Lord, you can tell that I'm out of the loop concerning some of what's been on wrestling lately. I guess that comes with the territory when you spend most of your time doing other things when wrestling's on or working the fast-forward button if I watched it taped. But can you blame me - the damn show's been sucking. Anyhow, here's the listing for the Royal Rumble. And this will assuredly expand as more folks are added to the mix and that. Guess what- so far, this one I might pony up and get. It's not looking too damn shabby.

 

Royal Rumble Match

Participants (winner gets shot at title at WM XVII):

Rikishi (will enter the Rumble at No. 30)
Undertaker
Kane
The Rock
Faarooq
Bradshaw
Steve Blackman
Stone Cold Steve Austin
K-Kwik

and a bunch of other guys

 

My Pick: I know Dwayne is going off to do his movies, so that leaves Austin, Rikishi, Kane, and Undie to battle it out for the chance at the title. And I'm picking Undie with this one. I'd be so damn overjoyed to see my boy get another crack at WWF gold before he rides off into the sunset (whenever that will be).

Will Win: I'm saying Austin, to set up the Grudge match between him and HHH at WrestleMania.

 

Winner: Steve Austin

 

World Wrestling Federation Championship
Kurt Angle (with Trish) vs. Triple H (with Stephanie)

My Pick: This is a toughie. And I don't even know how the hell Kurt ended up with Trish in his corner, which tells you how closely I've been following the show. I watch for my Dudleys, my APA, and Undie and that's about it. Enough pissing and I'll garner a guess. I say HHH, as long as he's back to health now. I'm thinking screwjob with this one.

Will Win: HHH

 

Winner: Kurt Angle

Intercontinental Championship
Ladder Match
Chris Benoit vs. Chris Jericho

My Pick: Benoit, although I'm a Jericho fan. I'm not happy with Chris right now, because he's doing half-assed working, which appears that's he's content since he's not really having to fight for a spot and it's OK to just play 'superstar.' And Benoit has been a harder worker than him.

Will Win: I'm thinking Jericho will win this one. He hasn't had the belt for awhile and he's due for a push.

Winner: Chris Jericho

 

Tag Team Championship
Edge & Christian vs. Dudley Boyz

My Pick: Dudleys, Dudleys, Dudleys. After jobbing to Lo-Down, they damn well deserve the belts.

Will Win: Dudleys.

Winner: THE DUDLEYS!!!!

Women's Championship Match

Ivory vs. Chyna

My Pick: Question: why is Chyna fighting for the women's belt? Remember this is supposed to be beneath her and all. But this whole thing is supposed to be a grudge match. And I'm picking Ivory, just on due fact I have more respect for her than I do Chyna.

Will Win: I'm thinking no contest, like a DQ or something with this one.

Winner: Ivory

 

 

Accuracy:

My Picks ( 2/5= 40%)

Will Wins ( 3/5= 60%)

 

Overall: I actually bought this one. This is the first one I've really enjoyed (outside of my older PPV tapes I 've bought) since WM XV. And my prediction accuracy being lower than normal is a very good thing, because that means that they put more effort into this one than they have for many of their recent ones. I was also able to get lost in most of the matches, something I haven't been able to do for a long time. The only complaint I have about the card is the Chyna/ Ivory battle. It was pretty senseless, in my opinion. Other than that, both Chrises worked their asses off. And if Jericho can keep working hard like he did at the Rumble, instead of being lazy and solely working on being a "superstar, " I might be a happy Jerichoholic again. Bubba and Devon, after a long drought, won the belts again. I was very, very happy that all the participants in that match really gave us a good one. And I can't say enough about the HHH/Angle match. Kind of unhappy about the ending (all that work for a screwy ending isn't kosher with me) but those two worked their asses off.

I also loved the Rumble. Saw my boy Bradshaw kick some ass. Saw Haku, Honky Tonk Man, Drew Carey, and Big Show participate. However, I was kind of unhappy to see Austin win, even though I predicted it. I would have liked to have seen my boy Taker win it at least once and go on to WM in his hometown. Or even Kane, who has been screwed over too many times. However you look at it, I would have liked to have seen some fresh blood win tonight. Even with that, overall this was one really good show. And you know I don't use that phrase much.