WWE Royal Rumble 2013 Preview

Finally, The Rock once again becomes WWE Champion?

 

Check after the jump for my predictions for tomorrow's show:

United States Championship match: Antonio Cesaro(c) vs. The Miz

 

 



Cesaro has become the greatest US champion of the entire decade thus far.  Let that sink in for a second.  The guy has turned the title into something of true value again and that is no small feat.  He did so by being one of the finest in-ring competitors in the entire organization and while The Miz is easily his most formidable challenge to date, I don't see a title change happening here.

 

Winner and STILL United States Champion: Antonio Cesaro

WWE Tag Team Championship match: Team Hell No vs. Rhodes Scholars

Team Hell No is one of the most popular acts in the WWE, but Rhodes Scholars have rapidly grown into arguably, the better duo.  They have a real throwback feel to them and they work as a much more cohesive unit.  Bryan and Kane are both singles competitors at heart and even though they have been one of the most entertaining pairings in WWE history, I think their time may finally be up as champions.

Winner and NEW WWE Tag Team Champions: Rhodes Scholars

Last Man Standing match for the World Heavyweight Championship: Alberto Del Rio(c) vs. Big Show

Del Rio's face turn has been executed very well and he's got momentum on his side heading into his rematch with Big Show.  That being said, his opponent is still possibly the most dangerous man in the entire company.  The one problem with Show is that he tends to let his opponents get under his skin and once this happens, his lack of focus often his downfall.  Del Rio and Ricardo Rodriguez have definitely accomplished this and look for them to take advantage of the giant's temper to ensure the title stays around the waist of the Mexican aristocrat.

Winner and STILL World Heavyweight Champion: Alberto Del Rio

WWE Championship match: CM Punk(c) vs. The Rock

This will be an all-time match and easily, it has already become the most prominent and best built title match in the history of the Royal Rumble.  Both men have delivered the goods in building this match to be worthy of a main event at Wrestlemania.  Say what you want about The Rock, but the guy knows how to sell tickets and he's done a magnificent job in making this matchup the most significant of CM Punk's epic title reign.  Punk has not faced anyone quite like the great one before and their dynamic has been one of the most unique and intriguing in WWE history.  Two supremely driven polar opposites with everything on the line are going to do battle for the WWE's top prize.  Finally, the WWE Championship means something again.  That is the true win here.  CM Punk has delivered on his promise of restoring the title's prestige and win or lose, no one can take that from him.  With all the hype and historical value I find myself torn as to just who will be WWE Champion come Sunday.  My mind says Rock, but my gut tells me CM Punk will do absolutely ANYTHING to retain.  It's one of the hardest calls I've made as a writer and I truly have the slightest clue who will win here.   A tough, tough call.  CM Punk is my favorite WWE Champion of all time and his determination is unmatched so I'm going to give him the edge.

 

 

Winner and STILL WWE Champion: CM Punk

30 man Royal Rumble match

For the first time since 2010, we have a laundry list of top tier & main event talent confirmed for the Royal Rumble.  John Cena, Randy Orton, Sheamus, Dolph Ziggler, The Miz, Kane, Ryback and Daniel Bryan are all going to make their presence known in one of the biggest matches of the year.  It's a career making opportunity and every entrant will give everything they have to earn it.  It's usually nearly impossible to predict who will win, but here are my top three picks:

1. The Undertaker

2. John Cena
3. Randy Orton
Wild Card: Ryback

 

I'm hoping Taker is a surprise entrant and goes on to win the entire thing.  I've been clamoring for Punk/Taker for the title in the main event since Night Of Champions.  It was then after Punk beat Cena that I knew he'd still be champion come the new year.  Adding Rock to that list will make him near unbeatable.  The perfect setup for a streak match.  Regardless of the victor, it's always an exciting affair and with 15 spots still open, it's a near guarantee that we'll have a few returns so my Taker prediction isn't as far fetched as it may seem.  Hopefully Chris Jericho, Mark Henry & Dave Batista are also among the surprise entrants, but that's just this selfish fan's wish.

The Verdict

It's already stacking up to be far better than last year's event and I have to say I haven't been this excited for a WWE PPV since Extreme Rules last April.  The WWE has stacked the deck with two of the biggest matches of the year and a slew of other noteworthy matchups.  This one's easy.

Verdict: BUY or you will regret it! 

 

 

 

 

 

Also, be sure to check out my list of the greatest moments in rumble history from last year.  You can view that article HERE.  See you on Sunday marks!