Eyes On WWE: Who Should Win The 2018 Royal Rumble

By @TrueGodImmortal

The Royal Rumble is coming soon. In about a month or so, the WWE will host the Royal Rumble yet again, and apparently there will be two Royal Rumble matches for the first time ever. While the men's Royal Rumble is making another appearance, the first time ever Women's Royal Rumble will take place this year. While both Rumbles have the potential to be interesting, the scariest thing about the WWE now is their decision making. It's been that way for quite some time. With that being said, one has to wonder what their plan will be going forward with these two matches. Will we see surprise entrants for both? Who wins? Who will be the final four? Well that leads us to this discussion. Who should win the 2018 Royal Rumbles? Let's take a look at each Rumble and give a list of who should.

The Women's Royal Rumble
While we could say that this is a bad idea, and I don't doubt that it could be a bad match, what impresses me about this is that this is the first time in WWE history where they've had enough women on the roster to pull it off. The number of women around in the WWE is special and the fact remains, there are a number of surprises in store for this first ever Rumble. I think we'll see a legend or two return for this match perhaps like a Trish Stratus or even Lita. I think we could see the debut of Ronda Rousey as well, as it is the perfect time to do so. Who should win the Women's Royal Rumble? Let's take a look. I have four picks. I'll eliminate a few choices just like I'll do for the men's Royal Rumble. I don't think any NXT woman should win, nor should Natalya, Naomi, Bayley, or Mickie James. Here are my choices to win (and also my final four). 

*Sasha Banks
-I think Sasha definitely should be able to walk away with a victory here as she is overdue for another title reign that isn't actually 2 or 3 weeks. However, I don't expect Sasha to get a win, but I do hope they allow her to be one of the final four women and get eliminated last or second to last. Alexa Bliss will soon drop the Women's Title, but the question is, who will be the challenger come Wrestlemania. If Asuka is the champion come Mania, then I would love Sasha to win this and be the challenger for the RAW title. Chances of that happening however? Unlikely.

*Becky Lynch
-There is only one choice over on the Smackdown side to win the Rumble and it is simply Becky Lynch. Ruby Riott isn't ready and I don't think that she has the tools to carry the division and defeat Charlotte. I think the best possible match for Smackdown at Mania is Charlotte vs Becky, but the truth is, we really don't know what to expect. Ronda Rousey vs Charlotte could end up being the match they go with for whatever reason, but truthfully, Charlotte vs Becky is the way to go. If they want to surprise the world and have a sleeper pick win, Becky is the one who should take it.

*Paige
-I think this is a likely choice, though I see her winning the title before Mania. I think the plan is to go with Asuka vs Paige, but getting to that point is the part that really is tough to figure out. Will Paige be champion? Will Asuka be champion? I think it is likely for Paige to dominate this Rumble with the rest of her squad, until they are left to pick the bones of what is left of Asuka. Either Paige gets rid of Asuka (Paige's partners will have been eliminated prior but come back to help out), or Asuka overcomes the odds. Regardless, if I had to pick the final two of this match, I would go with Asuka and Paige.

*Asuka
-The clear cut choice. There doesn't need to be much of an explanation in terms of that, but the truth of the matter is, if anyone should win easily, it is without a doubt Asuka. Her momentum needs the biggest boost possible, and she remains undefeated. The plan should be to protect her at all costs and to make sure she doesn't lose any time soon. If anyone should enter the Rumble at no. 1 or 2 and finish as the winner, she is the choice. While these other ladies listed are good choices, simply put, the winner has to be and should be Asuka.

The Men's Royal Rumble
This one is a little different. There are two choices to me and those choices more than likely won't be the one who wins. The WWE might force us to see another unnecessary win from John Cena or Roman Reigns... or even Randy Orton.... AGAIN. While I hope that's not the case, let me give my choices for the final four and who they should be.

*Sami Zayn 

-It is simple: AJ Styles vs Shinsuke Nakamura vs Sami Zayn for the WWE Title. This would only be achieved by Sami winning the Rumble and Nakamura winning the title at Fastlane while AJ cashes in his rematch at Mania. I don't see this happening honestly, so with that being said, I think Sami won't win, but I can see him eliminating Owens or not being able to save Owens then getting tossed out by one of the other final four. Still, Sami winning would be really interesting and I wouldn't be mad at that at all.

*Samoa Joe 

-Unlikely, but a 20 minute Brock vs Samoa Joe title match would be better than that piece of shit 6 minute PPV match they gave us in the summer. I don't want to see another Brock vs Reigns match and I'm not alone in that so perhaps it is time to switch things up. Joe vs Brock 2 could be bigger than Reigns vs Brock 2 if done right. Joe is over, he's a strong heel, and a Rumble win gives him the momentum that he truly needs. Can WWE finally do something right? I doubt it.

*Finn Balor  

-This man is one of the most over stars in the entire company and truth be told, there's no denying that he deserves a title shot since he's never got his Universal Title shot, but for some reason, WWE just doesn't want to give him the green light. Or could they be leading us on to think they don't want to give him the shot only to change course and give Balor a huge surprise win at the Rumble. Unlikely, but once again, this is who SHOULD win, not the most likely. Balor deserves a win for being consistent, and the story behind Balor vs Brock would be great to see unfold. Will WWE pull the trigger on this? I doubt it, but the truth of the matter is, he should be the last man eliminated if not the last man standing.

*Shinsuke Nakamura  

-Last but certainly not least. This is the most likely choice. It's the only choice outside of Balor. Nakamura is the man. There is only one choice for the Wrestlemania main event and it is AJ Styles vs Shinsuke Nakamura. I would love to see Nakamura enter at no. 2 or 3 and last through the entire match. The final image we should see at the end of the Rumble is simple: Nakamura punching his ticket to Wrestlemania by outlasting 29 other men. Simply put, NXT alumni should stand tall for both Rumbles, with Asuka and Nakamura, two former NXT champions, raising their hands in victory.

-True 

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Eyes on the Ring 1:18 AM  1 comment

Speed on the Beat's RAW Preview - 10/20

First of all, let's send some condolences to the family of wrestling great Ox Baker, who passed at the age of 80. Baker, one of the first wrestlers to bring the heart punch into the squared circle, faced off with the likes of The Original Sheik and Randy Savage. Baker also had a part in shaping the man we revere as The Undertaker. As seen in the below clip, he wasn't just an ox who liked to hurt people. He could also talk, something that's still a bit of a rarity in the pro wrestling world.

And now for something completely different: tonight's RAW.

Lillian Garcia isn't the only thing that's new, but still throwback on tonight's episode. Since this is the go-home episode before Hell in a Cell (and the next-to-last RAW before WWE 2K15 drops next week), we can expect a lot of build-up for HIAC and many not-so-subtle references to the game (probably less than next week's episode, but they'll still be plentiful). But, oddly enough, less than a week out from HIAC, there are (maybe) four matches set. So, with that said, here are some things to look for:

Some sort of development between A.J. Lee and Paige: 

For weeks, we've been getting this weird, borderline stalker/lesbian-esque angle between A.J. and Paige. Sexy pins, backstabbing, even a few "LOLAJWINZ" moments. But, at the end, we're still left with a "what's next" for the Diva's Champion and her rival. Expect a schmozz which leads to a match between the two at the pay-per-view. Now, granted, the fire/collective fanboy orgasm from these two battling has died down. But, with a pay-per-view on its way (and money to make), you can also expect some more of this.

Dean Ambrose to pop out of somewhere to attack Seth Rollins: 

Look, this event, even if it doesn't get the main event spot, is my personal main event and will be treated as such by a lot of the WWE Universe (notice I didn't say all; I'm not that delusional). So, my money's on Dean going all Lunatic Fringe on Seth and popping out of his briefcase appear out of thin air to layeth the Smackdown on Seth (to a nice, big pop). Seth's done a great job heeling it up to the point you want to see his effin' head kicked in. Inversely, Dean's played a great anti-hero you can still rally behind. Now, will Dean be the next SCSA, I honestly don't care right now. I just want to see these two beat the crap out of each other at every chance they get.

Something Something Cena, Something Something RKO Out of Nowhere:

Since this is the WWE we're talking about, let's assume that there's still another Cena/Ambrose vs Orton/Rollins match tonight. This probably leads to Randy Orton of #RKOVines fame hitting an RKO...out of nowhere (even though we see it every friggin' time). My money's on Cena eating canvas (since Cena will probably win on Sunday). I like Cena/Orton matches. I also like grilled cheese sandwiches. The thing with too many grilled cheese sandwiches, however, is that they can kill you. And yet another Cena/Orton match-up, to me, can kill the vibe from a crowd (unless we get something like this again).

Wyatt Family Values:

The Wyatt Family, one of the bright spots in the WWE, is rumored to be on the verge of a major restructuring. I'm intrigued to see how WWE will build on the past two weeks' promos. I mean, we got to hear Rowan speak! That's gotta be worth something. Now, rumors (gotta love 'em) say The Ascension will be Bray's new right and left-hand-men. However, I think that there's gonna be more in the cards for this "it's coming" tease they're showing. I mean, I don't exactly see The Ascension becoming Wyatts as a "peel the skin from the top of your head" revelation. Kevin Steen randomly popping up and almost instantly turning Bray face to challenge for the tag titles, setting up a Steen/Wyatt vs. Harper/Rowan feud, which ultimately leads to Steen vs. Wyatt for the Big W (I don't know what other nickname to give the WWEWHC)? Now, that would be a Bray revelation. 

...what? I can fantasy book, can't I?

Give Ziggler Something to Do:

[Insert random match here, with Miz/Mizdow coming out]

Rusev...etc.

[Insert random Big Show/Henry beatdown of Rusev, leading to Rusev...crushing Big Show. Oh, and Lana. Lots of Lana]

Ok, and that's about it. I'm sure there'll be other things happening. For instance, the Bunny will be revealed to be...who gives a flying-you-know-what. But, hey. These were my thoughts on this week's RAW before it airs. 

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Eyes on the Ring 2:32 PM  No comment

SummerSlam 2014 Predictions

One believes in Hustle, Loyalty and Respect.
The other? Leaving HLR in Blood, Vomit, and Urine.

@BigJonDaLegend and @Headliner5.

We’re only a few days away from Summer Slam. The card is stacked with potential for good matches and a lot of action. (Insert link to preview) If you read my preview of Summer Slam then you know I’m looking forward to watching it on the WWE Network for $9.99. Now that the cheap plugs are out the way let’s get to predicting the card.  

Four Way Tag Team Title Match 

Jon: WWE has given the tag division a little time to shine as of late, but it’s far from being an emphasis and that’s a shame. Goldust and Stardust ae very entertaining to watch, The Wyatt Family will bring the brutality. Rybaxel is in this match to look at the lights for the 1, 2, 3  as the high flying twins Jimmy and Jey Uso retain their titles.  

Nathan: This is a great way to get multiple guys on the show that is often referred to by the WWE as “The Biggest Party Of The Summer”.  I’m actually growing tired of Stardust, as it’s gotten to a point where I just don’t care.  I was hoping it would be a short term thing to further Cody turning heel but that is not the case here.  The Uso’s have been the champions long enough and I feel it’s time for the title’s to change hands.  I expect The Wyatt Family to pick up the win and the titles here.  

Dolph Ziggler vs The Miz ©
WWE Intercontinental Championship Match   

Jon: Miz and his Hollywood character will get the win and retain. Dolph will make this match worth watching but don’t see a reason for him to win and become the new champion so soon.  It’s no secret that the mid card belts need some rebuilding in the prestige department. Hopefully Miz is the main to bring a little credibility back to the I.C. Strap 

Nathan: I’m not a fan of the Miz in the slightest, he’s not a good wrestler and his character got stale a long time ago.  Even this new Hollywood Heel Miz gimmick does nothing for me.  However having said that I see no point in having Miz lose here because as far as I am concerned Ziggler by now should be well above the Intercontinental Championship. 

Jack Swagger vs. Rusev
Flag Match 
Jon: Only way to go in this battle of Super powers and that’s ‘Murica. This face turn for Jack Swagger is really working. Now if you all can rise and repeat after me WE THE PEOPLE.  

Nathan: I have really enjoyed this feud and it has rejuvenated Jack Swagger.  A year ago at this time I could care less about the guy but now that they have figured out what exactly they wanted to do with him I am 100 percent behind the positive change he has made.  He has always been a guy I’ve felt had it and now he’s definitely showing his talent in the ring.  This match could go either way but I feel Rusev will take this and then move on to someone else. 

  

Paige vs. AJ Lee (C) 
WWE Diva's Championship Match  

Jon: After the recent attacks by Paige you can expect AJ’s crazy meter will be off the charts. We all know what happens when AJ gets in that crazy state and Paige won’t be able to beat her this Sunday. 

Nathan: I’m glad to see what they are doing with this feud, it was getting a bit stale and they did a great job of freshening things up with a double turn on a recent edition of Monday Night RAW.  Having said that I really don’t see the point of having Paige retain the title but WWE has done crazier things so even though I believe AJ will retain the title here I wouldn’t be at all surprised if Paige becomes the new diva’s champion once again. 

No United States title match Sunday, that means no Sheamus so we all win. 

Bray Wyatt vs. Chris Jericho 

Nathan: I almost forgot about this match, I’ve honestly thought that while this storyline with Jericho should have worked wonders for Bray Wyatt and the Wyatt Character it hasn’t really done anything.  The only redeeming quality of this match is that both Luke Harper and Erick Rowan are banned from ringside during this match meaning that Bray Wyatt will be by himself in this match.  This is exactly how this match needs to go, Wyatt has yet to get his signature win and I hope and pray that it will come this Sunday.  Bray Wyatt is in a MUST win situation here if he doesn’t win I will no longer care about the character (my interest is already dwindling) the whole “I don’t need to win a match to prove my point” theory that the WWE seems to be going with doesn’t work that well with me and if Wyatt fails to beat Jericho and win in a big way then the character as a whole might be considered a failure which is a real shame because it was great at the start. 

Stephanie McMahon vs. Brie Bella 

Jon: If you read spoilers than you probably will assume that Nikki Bella will turn on her sister and side with Stephanie McMahon. This has been a Bitchfest from the moment Brie slapped the billion dollar princess in the mouth. I anticipate Brie winning this match, though that might be wishful thinking.

Nathan: A few weeks ago I could care less about this match, I have heard that we were going to get this match at some point and I wasn’t at all interested in seeing it.  Then it was announced and I still wasn’t interested.  Then the terrible thing on RAW from this past Monday happened and I am just not at all invested into this match.  For prediction sake I’ll say that Stephanie picks up the win here but I honestly could care less about it but hey it’s a bathroom break match anyway so there’s that. 

Dean Ambrose vs. Seth Rollins Lumberjack Match  

Jon : Match of the night right here, place your bets and go straight home to the back with the winnings. This is by far the best storyline the WWE has running for my money. No doubt that both superstars will deliver a spectacular performance. With the ring surround by superstars it’s required that they get involved in some form or fashion. Dean Ambrose will win the match, how ill MR. Money in the bank and the Authority respond when he doesn’t get the job done.   

Nathan: This is one of the reasons why I want to see this show, and I feel this match has the potential to steal the show.  Like Jon said this is the best storyline that the WWE currently has going and I find myself looking forward to where it will go next.  We will know the answer to that question on Sunday but whichever way it goes, it should be one hell of a match.  I’m also going for Dean Ambrose to win this match and awaiting how the Authority will react to a Rollins loss. 

  

Roman Reigns vs. Randy Orton 

If you’re keeping score right now its The Authority is down 0-2 in matches they are involved in so far at Summer Slam. That will change with the next match. 

Jon: Say whatever negative things you want about these two athletes, this contest will well worth the 9.99 subscription to the network (plugging the network just like Michael Cole). With Randy returning to his Viper ways things between him and Reigns have elevated to new levels. Reigns brings the power packed superman punch along with his version of the spear, it won’t be enough to keep Orton from hitting him with a RKO and picking up the win. A win over Reigns will put Orton back in the Hunt for the WWE World Heavyweight Title. 

Nathan: Okay let me get this out of the way, I didn’t expect this match to happen at all because it was originally supposed to be Triple H vs. Roman Reigns from what I’ve heard.  I’m actually not feeling this match at all, I’m sure it will be passable but Randy Orton is extremely stale and Roman Reigns has failed to impress me since breaking away from the trio that was The Shield.  Roman has been less than passable on the microphone and he doesn’t really cut it in matches.  His flaws have really shown through since the Shield broke up and while he should be improving I’m just not seeing it.  Plus he’s approaching the dreaded five moves of doom category that many top WWE stars tend to fall into which gets extremely boring.  But hey we are guaranteed at least ten moves in this match right?  Anyways I’m going for Reigns to win but if Orton were to win I would be fine with it because this match is just there to me. 

Brock Lesnar vs. John Cena © 
WWE World Heavyweight Championship Match  

Jon: As a member of the Cenation you get used to Cena beating the odds, kicking out at every 2 count, and turning into SUPER CENA to pick up the victory. This time nothing he can do will put him over the BEAST Brock Lesnar.  Lesnar and Cena matches are never pretty but they’re always viscous. Im not sure how many F-5 Cena can get up from or how long will it take for Brock to break one of his limbs if not all. Brock is winning the championship and that will make Paul Heyman the biggest heel in the company. How? Heyman will talk about this victory, this Summer Slam victory FOREVER. 

Nathan: I’ll say this and get it out of the way right now, Brock Lesnar HAS to win this match there is no way around it.  Brock Lesnar did the one thing everybody thought was never going to happen, he broke the Streak of the Undertaker at Wrestlemania.  He hasn’t had a match since he claimed that illustrious distinction and he need to win his first match since breaking the streak.  If John Cena wins then Brock broke the streak for nothing because what is the end game?  The end game to the streak being broken would be that Brock would eventually be the WWE Champion again and that is exactly what is going to happen.  This is the only time in John Cena’s career that I can legitimately bet against him and I am about 95% sure that I will be right.  However it is Cena and stranger things have happened.  If Cena does win this Sunday I’ll probably just laugh and be done with it but like I said earlier Brock Lesnar needs to win this match and that is that. 

There you have it your predictions for Summerslam 2014, will John and my predictions pan out the way we think they will, or will we be totally wrong?  

Either way we will be excited to watch Summerslam live this Sunday on the WWE Network because underwhelming build or not, WWE Summerslam usually delivers and I have a feeling that this years Summerslam will be pretty good in the end.  After all, it has all of the potential to be a really good show, but will it be better than last years show?  Probably not, but it will still be pretty good in it’s own right. 

Lastly be sure to follow Jon on twitter @BigJonDaLegend and myself as well @Headliner5 and also be sure to visit eyesonthering.blogspot.com and be sure to give them a follow on twitter as well @eyesonthering.

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Eyes on the Ring 12:33 PM  No comment