Who will win the Ultimate Royal Rumble?

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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Since 1988 25 men have won the Royal Rumble. There have been a handful of two time winners, including Hulk Hogan, Shawn Michaels, Triple H, Batista, John Cena and Randy Orton. "Stone Cold" Steve Austin has won the event three times and Braun Strowman is the winner of the first Greatest Royal Rumble. I did include him in this post. 

But of the 25 winners who would win the Ultimate Royal Rumble? 

Shawn Michaels, Ric Flair, Chris Benoit, Steve Austin, Randy Orton, Rey Mysterio and Vince McMahon (yes, I know) all proved they can go the distance, choosing single digital numbers and winning. Yokozuna had the massive size. Braun Strowman, Hulk Hogan, Roman Reigns, Batista, Sheamus, Undertaker, Brock Lesnar Lex Luger and John Cena are among the most powerful.

I loved Flair's performance in the 1992 Royal Rumble. He's on my shortlist of men to win this time around too. The raw power and dominance that Strowman has shown for the past year or so has made him unstoppable. But I'm picking the guy who has won the most Rumbles, even though he kinda cheated in 1997, and that's Austin. 

Who is your choice? 

• 1988: Hacksaw Jim Duggan (entrant No.13)
• 1989: Big John Studd (No. 27)
• 1990: Hulk Hogan (No. 25)
• 1991: Hulk Hogan (No. 24)
• 1992: Ric Flair (No. 3)
• 1993: Yokozuna (No. 27)
• 1994: Bret Hart (No. 27) and Lex Luger (No. 23), co-winners
• 1995: Shawn Michaels (No. 1)
• 1996: Shawn Michaels (No. 18)
• 1997: Steve Austin (No. 5)
• 1998: Steve Austin (No. 24)
• 1999: Vince McMahon (No. 2)
• 2000: The Rock (No. 24)
• 2001: Steve Austin (No. 27)
• 2002: Triple H (No. 22)
• 2003: Brock Lesnar (No. 29)
• 2004: Chris Benoit (No. 1)
• 2005: Batista (No. 28)
• 2006: Rey Mysterio (No. 2)
• 2007: The Undertaker (No. 30)
• 2008: John Cena (No. 30)
• 2009: Randy Orton (No. 8)
• 2010: Edge (No. 29)
• 2011: Alberto Del Rio (No. 38)
• 2012: Sheamus (No. 22)
• 2013: John Cena (No. 19)
• 2014: Batista (No. 28)
• 2015: Roman Reigns (No. 19)
• 2016: Triple H (No. 30)
• 2017: Randy Orton (No. 23)
• 2018: Shinsuke Nakamura (No. 14)
• 2018: Braun Strowman (No. 41 in Greatest Royal Rumble)

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The night the Shield ruled WWE

Money in the Bank
Courtesy: WWE

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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It's safe to say there hasn't been a faction as powerful or impactful in recent history as the Shield. I would argue the first 18 months that Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose were as dominate as the early days of the nWo, Evolution and even the Four Horsemen. No, I'm not saying Roman Reigns is a better wrestler than Ric Flair.

The Shield in the early days
Courtesy: WWE

But the three newcomers took the wrestling world by storm, quickly grabbing the United States championship and the tag team titles. They beat everyone put in front of them including trios made up of Superstars like Kane, Undertaker, Randy Orton, Big Show, Sheamus, Triple H, Batista, Daniel Bryan, John Cena and Ryback. 

Two years ago when the trio split everyone wondered who would be the most successful member. Ambrose quickly became my personal favorite with his "lunatic fringe" attitude even though I hate the phrase lunatic fringe. All three men are solid performers. I like different things about each of them. But when Rollins snagged the WWE Heavyweight Champion first, I wasn't surprised.

He was a great champion and only lost it when he had to forfeit it due to an injury. WWE for whatever reason refused to listen to the fans and kept Reigns a good guy, despite the resentment from the crowd. I didn't hate him being champion, but he never seemed comfortable in the position. That's partly on him, but also on WWE for their lack of vision with his character.

Then on June 20, 2016 the unthinkable happened. All three members of the now-defunct Shield held the world title. Reigns dropped it to Rollins and about two minutes later Ambrose walked out with the gold. It's a great story and I can't wait to see the inevitable triple threat match between the three, hopefully at SummerSlam. It'll be one for the ages and hopefully creative won't jump the gun on the match.

MVPs of WrestleMania #1

By Kevin Hunsperger & Chad Smart

@kevinhunsperger, @chadsmart, @my123cents

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I've enjoyed counting down the MVPs of WrestleMania.  It should come as no surprise that Chad and I have both picked the Undertaker as our number 1 MVP.  

The Streak starts...
Courtesy: WWE

Kevin's thoughts:  My senior year of high school (25 years ago) The Undertaker made his WrestleMania debut against the legendary "Superfly" Jimmy Snuka.  I expected 'Taker to win that encounter as he was an up and coming Superstar and Snuka was there to help put over those younger guys.  Then he beat Jake "The Snake" Roberts.  He missed WrestleMania 10, but soon won the WWF Championship by beating Sycho Sid at 'Mania 13.  From there on the Undertaker plowed through the competition beating everyone from the young upstarts like Randy Orton to the legends like Ric Flair and everyone in between.

The Streak ends
Courtesy: WWE

'Taker added gold twice more at WrestleMania events, beating Edge and Batista.  He bested Triple H three times, Kane twice as well as Shawn Michaels; retiring the iconic Superstar.  Then in 2014 something weird happened.  The Streak of 21 wins came to a screeching halt.  I've flip-flopped on whether I like the idea of Brock Lesnar ending one of the greatest records in the history of the company.  It definitely sent shockwaves around the world and picked up main stream press.

The Streak starst again
Courtesy: WWE

At WrestleMania 31 he beat Bray Wyatt, the Superstar I think should have ultimately ended the Streak and a new phenom could have been born.  This year it's Shane McMahon standing in the Dead Man's way.  If Vince McMahon has his way, Undertaker will be done at 'Mania if he doesn't beat the boss's son in the much anticipated Hell in a Cell match.  Win or loss, no one can deny the career of the Undertaker and how important he is to the WrestleMania brand.

Various 'Taker opponents
Courtesy: WWE

Chad's thoughts:  Is there any other honest choice? Taker has wrestled on more WrestleManias than any other wrestler. “The Streak” helped add intrigue to WrestleMania over the last decade. Even with “the Streak” broken, Undertaker has probably one of the most anticipated matches coming up at WrestleMania Star. While I personally think Taker should have retired after WrestleMania XXX, there’s no denying his longevity has helped build the WrestleMania name. 

Extreme Rules 2014 Thoughts

Roman Reigns Superman Punches Batista
Photo courtesy: WWE

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

It's been nearly a week since I've last blogged, as in May I do a lot more with my YouTube channel, posting a new video everyday.  If you haven't already, check it out please and don't forget to subscribe. 

Now that the cheap plug is over, here are some very quick thoughts on Extreme Rules 2014.  I've gotta tell you, with the exception of some early glitches on the feed, the WWE Network may be the greatest invention since the Internet itself.  I can't tell you how much I enjoy being able to watch a PPV on my iPad (or iPhone) and be able to watch from anywhere.  

Good news for Barrett
Photo courtesy: WWE

I'm not going to go match by match, but I really thought overall, the show was very solid, even the WeeLC match at the beginning was entertaining, but I will say the commentary got a little cornier than usual at times.  I am glad  Cesaro picked up the win in the Triple Threat match.  The Intercontinental title is back around waist of Bad News Barrett.  I only hope that the company gets on board and gives the IC title the shine it once had.  I felt like they were headed in that direction a couple years ago when Cody Rhodes won it.  Since losing it to the Big Show, it seems like the championship has become a prop.  Give us some GOOD news Wade.

Rollins flies
Photo courtesy: WWE

The six man tag match between the Shield and Evolution delivered big time.  If you ever wondered before this match, I feel like Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins, and Roman Reigns all proved they are legit.  Rollins gets the MVP award from me just based on the crazy things he did with his body.  It was very daring and paid off.  Triple H, Randy Orton, and Batista deserve credit too, as they went toe to toe with these young guys and looked good doing it.  There, I said something nice about Randy Orton (and I mean it)

Rage in a cage
Photo courtesy: WWE

Bray Wyatt and John Cena also delivered, this time inside a steel cage match.  I know Cena has his haters, but he's someone I respect immensely, and while I don't think he's going to suffer from this loss, I believe Wyatt has made a huge jump in the eyes of the WWE Universe.  This angle has been great and creepy all at the same time.  It's showing the cracks in Cena's armor too, which has been interesting.

Kane and Bryan heat things up
Photo courtesy: WWE

And one month into his reign as WWE World Heavyweight champion, Daniel Bryan had an excellent outing with Kane.  I've always been a bigger fan of the Monster over the corporate version of Kane and after all these years, he's proved to me he's still got it.  Those whacks with the kendo stick stung me and Bryan being tossed around like a rag doll surely had to add to be pain, not to mention Kane going through that flaming table, albeit for a moment.  I am glad Bryan defended, and I'm happy to see this ended up as the main event.  I had my doubts, thinking the 6 man tag would be the final match of the night.

Great show.  Big props to everyone who competed and the production staff who brought this event to us live.  

Wrestlemania XXX Recap

Inside the SuperDome

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents

My usual post Wrestlemania high didn't last as long this year, in part because of the untimely passing of the Ultimate Warrior.  Then add a 10 hour road trip home from New Orleans, and a 1:30 a.m. wakeup call for work and you get one tired and sad writer.  But enough excuses, it's time to look back at Wrestlemania 30, which I believe is the best Wrestlemania I've attended.

Chad and I have traveled to eight Wrestlemanias over the last nine years.  We've been to 22, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, and 30.  Each experience was fun for different reasons, but I think Wrestlemania 30 will standout for years to come for a number of reasons.  Let's take a closer look at the Wrestlemania moments of the evening:

Drink up!

Legends Unite:
Kicking off Wrestlemania with Hulk Hogan seemed more like a Raw moment, but his speech helped pump the crowd, even if he called the Super Dome the Silver Dome.  Then the sound of breaking glass and the appearance of "Stone Cold" Steve Austin pumped up the crowd even more.  The Rock coming out was the cherry on top, as I watched in awe these three icons interact.  The toast at the end of the segment was nothing short of awesome, as I wonder if we'll ever see these three together in the ring again.  Bonus, because of our seats, as the Legends walked past us, I was able to reach out and touch the Rock's arm.  I know I should probably not have been so excited by this, but it was indeed a mark out moment for me.

The winner!

Super Cesaro: 
Up until the end of the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal, I had The Big Show picked to win.  Not because I wanted him to or thought he deserved the honor, but because he was the biggest man in the event and the parallels have been made between he and Andre.  I love the concept of the battle royal, getting many Superstars on the show and paying tribute to one of the greatest Legends in the history of wrestling.  Kofi Kingston's near elimination was pretty cool. I thought he had gotten hurt and that's why the camera was on him because from where we were sitting it looked like a nasty spill over the top rope.  I was glad to see Kofi keep his streak of unique near eliminations alive.  But the true Wrestlemania moment came when Cesaro scooped up the Big Show and slammed him over the top rope.  It was a flashback to 1987 when Hogan slammed Andre to win the main event of Wrestlemania III.

Prematch stare down

RIP The Streak:
I'm not gonna lie, I thought the Streak would live on forever.  I had actually contemplated making a $50 bet with an old friend from high school that the Undertaker would win. I'm glad now that I didn't.  Another confession, I haven't been that into the Undertaker, ever.  I like the guy, don't get me wrong.  His matches from the past were very good.  But in recent years, I've just not been overly impressed.  I know I'm in the minority when I say that.  Finishers done on the opponent, several near falls, and finally the victory.  Don't hate on me for that, as I do respect the Undertaker and his contribution to wrestling.  But I was not fully engaged in the match with Brock, but looked up from my phone as Lesnar delivered the final F5.  When the ref's hand hit the mat the third time and the bell rang, I immediately thought Paul Heyman called for the bell and Taker had kicked out.  Then they flashed the 21-1 graphic on the screen and Heyman and Lesnar left the ring.  Like the 75,000 others in the Super Dome, I was shocked.  I did not cry though, nor scream bullsh!t.  I didn't leave either.

21 and 1

I was disappointed at first, but I think it makes perfect sense now.  The ending of the Streak garnered national media coverage.  Heck, a radio station from my hometown called me and interviewed me about it.  After sleeping on it, I had a different perspective and after Monday's Raw where Heyman introduced Lesnar as the 1 in "21 and 1", I loved the idea even more.  I don't know what the future holds for the Undertaker, but his legacy will not be tarnished by his loss at Wrestlemania 30.  I just hope they keep this momentum going for Brock and the loss was for nothing.

Triple H vs. Bryan

Yes! Yes! Yes!:
Taker's streak ending likely overshadows Daniel Bryan's victories at Wrestlemania 30, but it no doubt was another great moment that night. For years, I think Wrestlemania has lacked those definable moments, but this year there were several.  Bryan's initial win over Triple H in the opener sent him on a path of domination into the main event.  The match was really good, as I think both men put on one helluva show.  

I've said it before, I'm not a fan of Batista or Randy Orton, but both men put their bodies on the line for the sake of entertaining the millions watching this WWE World Heavyweight title match.  The Batista Bomb/Reverse RKO was phenomenal and Orton's crash landing on the monitor had many fans wincing in pain.  I wondered for a moment if he was going to be able to continue.  To his credit, Orton got back in their and fought an epic battle against his two foes.  

The new champ

Bryan overcame the odds of Triple H and Stephanie McMahon returning to ringside and the bogus actions of a corrupt referee to win the title.  Even though Bryan has held gold before, this victory seemed especially sweet.  I'd say 90% of the Super Dome was chanting YES! at the end of the match as confetti showered the crowd and Bryan.  It was a long and winding road, a slow burn that ultimately paid off in a big way for the WWE Universe and the new champ.  I don't know what the plan was before CM Punk left, but I don't care.  I'm happy to see Bryan win the big title at the biggest Wrestlemania to date. 

The Shield 

I've rambled long enough.  I was glad to see the Shield remain intact and look strong in defeating three WWE Legends in Kane, Billy Gunn, and the Road Dogg.  John Cena's victory was unexpected and I think unappreciated by a majority of the crowd.  It is what it is as far as I'm concerned.  AJ Lee's victory was clever, I liked it a lot and felt sorry for the Divas as they made their way to the ring moments after the Streak came to an abrupt end and fans took out their anger on the ladies in the ring.  

It was a solid show, the best Mania I've attended in person. Props to the WWE talent, producers, and all the men and women who make the magic happen and don't get recognized for it.  I'll write more about that soon.

CM... Shut Up

CM Punk
Photo courtesy: My 1-2-3 Cents

By Chad Smart

@chadsmart & @my123cents on Twitter

Back in 1998 or 1999 (I forget the exact time and am too lazy to look it up) Ric Flair asked for time off to go watch his son, Reid compete in a wrestling tournament. Eric Bischoff denied Flair’s request and when Flair went to the tournament anyway, Bischoff suspended Flair and kept him off TV for several months. The day after Royal Rumble 2014, CM Punk, for whatever reason, decided he was done being a WWE Superstar and walked out of the company a few hours before Monday Night Raw began.

During his suspension, fans routinely chanted, “We want Flair” during episodes of Monday Nitro and Thunder. Eventually Eric Bischoff relented and brought Flair back to television with a Four Horsemen reunion interview.  Since his walkout, fans have routinely “hijacked” WWE programming with chants of “C M Punk.”  As of Tuesday, March 4, 2014, it doesn’t appear CM Punk will be returning to WWE anytime soon and the fans that keep chanting for him need to stop.

The difference between the Ric Flair situation and the CM Punk situation is night and day. An egomaniacal boss kept Ric Flair off TV. CM Punk is off TV because of his own decision to not show up for work.  When fans cheer CM Punk, they’re basically cheering a deadbeat, pissy, child.  Maybe those are the wrong words to use. I don’t know the details of the situation. There could be a very legitimate reason why Punk has chosen to walk away from wrestling. Until he makes an official statement though, the perception is he took his ball and went home due to selfish reasons.

The Punk Pipebomb
Photo courtesy: WWE

I understand the fans desire to see CM Punk back in a wrestling ring. However, I think the time for chanting incessantly for him is over.  There are several guys on the WWE roster who want to be there and would love the opportunity to step into the hole created by Punk’s absence.

When Batista or Randy Orton are in the ring and the fans are chanting for Daniel Bryan, this is an attempt to tell WWE management, “We don’t like what you’re giving us. This is what we’d prefer to see.”  When “CM Punk” chants ring out during every match, it’s saying, “screw the wrestlers who actually showed up to work, we want the guy who walked out on the company.”  Why should the fans even want Punk back?

If rumors are true, Punk’s contract expires in July and speculation is he won’t be re-signing. So if Punk were to return today, he’s only going to be around for four months before leaving again. At that point, will fans still chant his name hoping he’ll magically come back for their entertainment?

Punk
Photo courtesy: WWE

One problem I have with the CM Punk chants is how they’ve become almost robotic. During the March 3, RAW, during the match between the Shield and Wyatt Family, a “This is awesome” chant was quickly followed by a CM Punk chant. It’s almost like the fans were enjoying something and then realized they weren’t chanting what they were told to chant. Which begs the question, do wrestling fans think for themselves or simply take on a group mentality based on what they read on-line? 

Over the past couple of years there has been on-line negative reactions to guys like The Rock, Chris Jericho, and Batista who only work a handful of dates (one of which is Wrestlemania. The biggest pay date of the year) and don’t seem to have the passion for the business. Why should CM Punk escape the same criticism now?  Yes, he’s probably worked more dates and sacrificed his body more over the past 7 years than the three guys I just mentioned combined. So he’s built up fan respect. At the end of the day though, CM Punk chose to walk out on the WWE, on the WWE fans and in my opinion has tainted his legacy in doing so.  Again, I don’t know the details that led to his decision, and based on some of the speculation I’ve read, I agree with a lot of his complaints. However, I don’t support the manner in which he chose to deal with his grievances. Instead doing business like a professional, he acted like a spoiled teenager.

As far as we know, CM Punk isn’t coming back to WWE anytime soon. While fans may want him back and think cheering for him will make him magically appear, chanting CM Punk three times isn’t the same as chanting Beetlejuice three times.  I do think CM Punk should make some type of comment regarding his situation. I don’t know if it would change things, but if he were to simply say, “I’m done. I’m not coming back,” maybe that would help quiet the chants. What I do know is “CM Punk” is quickly becoming the new “What?” and I can go another lifetime without hearing either chant.

My plea to you wrestling fans is this; support the guys, and girls, who show up. Support the wrestlers who want to perform and entertain. When a wrestler is done and moves on, let them go in peace.  

Editors' note, so we're not posting the same blog, Kevin agrees with the points Chad has listed here. It's our 1-2-3 Cents.  

Batista Hears a Boo

Batista returns
Photo courtesy: WWE 

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

It's Dr. Seuss' birthday, and I'm celebrating again with a wrestling twist on a classic story.  I did it a few years ago when John Cena and The Rock were embroiled in their feud.  You can click here for that.  This is written in fun, and no disrespect is meant to anyone.


Batista Hears a Boo
On the 20th of January, in the city of Dayton, 
on cold winter night, the fans had been waitin' 
The pyro lit up as he ran to the ring, 
but Batista the Animal wasn't treated like a king.
He climbed through the ropes and the cheers weren't there.
Batista was mad, and the fans didn't care.
Four years had passed by, and Batista had no clue,
why fans wouldn't cheer, and instead they would boo.
"I beat all the greats, 'Taker, Cena, Triple H...
even my ex partner, you know him, ol' Natch."
Although it's 2014, the Universe hasn't forgotten,
his matches were fair, but his attitude rotten.
They now cheer their favorites, like Dolph, Punk, and Bryan.
Booing you Batista, in hopes you go flyin'.
But Big Dave has his sites on the heavyweight gold,
no matter if fans think this rematch is old.
So for now it's Orton and Batista in the Big Easy,
fans will hiss and boo more, and likely feel queasy.
Who will win on that day? I am not all that keen.
We just hope the Animal won't be in skinny jeans.

Heel-Mania is Running Wild?

The Main Event?
Photo courtesy: WWE

By Chris Hagstrom
@chrishagstrom on Twitter

Before I get this blog started, I want to thank Kevin and Chad for allowing me to contribute to My 1-2-3 Cents and Adam Testa for proofing my post. Some of you may remember me as the former Executive Producer for All American Pro Wrestling and Pro Wrestling Collision. Now, I’m just a private pro wrestling citizen who wants to share my 1-2-3 (and sometimes 4-5) cents. I look forward to adding more blogs in the future. Now onto the matter at hand…

After the events of this week’s Friday Night Smackdown, it appears, for the time being, that the WWE World Heavyweight Championship match will consist of two men who many in the WWE Universe despise or couldn't care less about. Batista will challenge Randy Orton on the grandest stage of them all. My only real question is… Why?

Given the reaction both men have received since the Royal Rumble, one would think the powers that be would call an audible and alter the match to something more people would want to see. And it is rumored that CM Punk walked out on WWE because, once again, a part-time wrestler is in the main event. So, if this really is the case, is WWE setting itself up for failure?

Looking back on the past 29 WrestleManias, the WWE or World Heavyweight Championship has been the true main event (which, in my opinion, should be the final match on the card that everyone wants to see) a total of 24 times. The other five have been major feuds that culminated in one final encounter (let’s just forget about The Rock vs. JohnCena at WM 28 for now). If the main event will be Orton vs. Bootista, his affectionate new nickname given to him by the WWE Universe, not only could the milestone 30th edition of the “Showcase of the Immortals” be forgettable, it might be the final straw to those fans who have patiently waited to be drawn back into the product.

Enter Daniel Bryan.

Jim Ross, a man who I respect and have idolized as a broadcaster, former head of talent relations and one of the greatest minds in the business, has voiced his frustrations with fans who are impatient and need to give this story time to develop, a slow build if you will. While I agree pro wrestling fans have become impatient through the years, how long can WWE keep cutting the legs out from underneath Bryan before the Universe becomes apathetic to his character, something Dolph Zigglar can attest to.

Bryan & Triple H
Photo courtesy: WWE

It appears Bryan is headed toward a match with Triple H at WrestleMania, which some would argue is the logical progression to the story being told. There are still weeks before the Granddaddy of Them All, so anything can happen. But we all know that the marquee matches will need that time to develop.

The path for these two is predictable. The leader of the Yes Movement will continue to go after Triple H until he gets his match. Eventually, the storyline COO of WWE will agree but only under one condition. Here is where it could get interesting, and this is strictly my opinion. Triple H will agree to the match only if Daniel Bryan will give up trying to blame the Authority for his troubles and his quest to become the face of WWE and the World’s Heavyweight Champion. But, if Bryan wins, he will receive a title shot against the winner of Orton vs. Batista the next night on Raw. Logically, it doesn’t make sense for Bryan to challenge that night. Give him time to rest up for his shot. Plus, in recent years, the night after WrestleMania has become just as, if not more, important than WrestleMania itself.

Is this ideal? No. Do I even like this idea? Not really. But following WWE logic (there’s that word again), it makes the most sense and gives the payoff nearly everyone in the WWE Universe wants to see. Unfortunately, that means we still have to sit through Batista vs. Orton, though I don’t see that match closing the show. Then again, at this point, what match could? I will save that answer for the next blog.

It will be interesting to see how the card develops over the next couple of weeks. All I know is that, as of this writing, RAW in Chicago could be one of the most volatile episodes in recent memory, if only due to it being in CM Punk’s hometown. And we all know how strongly us Chicagoans feel about Punk (whether it was right or wrong for him to walk out).

What are your thoughts on the title match? Does WrestleMania even interest you at this point? Please let us know and comment below.

Thanks for reading, and I plan to end every blog the same… Please support your local indie wrestling fed and head to a show or buy merchandise. They are the future of the business.

Solution for Part-Timer Mania

Photo courtesy: WWE.com

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

Right now, there are only two matches officially announced for Wrestlemania XXX, and a couple of rumored ones.  I'm confident enough in the rumored ones to go ahead and move forward with this blog. The Undertaker will be taking on Brock Lesnar and Randy Orton will defend the WWE World Heavyweight Title against Batista.  It looks like we're going to get Daniel Bryan versus Triple H too (I have a theory on that match, but I'll wait until it's officially added to explain).

Brock Lesnar & Paul Heyman
Photo courtesy: WWE.com

Those three matches only feature two full time WWE Superstars, Bryan and Orton.  Batista is back after a four year hiatus, but for how long?  Triple H hasn't wrestled since last year's Wrestlemania.  Undertaker had two matches in 2013, the last one being in April.  Lesnar only wrestles on pay per view, and the big ones at that.  But Wrestlemania rolls around and the part-timers get a chance to shine.  

I'm not complaining, I've done that before.  What I'm  offering up today is a solution to what I (and other fans) see as a problem.  I get the reasons for bringing back some of the past stars.  I don't agree with it totally, especially putting them in a title match, but as history has proven, it's a profitable idea.

Dolph Zigger vs. Titus O'Neil
Photo courtesy: WWE.com

Anyway, I think guys like Damien Sandow, Dolph Ziggler, and Wade Barrett will be forgotten on the biggest show of the year.  Six months down the road, it'll be those guys who are still working day in and day out for the company.  Triple H will be back in his suit calling the shots on Raw.  Undertaker will likely be on sabbatical.  Batista will be doing a movie or trying to reboot his MMA career.  Brock Lesnar will be doing occasional run-ins.  You get my point.

MITB Wrestlemania 26
Photo courtesy: WWE.com

So instead of leaving the above mentioned Superstars and others like Kofi Kingston, the Miz, and Cesaro on the Wrestlemania sidelines this year, I think the WWE should bring back The Money in the Bank ladder match.  Now that there is just one title to compete for, I think they could easily pull the plug on the MITB PPV and return the match to its original roots.  It's going to take some work creating title contenders with the lower level talent, but it can be done.

MITB Wrestlemania 21
Photo courtesy: WWE.com

There have been some great MITB matches at Wrestlemania.  It'll be nice to see it back on the show and a chance for a half dozen or more Superstars get a few minutes to shine on wrestling's biggest day. That would still give the part-timers a chance to have a swan song and the up and comers and current stars the opportunity to show off their skills.  What do you think?

Eliminating Audience Interest

By Chad Smart@chadsmart & @my123cents on Twitter

WWE’s Elimination Chamber 2014 is in the books. The show itself was a very entertaining show with a Match of the Year candidate in The Shield vs. Wyatt Family and a competitive Elimination Chamber match. In my opinion there was no “bad” match on the show. If you didn’t see the pay per view, I would recommend checking it out if you get a chance.

That said, we are six weeks from Wrestlemania and based on results from the Royal Rumble and Elimination Chamber and fan reaction to certain Superstars, WWE either needs to change creative direction or risk the main event at Wrestlemania to be met with enough fan apathy to make it seem like a dark match between two unknown talents.  

By virtue of winning the Royal Rumble match, Batista will challenge Randy Orton for the WWE Title. During Elimination Chamber, the WWE Universe made it pretty obvious this is not a match they care to see. During his match against Alberto Del Rio, Batista was met with chants of BOOTISTA. The crowd also gave Del Rio probably a bigger face reaction during the match then he ever got during his short-term face run a couple years ago. At various points during the Elimination Chamber match, champion Randy Orton was also met with boos and non-favorable cheers.

Ever since winning, and then losing, the WWE title at SummerSlam 2013, the logical closing moment of Wrestlemania has been Daniel Bryan overcoming the odds and winning the WWE title to cement his place in WWE history.  However, after three straight pay per views where he was cheated out of the title by The Authority followed by being left out of the Royal Rumble match and losing the Elimination Chamber due to interference by Kane, WWE is risking fans accepting the guy they want to see as champion will never get the belt and tuning out due to not being satisfied.  

Last year, fans were excited for Dolph Ziggler to cash in his Money in the Bank briefcase and become champion. One title defense later where Ziggler lost the title, he has fallen back to mid-card purgatory and fan reaction has cooled off. In 2012, Zack Ryder got himself over with the fans with a YouTube show. A short run as US Champion and getting treated like a lovelorn sap crushing on Eve was all Ryder got out of his popularity. These days you’re more likely to see a guest appearance from an Attitude Era star than you do of seeing Zack Ryder on Raw.

Because of the track record with wrestlers the fans have chosen to organically support and then watch as WWE fails to capitalize on that support, I wonder if WWE fans will start to look for other forms of entertainment that don’t leave them frustrated and upset.  I know I am in the section of the fan base which will watch no matter what because I have the “sickness” but what about casual fans who have other interests? Will they reach a point where enough is enough and they turn to other forms of entertainment for satisfaction?  

Kevin and I will be at Wrestlemania, and to be honest, I’m hoping WWE sticks with the Orton/Batista match. Not because I want to see the match, but because I want to say I was there when 80,000 people hijacked a show and gave the best worst Wrestlemania moment.

Worst Rumble Ever?

Batista's going to Wrestlemania
Photo courtesy: WWE

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents

I want to start off by saying I really don't want to write negative blogs, ragging on wrestlers, wrestling companies, or show results.  There has been a lot of negative reaction to the 2014 Royal Rumble, some calling it the worst ever.  I'm not happy with the results, and I think that's a sentiment shared by most fans reading this.  It just seems like the WWE stopped listening to its Universe.

I will wait to see what the big picture produces, but based on what we saw, it felt like the show was booked around Triple H's band of friends.  The New Age Outlaws win the tag team titles in the pre-show.  I've said it time and time again, I don't mind legends coming back, in fact, I enjoy it.  But I hate it when they are given a championship.  I felt the same way when Bret Hart came back four years ago and beat The Miz for the U.S. Title.

Kevin Nash in the Rumble
Photo courtesy: WWE

Randy Orton retains the WWE World Heavyweight Title.  This didn't surprise me, and I'm not a huge fan of Orton's, but I also hate the idea of playing hot potato with the newly created championship.  Kevin Nash makes a surprise appearance in the Rumble.  I would have rather seen Jake "The Snake" Roberts or just about any other Superstar on the roster in that position, but for full disclosure purposes, I have NEVER been a fan of Kevin Nash, Diesel, Oz, or any other character he's played.  I think many expected Daniel Bryan to make an appearance, and I felt bad for Rey Mysterio when he came out as number 30 and the fans booed.

Finally, Batista wins the Royal Rumble match and earns a title shot at Wrestlemania XXX.  I knew when they announced his return a few weeks back that they'd go with Batista.  And if you really look at the competitors in the Royal Rumble, besides CM Punk, could you have legitimately seen anyone else main eventing at Wrestlemania?  That's not a knock on the talent in the ring, but as the creative team and the decisions they've made.

Roman Reigns dominates
Photo courtesy: WWE

Clearly the crowd was behind Roman Reigns, and while he set a new record and had a great showing, he came up short.  I firmly believe though that in the 68 days leading up to Wrestlemania, they could have turned him into a viable contender for the championship.  That doesn't mean he has to win it, it just means that fans think he can.  Between his performances at Survivor Series and the Royal Rumble, the creative team already had a head start.  Wrestlemania could have truly been the cherry on top for him, and who knows, maybe something will still come of all of it.

My friend Adam made several really good points on Facebook after the show.  This is part of what he said, "The Pittsburgh crowd wanted Reigns at the end, and while they're only one crowd out of many, there's not a high demand to see Batista in the main event of WrestleMania from too many circles. Fans invest in people through time, building a connection to their favorite stars, and then see them pushed aside to bring back a past star and thrust him immediately into the spotlight. "

I totally agree, and even though the WWE did the essentially same thing with the Rock, I feel like he and Batista are on two different levels.  I wasn't crazy about that idea either, and I don't know that it really netted the WWE any new fans or brought anyone back to the show.  Plus, when Batista left four years ago, he was a villain.  John Cena had sent him scurrying out of the company.  Now fans are supposed to get behind him because he's made his return?

I already have my ticket Wrestlemania, so I'm going regardless.  I am optimistic that a good story will be told in the next nine weeks, and everything we saw Sunday night at the Rumble will make sense.  Please don't let us down, WWE.  Again, I'm not hating on anyone, just sharing My 1-2-3 Cents.