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Royal Rumble 2004
By: The TBL Staff
Click here to view this month's PPV
Roundtable participants!
Pre-Prediction Comments:
Joe Balrog:
This is one of my favorite PPVs of the year. I don't know whether we'll get a diamond or some crappy coal with this one, but from the outlook of it - this year's event could be good.
Jonathon Carbo:
LEEETTTTTTTSSSSS GGGEEETTTT RRRREEEEAAAADDDDYYY TTTOOOO RRRRUUUUUMMMMMMMMMBBBBBLLLLEEEE!!!!!!!
Lou Corsaro:
Before I get into the Royal Rumble predictions, let me just say the final Raw leading into it was horrible. The whole show was marked with missed spots and lackluster action. You should know that, while I watch both shows, I tend to be a bigger fan of Raw than Smackdown. And I strongly feel that over the past six months, Raw has been a better, more consistent show. But that’s a whole different column. In any case, I’m still excited for this year’s Royal Rumble and four of the five matches also on the card have the potential to be very good. I think we all know which one sucks, but I’ll get to that later. Here goes my first-ever a prediction as a columnist. Hopefully, I won’t embarrass myself!
Roland G.:
This is my absolute favorite PPV of the year. So much can happen, even when you know the outcome of the Rumble itself. Cool, new feuds can happen right before your eyes. Welcome to the gear up for Wrestlemania XX.
Trevor Hunnicutt:
My personal old favorite PPV is this Sunday and there is no reason for WWE to squander the opportunity that this night affords them. Pat Patterson needs to be booking the Rumble this year as there are several key angles that must go over and more importantly, people that need to go over. More than many years in the past, there is work to be accomplished tonight. The promise of Foley needs to be delivered this time, once and for all. The repair of that failed angle needs to begin ASAP.
The Matches
Chavo Guerrero vs. Eddie Guerrero
WWE Cruiserweight Championship
Jamie Noble vs. Rey Mysterio
World Tag Team Championship
The Dudley Boyz vs. Evolution
WWE Championship
Brock Lesnar vs. Hardcore Holly
World Championship
Triple H vs. Shawn Michaels
The Royal Rumble 2004
Chavo Guerrero vs. Eddie Guerrero
Chris Vining
Prediction: Eddie
Thoughts: There is no way Chavo can cleanly beat Eddie. Eddie has more talent, more charisma, and better ring presence. Eddie will use Chavo as a step to bigger things at No Way Out and then Wrestlemania. Eddie has it all and the next few months might just be his time to shine.
Eddie
Prediction: Eddie Guerrero
Thoughts: With Chavo getting over on SmackDown, and Eddie obviously being the more important guy to push from the two towards No Way Out and WrestleMania, I won't be surprised if the Uncle beat his nephew. However, there's the possibility of a rematch at No Way Out so you never know. One way or the other, Angle is to get involved, as the plan is for Angle/Eddie Guerrero at WrestleMania.
Joe Balrog
Prediction: Eddie Guerrero
Thoughts: Chavo is only a stepping stone for Eddie's ascent to the top. My only reservation about choosing Eddie in this match is that the WWE bookers are morons and would get some type of a cheap thrill by having Chavo win this match, only to be demolished by Eddie on Smackdown! this coming week. Why you ask? Because it doesn't make any sense - thank you WWE bookers.
Jonathon Carbo
Prediction: Chavo
Thoughts: Should be a decent match. But Eddie should be much higher in rank than this by now.
Lou Corsaro
Prediction: Eddie
Thoughts: Honestly, I think this is a prime candidate for match of the night. I think Chavo is an underrated talent and these two guys know each other so well, I’m expecting a lot out of it. Since they’re apparently going with an Eddie-Brock program for next month, Eddie should come out on top and the two will separate for a while. Hopefully, Chavo will continue with a big push and move on to Rey Mysterio.
Roland G.
Prediction: Eddie. No question either - with the ending of SmackDown this week.
Thoughts: This has been the most effective build of the PPV in my opinion. It was slow and we've seen it coming for months - but when they finally pulled it off, it really had an impact. The way that both Chavo and Eddie have played it has been brilliant - especially Eddie with his silent brooding. I could have done without Kurt Angle's involvement, but I understand it if the rumors are true about No Way Out. If Eddie does go on to face Brock next month and Angle screws him - what a great Mania match that will be. Kurt and Eddie will tear the house down. But this one also has the potential to steal the show if they give them enough time. Both of them have the ability and since they know each other so well, they could build a great story in the ring.
Shawn Stinson
Prediction: Chavo
Thoughts: I think this one is going to be just as good as the cruiserweight match. I don't think Eddie needs the win to keep his momentum going, but Chavo sure does. Adding Chavo Sr. into the mix gives it a good old fashion 70's-80's wrestling feud feel. I like it.
Trevor Hunnicutt
Prediction: Chavo Guerrero
Thoughts: If Chavo is going to be a strong heel, he needs to win this match. Ideologically, that is a requirement, with little flexibility. The creativity comes in with the method they use to have Chavo win. Since he has very little heel charisma, it’s time to accentuate his abilities and hide his weaknesses. Other than the fact that he’s not ready for this position. He can’t be a pussy heel or a comedy heel, which both work for the right people, because he is already seen as sub-level to Eddie. What he needs is something serious and perhaps a good manager and clique to hang out with (no A-Train). This is a huge test for him. Eddie needs to tap on his other resources as well. We’ve all seen Eddie capture the emotions of the crowd, and he still possesses that ability. He needs to immediately rebound from drama to ferocity and an interview on this show will do him well. He needs to put on a good match, which should be no challenge. Dean Malenko would be a great match for putting this match together. This has been a good feud despite being mismatched.
Return to the Match Listing
WWE Cruiserweight Championship
Jamie Noble vs. Rey Mysterio
Chris Vining
Prediction: Mysterio
Thoughts: Rey is better, but Nidia is the wildcard. Noble is a deserving champion, but Rey won't lose the belt this fast. I expect Nidia to turn on Noble and cause him to loose the match.
Eddie
Prediction: Mysterio
Thoughts: Someone get Nidia glasses.
Joe Balrog
Prediction: Rey Mysterio
Thoughts: Does anyone else hate this stupid, ridiculous blind angle with Nidia? I mean come on - are we really supposed to believe that she can't see? And furthermore, is that the type of ludicrous storyline that we, as wrestling fans, want to see? I don't think so. I predict Mysterio because in my view - he's the best cruiserweight in the company.
Jonathon Carbo
Prediction: Mysterio
Thoughts: Should be another good match. The little guys always give it their all.
Lou Corsaro
Prediction: Rey Mysterio
Thoughts: Please, God, give Nidia her sight back right now. Why does the WWE go with stupid storylines like this? Tajiri does that mist on everyone he wrestles, but somehow Nidia is the only one who goes blind. Just a stupid, stupid angle. I like Jamie Noble as a wrestling talent — his Survivor Series 2002 match with Billy Kidman was top-notch — but I don’t see him getting over here.
Roland G.
Prediction: Mysterio. I hear they are going to have him take on Chavo at No Way Out, so there you go.
Thoughts: I like Noble and think he can wrestle, but his heel turn hasn't been defined enough for me. The whole Nida thing has never really been resolved either. Did he ever get back at Tajiri? No, Rey did. Now, if they built the feud on that premise, I'd love it - but they didn't. Jamie just saw the opportunity to use his blind girlfriend to help him get the Cruiser Title back. I see Nidia screwing Noble here to help Rey win. Should be a good match though.
Shawn Stinson
Prediction: Mysterio
Thoughts: A toss-up with the next match to steal the show. I'm glad Vince didn't decide to bury the poor cruiserweights in the Rumble match. Instead, he's giving the guys a chance to shine. I have a good feeling those guys won't disappoint.
Trevor Hunnicutt
Prediction: Rey Mysterio
Thoughts: You can expect a good match here as well as a mix of styles.
Return to the Match Listing
World Tag Team Championship
The Dudley Boyz vs. Evolution
Chris Vining
Prediction: Evolution
Thoughts: The Dudleys are clearly the better team, but there is no way the WWE will take the titles off Flair and Batista. Flair is the perfect person to help establish Batista as a main powerhouse in the WWE. Expect the Dudleys to outperform their opponents, but Batista to send at least one Dudley through a table.
Eddie
Prediction: Flair/Batista
Thoughts: What was the purpose behind putting the belts on Evolution in the first place if they were to drop them now? If that happens, can you say "Botched storyline?" Could be the beginning of the end for the stable if they were to drop the belts so early. Where the hell are Cade and Jindrak anyway? Oh yeah, I forgot. They're busy being ran over by Austin's ATV.
Joe Balrog
Prediction: The Dudley Boyz
Thoughts: I only predict the Duds because I figure that the WWE bookers will have to reassure the boys that they aren't in Triple H's camp after they let him beat Shawn Michaels later on in the night. Lord knows that if it was an all-Evolution PPV like the last one was, the boys would be out of control in the back.
Jonathon Carbo
Prediction: The Dudleys
Thoughts: A played out tag team, and a team who isn't really a team. On top of that, another table match. Bah!
Lou Corsaro
Prediction: The Dudley Boyz
Thoughts: Given that it’s a table match, I’m tempted to go with the Dudleys. Also, you have to wonder how long the WWE wants to keep all the belts on Evolution. However, I don’t think this match will be the end of the program, so I’m going with Flair and Batista. I do, however, expect a fun match with some nice bumps.
Roland G.
Prediction: Flair/Batista
Thoughts: With all that is holy, I beg the wrestling higher powers (Vince) to not put the straps back on the Duds. And I don't figure he will, since the whole Evolution domination thing is going well right now. SLAP - that was me smacking the Duds back to Heat.
Shawn Stinson
Prediction: Flair/Batista
Thoughts: If HHH doesn't lose his belt, why should his stablemates?
Trevor Hunnicutt
Prediction: Ric Flair and Batista
Thoughts: This acts as the annual filler tag match. OK 10-12 minute match with nothing significant to get over.
Return to the Match Listing
WWE Championship
Brock Lesnar vs. Hardcore Holly
Chris Vining
Prediction: Brock
Thoughts: Brock still isn't 100% after the surgeries he had over the holidays. He won't have his "A" game, but against Hardcore Holly it won't matter. I still can't believe that Holly is getting a title shot at a major PPV. He might get some shots in on Brock, but he stands no chance at taking home the gold.
Eddie
Prediction: Brock Lesnar
Thoughts: Hardcore Holly... wow. I did like the program the two put up though. At any rate, I won't be surprised if Matt Capotelli made his official PPV debut in this match! Brock is headed to WrestleMania to fight Goldberg.
Joe Balrog
Prediction: Brock Lesnar
Thoughts: I really don't have a comment on this one other than that it's nice to see Holly in a major position - but he's not winning that title.
Jonathon Carbo
Prediction: Brock Lesnar
Thoughts: Why is Bob Holly in a title match. Ugh..
Lou Corsaro
Prediction: Brock, in a matter of minutes
Thoughts: Brock, after selling much more than he should have to Why, why, why, why? Does anybody view Holly as credible championship material? This match is a complete waste of time and another example of how Smackdown needs to raise up a few more wrestlers to create new main events. Will there be any surprises here? I doubt it.
Roland G.
Prediction: Brock
Thoughts: I'm not sure it is even possible for me to care less about Spark Plug. Aside from intense eyes, what has the guy got? Personally (and I realize they would never do this) I think they should have just had Brock laugh at Holly until tears rolled out of his meaty eyes - totally burying Holly. Exactly why would Brock be scared of a guy who's neck he already broke? Or a guy that is exactly half his size? Or a guy who's only claim to fame is a "cousin" that holds the women's title? Holly is a joke and the WWE has sunk to new lows by belittling their champion this way.
Shawn Stinson
Prediction: Lesnar
Thoughts: Who in Lesnar piss off to make this match happen? Putting Holly in a feud with Lesnar because he injured him is a good way of putting true life in a storyline, but a major Pay Per View? I don't see Holly as a top guy. Ever.
Trevor Hunnicutt
Prediction: Brock Lesnar
Thoughts: In the day of high-level wrestling matches on Smackdown each week, the idea that a match between Hardcore Holly and Brock Lesnar would be part of a triple-main-event on the #2 duo-brand show of the year is quite a joke. Understood. But this match is not intended to be a draw, nor will it be. Under the circumstances, the most important thing is that WWE has done a good job on TV building Bob Holly up as a credible opponent for Lesnar. While Holly has neither the skills or the charisma to make it happen, this will not be remembered as an abysmal failure because WWE didn’t go into it with that mentality. Bob Holly headlining at WrestleMania: then there’s a problem.
Return to the Match Listing
World Championship
Triple H vs. Shawn Michaels
Chris Vining
Prediction: Draw
Thoughts: I can't figure out what the WWE is doing with this match. HHH will be leaving in the spring, so it makes sense for him to drop the belt. If he drops it to HBK then there isn't a top heel candidate for him to battle with at WM. HBK also isn't the most durable champion, no matter how good he says he is feeling. I see both men (with some outside interference) failing to answer the ten count and the match ending with a false finish. With the other main event being Brock vs. Hardcore this match better perform or else the Rumble will be a disaster.
Eddie
Prediction: Triple H
Thoughts: It won't make sense for Michaels to win. They lost the chance to do that -- if it was to happen, it should have happened in the first match on RAW. If HBK does end up winning, he'll have to drop the belt within a month, and I don't think that's a good move at the moment. The win over Michaels builds Triple H further towards a huge WrestleMania match, probably against Benoit.
Joe Balrog
Prediction: Triple H
Thoughts: It's the wrestling business - when you put someone over, you expect the same in return. Triple H put over Michaels twice now in big-time PPV matches. I think Triple H is going to call in his favor at the Rumble.
Jonathon Carbo
Prediction: Triple H
Thoughts: Besides the Rumble itself, this will own the card.
Lou Corsaro
Prediction: Triple H
Thoughts: I’ll watch any match between these guys. They seem to bring out the best in one another. I would love Michaels to win and defend the strap at Wrestlemania and, while I think there’s a chance, I just don’t see it happening. The talk of Goldberg-Lesnar and Triple H-Benoit seems credible, but we all know WWE can always change their mind. In the end, though, I just don’t see Trips not defending the title at the biggest Wrestlemania of all time.
Roland G.
Prediction: Triple H
Thoughts: The whole angle is a little overblown, if you ask me. We've been here, done this before. But that match they had on the last RAW of 2003 was all they needed to get me interested again. Trips and Shawn just have chemistry in the ring. Shawn trusts Trips enough to do things he wouldn't with other guys to put on a good match and Trips doesn't see any threat in Shawn to his position in the company so he'll sell for him. And that's why this will be a good match to watch.
Shawn Stinson
Prediction: HHH
Thoughts: See above for the reason why HHH will win. But I honestly think this match (feud) is getting a bit old. I've liked the return of the Heartbreak Kid as much as the next guy, but having him constantly battle HHH is boring. Let HHH keep the belt and let Michaels go back to battling someone like Chris Jericho.
Trevor Hunnicutt
Prediction: Triple H
Thoughts: The build-up given to this match is a plus and the match itself will likely be on par with some of their other matches, like the 30-minute match on RAW a few weeks ago and the street fight at SummerSlam 2002. I’m also a big fan of Triple H’s style in last man standing matches of his career (like those matches with Chris Jericho). However, this feud brings back too many memories of another match the two had. The contest for the world championship at Armageddon 2002. If there is one clear irony, it is that the same politics that existed in 2002 are alive and well today. The misdirection of WWE may kill them, and it will be for all the same reasons as WCW. Should Shawn Michaels be used? Yes, he has made a valuable commitment to the company, is a great worker, and has a built-in audience. Should Shawn Michaels be champion? Perhaps, compared to Triple H he is a breath of fresh air, and if the right circumstances present themselves, a title change should occur. But the misconceptions that coexist with that theory deserve a good debunking. Mainly, Shawn Michaels will probably not be a better draw than Triple H, and perhaps may be worse. Pop does not always equate with being a good draw, and fans don’t have enough faith in the company to believe that a new champion will—for a lack of better terminology—revitalize shit. Shawn Michaels has not previously, and there is no evidence to show that anything would be different now. More important that dethroning Triple H as champion, is disposing of the mentality that allows for him to hold the position in the first place. When cooler heads don’t prevail, you get new heads, not new mouthpieces espousing the same spoiled illogic. Instead of playing games and giving Michaels a second, short run with the title, I see WWE taking a shortcut and just having Triple H go over here.
Return to the Match Listing
The Royal Rumble 2004
Chris Vining
Prediction: Chris Benoit
Thoughts: You never like to pick the #1 entry but Benoit's star has been too bright, and there has been too much buzz about him winning. The WWE has been giving Goldberg a push to make him seem like a bigger star when he jobs at Wrestlemania and joins the unemployment line. Orton and Cena are dark horse candidates, but the WWE will most likely have other plans for them at WM XX. In the end my $ is on the Rabid Wolverine
Eddie
Prediction: Goldberg
Thoughts: Not much to say here, besides look out for some great confrontations here and there. I'd say that Goldberg and Benoit will be the last two men left, and respectively each one of them will get a shot at a title. However, they'll choose the champion on the brand they're not on... Cena should perform well as well, and maybe they'll have a surprise return by Undertaker? We shall see.
Joe Balrog
Prediction: Chris Benoit
Thoughts: I want to pick someone from the RAW roster by virtue of the fact that Brock Lesnar won last year representing the Smackdown! crew. However, I just don't see a feasible storyline with anyone from RAW winning. I have to tip my hat to either Angle or Benoit - but I think Benoit has a better shot.
Jonathon Carbo
Prediction: Goldberg
Thoughts: Should be quite a match. Only 4 guys have any shot of winning, but those 4 all have a good chance. But maybe we can get a darkhorse who lasts over an hour or so. That would rule. I'm looking forward to it.
Lou Corsaro
Prediction: Chris Benoit
Thoughts: Last year’s Royal Rumble was lacking in suspense because everyone knew Brock was going to win to set up his match with Kurt Angle. I love the Royal Rumble as much as the next guy, but the prize you get for winning it immediately eliminates most of the competition as potential winners. Are you betting on Rico, Nunzio or Spike Dudley? The common consensus seems to be either Goldberg or Chris Benoit. I still think there’s an outside shot for John Cena or Kurt Angle. I actually wrote this part saying Goldberg, but I’m going to switch my vote and say Benoit. Having him at No. 1 would really boost his stock for Wrestlemania 20 and it would still be really easy to set up a Lesnar-Goldberg match if they choose to go that route.
Roland G.
Prediction: Chris Benoit
Thoughts: With Goldberg getting slot #30, many will think he is the odds on favorite, but many don't know that no one that has ever had #30 has won. I'm making a big leap here by saying that Benoit will do what only one other man has ever done by lasting the entire way - but if there was EVER a wrestler who has paid his dues and deserves that kind of place in history, it's Benoit. Of course, I'm banking on the rumors of him going to RAW being true - but even without them, the way Cena and Benoit have been pushed on Smackdown warrant the attention. Cena is another logical choice to win with his charisma and connection with the fans, but he is still young and can ride his wave for a while to come. This is Benoit's window of opportunity. Here's to hoping that Vince doesn't swerve things because of the "parasites" on the net, now that he's good and mad.
Shawn Stinson
Prediction: Chris Benoit
Thoughts: If the rumors are true on this one, Benoit will win the title then jump over to Raw to battle HHH for the World Title. I'm glad Benoit will finally get his due and get pushed to a title (or at least wrestling for one). While I'm a huge Kurt Angle fan, I'm glad they didn't do the old HHH or Steve Austin gimmick by having a guy return from injury then win the Rumble and get a title shot at WrestleMania. But come to think of it, a rematch of Angle and Brock Lesnar wouldn't have been a bad idea.
Trevor Hunnicutt
Prediction: John Cena
Thoughts: As I mentioned in the introduction, this match is significant and there are tons of angles and people to get over this year. Luckily, the format is conducive to WWE doing that with as little effort as possible. Immediately, you can write off Rico, The Hurricane, Spike Dudley, Matt Hardy, Test, Rene Dupree, Booker T, Scott Steiner and Rob Van Dam as individually having a huge effect on the match, as well as Rikishi, Nunzio, A-Train, Ernest Miller, Bradshaw and Tajiri. They will not have make an appreciable difference on the Rumble. With those remaining, it is most important to push: Kane, Goldberg (depending on their goals with him which may be few), Chris Jericho, Christian, Randy Orton, Kurt Angle, John Cena, Chris Benoit, and perhaps Matt Morgan (he may receive the most eliminations of the night, for example).
Return to the Match Listing
Roundtable Participants
Shawn Stinson, writer of The Focal Point
Chris Vining, writer of Nonsensical Notions
Eddie, former writer of News & Analysis
Joe Balrog, writer of RAW Wishes & Balrog Babblings
Trevor Hunnicutt, writer of The Figure Four Leglock & H & S
Roland G., Editor of SaltyHam.com
Lou Corsaro, writer of Captain Lou's View
Jonathon Carbo, writer of Top Ten Lists
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Tony Schiavone was an announcer with WWE in the late 1980's.
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