I think most wrestling fans will tell you that they consider Summer Slam to be the WWE’s second biggest Pay Per View event of the year. And while SS will always have a special place in my heart for a few different reasons, for my money it’s the Royal Rumble that gets that honor. So many of the outcomes from this particular event have a direct effect on WrestleMania. Plus, the Rumble match is always entertaining as hell. Well everyone has their own opinions, and here are mine. Check out my match by match predictions for the 2013 Royal Rumble PPV.
Pre-Show Match:
United States Championship: The Miz vs. Antonio Cesaro
First off, I can’t help but wonder why a title match is being used as a YouTube pre-show match during a Pay Per View? I guess it’s a good way to get people to check out the product on YouTube, but to me it just seems disrespectful to two solid competitors, let alone the United States Champion. Anyway, I definitely expect a solid match here. I like the Miz as a face, Cesaro has grown on me as the U.S. champ, and I would love to see a little more Ric Flair here too. I can’t see Cesaro losing the title here though.
My Crystal Ball Says: It’s pronounced the same in all five languages…Antonio Cesaro
WWE Tag Team Championship:
Team Hell No vs. Team Rhodes Scholars
Hard to believe that Team Hell No has held the WWE Tag Team Championship for more than four months now. I was a little surprised when the powers that be put these two together, but they have proven to be a solid team with great chemistry. Each week they continue to be one of the most entertaining parts of the company machine, whether in the ring or in backstage segments. Team Rhodes Scholars seems to be getting a push now, which might make it just the right time for a title change.
My Crystal Ball Says: Damien Sandow and Cody Rhodes? YES YES YES!
Last Man Standing Match for the World Title:
Alberto Del Rio vs. Big Show
I have to say I breathed a sign of relief when I heard on RAW that this rematch was going to be another Last Man Standing affair. Otherwise I would have expected a disqualification, count out or other standard finish that would have kept the title in ADR’s hands. Not everyone agrees with me on this, but I think the Big Show is a solid performer, especially as a heel now in the twilight of his career. I am expecting a really good match, but I really can’t see Show taking a ten count for the second time.
My Crystal Ball Says: The Big Show gets a big win
WWE Championship:
CM Punk vs. the Rock
If you would have asked me when this matched was first announced I would have picked the Rock to win without hesitation. Especially with the Rock vs Cena II at Mania looking like a foregone conclusion. But nowadays I am not quite as sure. Just because so many people expect Rock to win, I wouldn’t be surprised if Punk holds onto the title at the Rumble, then drops it to the Rock next month at the Elimination Chamber PPV. Also, with the Shield banned from this match you have to wonder if it opens the door for a run-in by someone else….Maddox, Lesnar, maybe even the Undertaker.
My Crystal Ball Says: Punk retains in a close one
The Rumble Match
If you read my previous Rumble column here on Calling All Nerds a few days then you already know my pick…and it hasn’t changed. There are so many possibilities with this match and it can play out in a number of ways. I go back and forth with this every day, but I am going to go with my original pick...
My Crystal Ball Says: RYBACK
Pay Per View Crystal Ball by Donald McDermott
Predicting All of the Matches at This Year's Royal Rumble
