WWE Royal Rumble 2015 Predictions
January 25, 2015
By: Mike Tedesco of Wrestleview.com
It’s hard to believe that it’s time for another Royal Rumble. It feels like just a week ago that we were gearing up for the 2014 Rumble. This is one of my favorite shows of the year. The Royal Rumble match is always a layup for an entertaining match. However, this year it’s not just the Royal Rumble that’s the “must see” match. The WWE World Heavyweight Championship match has had tremendous build and with questions surrounding Brock Lesnar’s contract status, the outcome is up in the air. With those two matches alone, it should be a great show.
Royal Rumble Kickoff – Elimination Tag
The New Day vs. Cesaro, Tyson Kidd, and Adam Rose
Well, it’s the kickoff match. I don’t think there are any people who really care about this match other than the six people involved. The New Day was pretty much DOA, as was Adam Rose. Tyson Kidd has talent, but he’s looked so lame coming off “Total Divas.” Cesaro is the true tragedy of this match. That guy should be one of the favorites to win the Rumble, not bogged down in this match. What a shame.
Prediction: The New Day
The New Age Outlaws vs. The Ascension
This was a rather unexpected match-up that came out of nowhere. The Ascension have been saying some disparaging comments about some legendary tag teams, but they’ve only faced chump tag teams up until now. They got absolutely embarrassed on RAW Reunion and have overall been a huge disappointment. I don’t know who thought this would be a good way to introduce a new tag team that’s supposed to be dominating. They’ll pick up the win against the Outlaws, but they have a long way to go to make up for their terrible first month.
Prediction: The Ascension
Paige and Natalya vs. The Bella Twins
I think this probably would have wound up being a Divas Title match with Nikki facing Natalya if Nikki didn’t sustain that hamstring injury last weekend. This feels thrown together to get our token Divas match on PPV.
Prediction: Paige and Natalya
WWE Tag Team Championships Match
The Miz and Damien Mizdow vs. The Usos (c’s)
It feels like these two teams have faced each other in some combination on almost every single show since Survivor Series. I don’t know what they could do that they haven’t already done, but I guess we’ll find out if they have any more tricks tonight. They teased Damien Mizdow changing his feelings on The Miz on Smackdown, so we’ll see if that comes into play in this match or in the Rumble itself.
Prediction: The Usos retain
WWE World Heavyweight Championship Match
John Cena vs. Seth Rollins vs. Brock Lesnar (c)
The WWE Title match at the Royal Rumble in recent years haven’t been all that exciting. Last year we saw John Cena take on Randy Orton in a match that the fans completely turned on. The year prior, The Rock defeated CM Punk in a match where the outcome was never, ever in doubt. Off the top of my head, I can’t remember the match from 2012. There hasn’t been a build for the title match like this in years for the Royal Rumble. There’s a lot of speculation on the status of Brock Lesnar following WrestleMania. Will he stay with WWE or will he sign with UFC or Bellator? If he is indeed leaving, does WWE want to risk the WrestleMania main event turning into Lesnar vs. Goldberg from WrestleMania XX when everyone knew they were leaving? Maybe they switch the title tonight and have him in a co-main event instead to save the integrity of the WrestleMania main event? There are a lot of questions. One thing I know is this will be a great match. I personally think Lesnar will leave WWE, but I think they’ll roll the dice with the WrestleMania main event and leave it up to some strong build and Paul Heyman promos. I’m taking Lesnar here.
Prediction: Brock Lesnar retains
The 2015 Royal Rumble Match
Confirmed entrants include: Roman Reigns, Daniel Bryan, Rusev, Bray Wyatt, Bad News Barrett, Dean Ambrose, Goldust, Stardust, Big Show, Kane, The Miz, Damien Mizdow, R-Truth, Dolph Ziggler, Ryback, Fandango, Luke Harper
This doesn’t need that much hype. This is obviously one of the more exciting and intriguing matches WWE puts on every year. Last year, it gave rise to Daniel Bryan, who wasn’t even in the Rumble. This year, Bryan is in the Rumble and is one of the favorites. What a difference a year makes. Roman Reigns is also in the match, and he’s obviously the guy WWE seems to be focusing on. Reigns certainly has a good look and support, but I’m concerned about the promo-work and the lack of selling ability. The top guy needs to be able to make people squirm in their seats and beg for him to get up. Reigns has a lot of work to still do, and I don’t think forcing him into the spotlight is the best way to do it. WWE has to think long term. They could ruin a future big talent by pushing him too hard too soon. I don’t think this should be the year for him, but it seems like that’s where we’re going. I’d love to see Daniel Bryan get another opportunity at the title he never lost, but we’ll see. At this point, he will be my prediction.
As for surprise entrants, I’d expect to see Randy Orton and Sheamus make a comeback in the match. They’ll probably throw an ECW guy or two into it as well. The Rock teased an appearance, but I think that’s highly unlikely.
Prediction: Roman Reigns
With my WWE TLC predictions last month, I went a perfect 9-0, which leaves me with a fantastic record for 2014. Admittedly, I started the predictions column halfway through the year at Money in the Bank, so we’ll see how this year pans out with a full slate of PPVs.
Final 2014 Predictions Record: 39-14 (.736)
Well, those are my predictions for the show. What are yours? Do you agree? Disagree? Let me know!
E-Mail – MikeyT817@gmail.com
Twitter – @MikeTedescoWV
As always, Wrestleview.com will be providing excellent live coverage of the Royal Rumble event. Live coverage by the great Adam Martin begins at 8 PM EST (7 PM CST) along with brief updates on Twitter.
Thanks for reading and enjoy the show!