Andrew SpoorsThe most exciting PPV of the year kicks off 2021 in spectacular style as the Royal Rumble rolls into the ThunderDome. Rushonrock’s king of the ring, Andy Spoors, previews the action.
Part of the big four PPVs of the year, the Royal Rumble marks the start of the road to WrestleMania. It also signals the return of casual or seasonal fans back to WWE’s product. Between the months of January and April, the company seems to step up through the gears to deliver their most compelling action and storylines.
The brainchild of Pat Patterson, who sadly passed away just a few weeks ago, the Rumble has evolved and expanded to host both a men’s and women’s match in recent years. Guaranteed to get the WWE Universe not just predicting the eventual winner of the over the top rope, but also the 30 participants in the match, the Royal Rumble is without doubt a fan favourite.
This year’s event is no different.
With no clear favourite to win, the rumour mills are working overtime for who will win in both matches and go on to headline this year’s WrestleMania. From shock returns, debuts, last chances or making a new star, the possibilities have whipped fans on social media into a frenzy.
Elsewhere on the card for tonight, two huge men’s championships are on the line, as well as two of the women’s. The Women’s Tag Team Championships may not have featured heavily in PPVs since their inception, but with current Raw Champion Asuka and future hall of famer, Charlotte, currently enjoying a title reign, an air of legitimacy has finally started to attach itself to the championships.
A rematch of last month’s TLC event, the current champs face the previous holders Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler. Heading into Mania season it is difficult to see the belts staying in situ, so a title change involving some sort of interference from Charlotte’s current rival, Lacey Evans wouldn’t be a shock.
Another rematch sees one more chance for a determined Carmella to capture the SmackDown Women’s Championship from Sasha Banks. Since her return after a lengthy time away from the spotlight, Carmella has shown signs of huge improvement both in the ring and on the mic.
Sasha Banks on the other hand has finally started to string together some wins, which has been something of a sore point for the Legit Boss. Even if Banks were to lose, she may pull double duty to enter the Rumble too.
Goldberg has been a polarising figure throughout his career, but none more so than in the twilight years he currently finds himself in. Many fans believe opportunities to be in championship matches should go to Superstars that work week in and week out, rather than an older legend that only appears sporadically throughout the year.
Seemingly an overwhelming majority of the WWE Universe will be pulling for Drew McIntyre to vanquish his part-time challenger. Expect a huge backlash on social media if Goldberg emerges with the title.
Roman Reigns’ popularity continues to grow, partly because of those around him, partly because of the new-found attitude. His rivalry with Kevin Owens has worked wonders for both men, as the feud looks set to culminate in a Last Man Standing Match for the Universal Championship.
The ever-popular Owens, has been proving why fans have long clamoured for a long title reign and comparisons to a new age Stone Cold Steve Austin are most definitely a compliment rather than an albatross around the Canadian’s neck.
Although all eyes will be on the main event of the night, KO vs RR has the potential to steal the show and have a big say on which direction the road to WrestleMania will take.
Full Card and Rushonrock predictions
Universal Champion Roman Reigns vs. Kevin Owens (Last Man Standing Match)
John Burrows: Reigns
Andy Spoors: Reigns
WWE Champion Drew McIntyre vs. Goldberg
John: McIntyre
Andy: McIntyre
WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Charlotte Flair & Asuka vs. Shayna Baszler & Nia Jax
John: Baszler & Jax
Andy: Baszler & Jax
SmackDown Women’s Champion Sasha Banks vs. Carmella
John: Banks
Andy: Carmella
Women’s Royal Rumble Match
John: Bianca Belair
Andy: Rhea Ripley
Men’s Royal Rumble Match
John: Goldberg
Andy: Daniel Bryan
Check out our interview with Daniel Bryan here.