I’m…not interested in this match all that much, honestly. The build has been perfectly acceptable, but considering the two guys who are involved, it just feels like it’s been lacking. It’ll probably be a good match that’s hurt by its stipulation (which has always translated to “lots of laying around until nearly the ten count” in WWE’s use of it), and it would probably make a very solid opener, but I’m just not into it like I should be, for some reason. Since I think Kalisto picks up the win in his undercard match, I look for Owens to win the IC strap in this match, especially since his finisher actually plays into the stipulation so well, as we’ve seen repeatedly in NXT. If Ambrose runs at him at ringside late in the match, I’ll just assume that I correctly predicted the finisher.

Winner and NEW WWE Intercontinental Champion: Kevin Owens (Lights Out pop-up powerbomb to the ring apron)

Mike Chin: This match could go either way, and could be quite telling in terms of which of these guys WWE will be more behind in the long-term, including getting pushed to a main event program with Roman Reigns post-WrestleMania. Ultimately, Ambrose is the more proven commodity, besides which, if I’m right that a heel wins the Rumble, it makes sense that a face would go over in the next biggest match.

Winner: Dean Ambrose

Paul Leazar: Well, if I’m picking Dean to walk out as the WWE Champion, he naturally has to lose to Kevin Owens here. And that’s completely okay. This has been the best built feud coming into this show, and I’m very much looking forward to seeing these two working one hell of a match. Kevin Owens winning here brings another interesting wrinkle. With KO showing up on NXT at a house show, do they have something in the works for KO and Zayn (who will hopefully show up in the Rumble) at Wrestlemania for the Intercontinental Championship? A man can dream…

Winner and NEW WWE Intercontinental Champion: Kevin Owens

Mitch Nickelson: If there was going to be a match of the year contender on this card, my money is that it’ll be this one. They’ve been battling it out over the past couple of months and I keep wanting more from these guys. One week, Owens powerbombed Ambrose through an announce table. The next week, Ambrose elbow dropped Owens through another announce table. They were even crashing and burning off of production equipment one week on SmackDown. I expect Dean and Kevin to battle around the arena, destroying themselves and anything they find along the way…it should be great! As for the IC Title, I see that staying with Ambrose. I have (most likely misguided) hope that an upcoming void of top level heels when Brock leaves post-Mania might provide Owens an opportunity to move even further up the card.

Winner: Dean Ambrose

Gary Vaughan: If you want a brawl, I think this is your bout. Owens will take Ambrose to the edge by cutting corners and taking advantage of anything he can to get ahead. Despite all that though, I feel like Ambrose will find a way to scratch out a victory.

Winner: Dean Ambrose

Sean Garmer: This has been the most solid feud in a long while on the men’s side of things. Just two guys that want to beat the crap out of each other and also despise each other by the same token. Ambrose and Owens in this kind of stipulation could deliver some wonderful awesome sauce. This could definitely be a MOTYC if they build to the drama and give us a fitting decision. I think Owens finds a way to win here and perhaps the feud continues, or maybe it sets up an Intercontinental Championship match with an old friend at WM 32.

Winner AND NEW WWE INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPION: Kevin Owens

 photo Royal-Rumble-2016.jpg
(Champion) Roman Reigns defends against 29 other men
Royal Rumble Match for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship

Justin Watry:

Who will enter # 2: Brock Lesnar SHOULD enter at number two here. Yes, I would have him and Roman Reigns start and end the Royal Rumble. You can still do all the surprise entrants and fun stuff, but these two are the focus. Think 1999 with Stone Cold Steve Austin and Vince McMahon.

Will AJ Styles be in the Royal Rumble Match (this is a yes or no question, you can explain why if you so desire): Yes. Right when the rumors surfaced, I said as such (on another website) and will stand firm. Also, my belief is WWE purposely leaked these rumors and started doing all the articles teasing AJ Styles as a way to drum up interest. If WWE wants to pull of a huge surprise with NO prior spoilers, they have proven time and time again they can do it. In rare cases though, letting news ‘accidentally’ get out is to their benefit. Letting fans research AJ Styles before the Rumble is a win for both sides. He shows up and does quite well for himself.

Name some surprise entrants (obviously this means people in NXT or not actively part of the main roster): No to Seth Rollins and no to John Cena. I think Daniel Bryan has to be listed, as does Triple H. Sting and The Undertaker? Eh, maybe. The usual suspects like Rob Van Dam, Carlito, and Hacksaw Jim Duggan will be rumored, but I could do without them. Same with a bunch of NXT stars. They will all be backstage anyways, so save me the clickbait headlines over the weekend. My big prediction is we get a female entrant! Not sure how WWE gets around it due to the male vs. female aspect, but it worked in 2012 with Kharma. It can work again.

Who will have the Most Eliminations: Brock Lesnar has the most eliminations. The easy answer is Roman Reigns, but I think we get a Lesnar showcase more than anything on Sunday.

How long will Roman Reigns last in the Rumble: Well, the intervals are said to be only one minute this year, so thirty minutes? I don’t know. Roman Reigns will start and be there at the end.

Final Four: Okay, I am saying AJ Styles, Triple H, Brock Lesnar, and Roman Reigns. Remember the theory on HHH being a surprise #31 entry? Yeah, I would have him throw out Styles, just for the reaction afterwards and how hilarious it would be. Then we get down to it…

Overall Winner and WWE Champion: I have come around to the idea of Triple H screwing Roman Reigns at the way end, but I will play it safe and predict Roman Reigns. Would WWE really have their new main event star have two back to back short title reigns and then win it back for a third time at WM? Brock Lesnar, from my end, will be facing Bray Wyatt at Mania. Personally, I hope not, but that is the information I got weeks ago, so he will get tossed out by The Wyatt Family (after they were already eliminated earlier). Lesnar is way beyond feuding with them, especially at a Mania but whatever. That leaves us with the current story line surrounding The Authority trying to mess with the champion. Reigns victory or not, he is the man right now and will be the focus come WrestleMania 32.

Believe THAT!

Mike Hammerlock: One of the great things about the Rumble is you can tell multiple stories in the same match. The problem with this year’s edition is Roman Reigns defending his title against impossible odds overwhelms everything else for as long as he remains in the ring. Everything else becomes more interesting the second Reigns gets eliminated. The fans in the arena will realize they’re going to see a new champ and if the booking allows that anticipation time to build, they’ll probably get pretty giddy. Mind you, I think they’ll go in the other direction, overplaying the Reigns story and making the fans feel like they’re watching a grandiose bag job. I find it unlikely Reigns can stay popular the whole match. As we close in on #30, the Daniel Bryan chants may become deafening. If he’s not going to be a surprise entrant, then they need to tell a brilliant story to calm the masses. They don’t want Reigns to become the target again for fan disapproval of the WWE’s stale corporate product. Anyway, I’m guessing Bryan will be in the match and they’d be crazy not to have him win it if he is. That’s my shot in the dark. Don’t have high confidence in it, but it’s the biggest surprise the E could pull and it creates fascinating possibilities for WrestleMania. If Bryan isn’t there, then I’ve got to believe Brock Lesnar carries the day.

Special Predictions for the Rumble:

Who will enter # 2: Braun Strowman

Will AJ Styles be in the Royal Rumble Match: Yes, sounds like AJ is available for the match and the WWE desperately needs to inject a wild card into the mix.

Name some surprise entrants: HHH (least surprising surprise ever), Daniel Bryan (I think they’ve been holding him out for a big Rumble moment), Samoa Joe, Goldberg (desperate times call for desperate measures).

Who will have the Most Eliminations: Roman Reigns

How long will Roman Reigns last in the Rumble: More than long enough to wear out his welcome.

Final Four: Brock Lesnar, HHH, Roman Reigns and Daniel Bryan

Overall Winner and WWE Champion: Daniel Bryan

Chad Perry: One fantastic thing that this years stipulation has enabled is fantasy booking. I have seen some great ideas thrown out in the comments section here at 411 for different and interesting ways this match could be booked, of course the chances of WWE being as creative as it’s fans is about 300:1. Even with Reigns entering as number 1 I can still see him winning it all (and since I have the #1 spot in my Rumble pool, I would not be horribly upset). However there are still names like Bray Wyatt, Brock Lesnar and Triple H that are very strong and viable contenders. And lest we forget, everyone’s favorite Rumble competitor, Daniel Bryan. Could he actually make a comeback in this match, or is he still really sidelined? Then there is the long shot newcomer of AJ Styles, what a phenomenal debut that would be! Sting is another possibility, while he is likely not very healthy this would be the perfect way to get Sting a very brief run with the belt on his way to the Hall of Fame. This is easily the toughest Rumble to pick in years, and I wonder if this was still the plan before Cena went out with injury. While I do not think that Roman/Triple H at Mania needs to have a title on the line, I think that it will.

Special Royal Rumble Predictions:

Who will enter # 2: Big Show (who was originally announced on television 2 weeks ago as the #1 entrant)

Will AJ Styles be in the Royal Rumble Match: Yes

Name some surprise entrants: Sting & X-Pac

Who will have the Most Eliminations: Roman Reigns

How long will Roman Reigns last in the Rumble: 1:02:13+ (long enough for Reigns to claim another Royal Rumble record)

Final Four: Brock Lesnar, Roman Reigns, Triple H & Braun Strowman

Overall Winner and WWE Champion: Triple H:

Kevin Pantoja: Man, I really want to like the Royal Rumble. I usually do but last year’s was pretty bad and I’ve personally been disappointed in the winner for the past four or five years. This year, instead of focusing on multiple stories, it’s been all about Roman Reigns. Even the WWE Title takes a backseat to Reigns. The WWE has spent the past few months basically telling us that Reigns, Cena and part-timers are kind of the only people on the roster that matter. So I’m going with someone from that list. Cena is out. Reigns winning from 1 to retain the title might be a bit much even for a guy booked the way that he is. Brock is an option but I think they go another route for him at Mania. That leaves another part-timer. That honestly leaves Triple H. I think he was happy with 13 title reigns but desperate times. He wins here to drop it to Reigns at Mania. Although if I was personally booking it, I’d put the belt on AJ Styles.

Special Royal Rumble Predictions

Who will enter #2: Big Show

Will AJ Styles be in the Royal Rumble Match: Yes

Name some surprise entrants: AJ Styles, X-Pac and Rhyno.

Who will have the Most Eliminations: Roman Reigns

How long will Roman Reigns last in the Rumble: 62 minutes

Final Four: Brock Lesnar, Roman Reigns, Triple H & AJ Styles

Overall Winner and WWE Champion: Triple H

Michael Weyer: A toughie. Usually, we count on multiple stories with the Rumble but this year it’s all about Reign’s struggle and frankly, it throws the whole match off a bit. It’s going to be tough to see if Roman actually goes the distance here (I suspect a bit of him knocked out on the outside for a while to cover his time) and the other battles against him. I know many are hoping for a Daniel Bryan return or the surprise of AJ Styles or such but really, this is all stacked to one thing: HHH entering to end up tossing out Roman and win the belt, thus setting up an “epic” Mania match. Is it what we want? No but let’s face it, screwing up the Rumble ending has been a common thing for WWE in the last couple of years and this seems the most likely to do it and mar an otherwise great battle.

Winner and NEW WWE World Champion: HHH
Who Will be #2?: Ryback
Will AJ Styles enter the Rumble?: Yes.
Surprise entrants: Mick Foley, JBL, Sting
Who Will Have the Most Eliminations: Roman Reigns
How long will Roman Reigns Last: All the way to the end
Final Four: Reigns, HHH, Sting, Big Show

Wyatt Beougher: I assumed this was going to be another boring, cookie cutter installment of “Make Roman Reigns Look Strong” (aka, WWE 2014-2015), but then they did something on Monday that actually made me care about the Rumble match – they added a layer of unpredictability to it. With Lesnar involved, Triple H likely to make his return, Bullet Club rumors flying as fast as dirt sheets can click “Post”, and RAW going off of the air with the Wyatt Family standing tall, it actually feels like perhaps this match won’t simply be booked as “John Cena Roman Reigns overcomes the odds and wins”…then again, this is the same company that gave us the last two Rumbles and proved, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that they have no idea of how to give their fans what they want, so I’ve tempered my expectations for this year.

Special Royal Rumble Predictions:

Who will enter # 2: Chris Jericho

Will AJ Styles be in the Royal Rumble Match (this is a yes or no question, you can explain why if you so desire): No, I think they save his in-ring debut for RAW.

Name some surprise entrants (obviously this means people in NXT or not actively part of the main roster): Finn Balor (who is eliminated, either directly or indirectly, by Bullet Club), Sami Zayn, Rhyno, Daniel Bryan, the Godfather (if he is in this year’s Hall of Fame class, anyway)

Who will have the Most Eliminations: Bray Wyatt (with the assistance of the Wyatt Family on some of them)

How long will Roman Reigns last in the Rumble: He’ll make it to the Final Four

Final Four: Reigns, HHH, Bray Wyatt, Brock Lesnar

Overall Winner and WWE Champion: Bray Wyatt

Mike Chin: After a lukewarm Rumble in 2014 and a downright flop in 2015–probably the two worst-received Rumbles from a live crowd perspective–I’m cautiously optimistic that WWE is going to pull out all the stops to deliver this time around. With plenty of potential debuts and returns, and the intrigue of the world title being at stake, I think this will be a good one.

Special Royal Rumble Predictions:

Who will enter # 2: The Undertaker

Will AJ Styles be in the Royal Rumble Match: Yes!

Name some surprise entrants: The Undertaker, Daniel Bryan, AJ Styles, Finn Balor, Triple H

Who will have the Most Eliminations: Roman Reigns

How long will Roman Reigns last in the Rumble: Final two.

Final Four: Triple H, Roman Reigns, AJ Styles, Brock Lesnar

Overall Winner and WWE Champion: Triple H

Paul Leazar: A laundry list of injuries have made this the most interesting Royal Rumble for some time. You’re down Seth Rollins, the guy you went all in with last year. You’re down Daniel Bryan, maybe the most over babyface you’ve had since Cena exploded almost ten years ago. You’re down a host of others that you left with an unpolished midcard that the WWE has had to make very important, very quickly (and have done a very meh job of it while they were at it). That being said, I think this should be a fun ride simply because of how exhausted the roster is. Sure, the reality is they’re might be four guys who are in the running to win this, but we could have a record amount of outside entrants to spice this thing up, and I think that’s what keeps this interesting. At the end of the day, I think Triple H winning the championship is too easy. A fun wrinkle to this would be Dean pulling double duty (something I think more than a few guys will be doing), and being the one to eliminate Reigns at the end after Reigns dumps out Brock & Triple H after some shenanigans with the rest of the McMahon family at ringside. On to the extra predictions!

Special Royal Rumble Predictions:

Who will enter # 2: Luke Harper

Will AJ Styles be in the Royal Rumble Match (this is a yes or no question, you can explain why if you so desire): Yes he will be, I’d say he’d come in sometime after 20.

Name some surprise entrants (obviously this means people in NXT or not actively part of the main roster): Daniel Bryan (They have too at this point I think), Sami Zayn, Finn Balor, Rob Van Dam, and Sting.

Who will have the Most Eliminations: Roman Reigns

How long will Roman Reigns last in the Rumble: Right up until the end

Final Four: Roman Reigns, Dean Ambrose, Triple H, Brock Lesnar

Overall Winner and WWE Champion: Dean Ambrose

Mitch Nickelson: I LOVE this event and even more specifically the Royal Rumble match itself. Even during years past when I wasn’t terribly invested into the product I would still check in on out the Rumble because it’s usually a ton of fun. The past couple of years might’ve been weak, but I’m still stoked. I agree with the consensus that Lesnar, Reigns, and HHH are really the only three likely winners. I’m 50/50 on whether or not I think Hunter will actually be in the match because the point of his involvement is just to plant seeds for his match with Roman at WrestleMania. I don’t understand why he needs the WWE World Heavyweight Championship or even a spot in the Rumble to accomplish that. Their match has value without the belt and Roman can re-pursue the title after April. As for Brock, he’s most likely fighting a guy like Bray Wyatt or Kevin Owens at WrestleMania. I’m picking Brock to win so that whoever he wrestles at Mania, win or lose, will get a maximum star-making plaftorm in that matchup. Additionally, the Social Outcasts better eliminate Big Show.

Special Royal Rumble Predictions:

Who will enter # 2: Sheamus

Will AJ Styles be in the Royal Rumble Match: Yes

Name some surprise entrants: Hideo Itami, Hacksaw Jim Duggan, Daniel Bryan, Randy Orton, Finn Balor

Who will have the Most Eliminations: Roman Reigns

How long will Roman Reigns last in the Rumble: 48:00

Final Four: Brock Lesnar, Kevin Owens, Bray Wyatt, Braun Strowman

Overall Winner and WWE Champion: Brock Lesnar:

Gary Vaughan: Sami Zayn will be a surprise and I think Reigns will get royally screwed in the end and Triple H will be the victor.

Special Royal Rumble Predictions:

Will AJ Styles be in the Royal Rumble Match: Yes

Name Some Surprise Entrants: Sami Zayn

Final Four: Brock Lesnar, Roman Reigns, Triple H, AJ Styles

Overall Winner and WWE Champion: Triple H

Sean Garmer: This Rumble could completely erase the memories of the past two, if they do this right and have a god mixture of surprises and also good people placed at certain points to create a true challenge to Roman Reigns aside from Brock Lesnar and the inevitable Triple H return as well. I think the Undertaker could make a surprise appearance since it is for the WWE Title and possibly let us know his Wrestlemania opponent in the process. I hope Daniel Bryan can make a return here and maybe we get a tease of a AJ vs. Bryan dream match for Wrestlemania 32. There’s so much that can happen here, but I feel like this is one of those where The McMahons will be heavily involved. I almost kinda want Vince on commentary the whole time, giving us a flashback to the 1992 Rumble with Bobby Heenan. Triple H either beats up someone backstage and takes their spot, or the McMahons add an extra person and Triple H knocks out Roman Reigns to win the belt.

Special Royal Rumble Predictions:

Who will enter # 2: Big Show

Will AJ Styles be in the Royal Rumble Match (this is a yes or no question, you can explain why if you so desire): Yes, I think he does show up here. Best place to debut him, is in Orlando. I live in Miami and that crowd can be very fickle at times. It’s also far enough away from Orlando that the Rumble crowd probably won’t travel four hours to go to the RAW the next night, especially since there are still plenty of tickets available for that show.

Name some surprise entrants (obviously this means people in NXT or not actively part of the main roster): Sami Zayn, AJ Styles, Daniel Bryan, Godfather, Undertaker

Who will have the Most Eliminations: Roman Reigns

How long will Roman Reigns last in the Rumble: He will be in the final two, so at least over one hour.

Final Four: Roman Reigns, Daniel Bryan, Triple H, Brock Lesnar

Overall Winner and WWE Champion: Triple H

Overall Thoughts & PPV Interest Level (from 1 being the worst to 5 being the best)

Justin Watry: My interest level for this PPV is a 5 out of 5: It is the Royal Rumble! Sit back, relax, and enjoy the most anticipated match of the year. Why WWE is holding this event on January 24th instead of next week is beyond me, but the date does not change the impact this event has on the rest of the year. The company made a gutsy move by putting the title on the line in the Rumble. An “all-in” move on their part. Now they have to live with the results, good or bad.

Mike Hammerlock: My interest level for this PPV is a 3.5: I’m a sucker for the Rumble. I’ve even taken perverse enjoyment in the crowd rebellions of recent years. Barring terrible match booking, this should be an enjoyable card. I fear that turning it into the Roman Reigns Show during the finale could sow discord in the audience. Yet maybe they’ve got some genuine surprises in store for us. I really do think they might have saved Daniel Bryan’s return for this occasion. If so, smart move and bump up my interest level to a 4.5. I’d hitch a ride on that Road to WrestleMania.

Chad Perry: My interest level for this PPV is a 5: This is the start of the Road to WrestleMania! While I am frustrated that WWE chose to hold the event the same Sunday as the AFC/NFC Title games, I am relieved that the Patriots play early enough in the day that it will not interfere here and I can focus on the show. Every match on the main card has the potential (and have in the past month) to hit 3 stars or above. The Rumble match has so many variables and possible surprises that will shape the road to Mania. WWE has me excited and ready for WrestleMania 32.

Kevin Pantoja: My interest level for this PPV is a 4: It’s the Royal Rumble. I always look forward to it. Even a bad Rumble is usually fun. I don’t expect this to be one of the better Rumble PPVs ever but it has potential. Every match outside of the pre-show one could be really good and the possibility of an AJ Styles appearance definitely will have me on the edge of my seat.

Wyatt Beougher: My interest level for this PPV is a 3: The Royal Rumble used to be one of my favorite PPVs, as you were guaranteed a couple of surprise entries and a fun match that ultimately set the stage for Wrestlemania. The last two years have pretty much put an end to that, and the only reason my interest level is even at a 3 is because I want to see if Styles debuts, Bryan comes back, and if WWE will actually pay off Bray kneeling tall at the end of the go-home RAW.

Mike Chin: My interest level for this PPV is a 4: The Royal Rumble brand alone gets me to 3-4 territory. While the build has done nothing to push me up to a 5, the potential for AJ Styles to debut, and some intrigue related to the title being one the line are enough to spark some interest, besides which Ambrose-Owens ought to be good. So, I land at a solid 4.

Paul Leazar: My interest level for this PPV is a 3: The Royal Rumble always bring some interest, but the most interesting thing about this show is how the WWE brings out a top notch show when they are missing half the ingredients they usually have to cook with. You definitely don’t want to have as many question marks over your third largest show of the year, but it brings an aura of intrigue that has to bring to the TV screen.

Mitch Nickelson: My interest level for this PPV is an 4: I love this event. It would take quite a lot for me not to have a default excitement of at least a 6 with no other factors. The AJ Styles potential has me excited. Even though the undercard isn’t as blockbuster as it could be I still think that pretty much all of those contests should be good. So many wrestlers near the top of WWE’s card are currently injured and I just see that as opportunity for others. Someone’s got to be in those spots so lets see some guys try some creative stuff.

Gary Vaughan: My interest in this PPV is a 4: This card may not have matches that knock you over, but we should get some quality under card matches. This Royal Rumble will bring new superstars to the main roster that could change WWE’s landscape for the better. It will surprise me if the PPV is a let down.

Sean Garmer: My interest in this PPV is a 5: It’s the Rumble and I can’t help but be really excited. I know WWE has let us down the past two years, but I just have a feeling they will right those wrongs this year. Not to mention, I’m excited to see if AJ Styles does make an appearance.

Well, that is all for this month everyone. Don’t forget to leave us your thoughts and predictions below in the comments and we will see you again in February for WWE Fast Lane.

Remember to join 411 for our LIVE PPV coverage, starting at 7:00pm ET Sunday night.

If you’d like to listen Gary Vaughan, Paul Leazar, and myself do a preview of WWE Royal Rumble 2016, as well as discuss the Wrestling Observer Awards, Austin Aries being in NXT, and a whole lot more. You can do so by clicking that button below on the latest episode of the Wrestling 2 the MAX Podcast. We will also have a W2M Special on Monday morning right here on 411 reviewing WWE Royal Rumble 2016 and the final show on the NJPW/CMLL Fantastica Mania tour.