WHAT'S THE DEAL?
The 2017 Royal Rumble match may be without two big names, at least one of which many fans expected to be in the bout, according to Cageside Seats:
Roman Reigns is not scheduled to be in the Royal Rumble match as of right now.
It's unlikely Finn Balor is going to return to WWE in time for the Royal Rumble, even as a surprise entrant for just a short run through the match.
This would echo recent comments from Balor, who hinted at a slim chance of being in the Royal Rumble but said that he's really targeting a WrestleMania return.
WHAT'S IT MEAN FOR WWE?
At the 2016 Royal Rumble, Dean Ambrose defeated Kevin Owens in a Last Man Standing match at The Royal Rumble and then both men appeared in the Rumble later that night, an illogical decision that received some online backlash and deservedly so.
So just imagine the chorus of boos that would result if Reigns lost to Owens earlier in the night, then entered the Royal Rumble match and had a significant role in the bout. If you think he's booed heavily now, that would be one surefire way to make him the biggest heel in the building.
Thus, WWE would be wise to keep Reigns as far away from the 30-man Royal Rumble as possible, though hardly anyone would be surprised if he lost to Owens and then showed up in the match anyway. Likewise, it wouldn't be a shocker if Reigns beat Owens to win the Universal Championship, removing him from the Royal Rumble match by default.
As for Balor, there is really no telling when his return will happen. The standard timetable for Balor's return from shoulder surgery wouldn't put him back in time for The Royal Rumble, but is he attempting to swerve fans by saying he's targeting a WrestleMania return?
That's the hope of many fans because one of the best scenarios WWE could book is for Balor to be a surprise entrant in the Royal Rumble, win the match and go on to perhaps face Reigns or Owens for the Universal title (that Balor never officially lost) at WrestleMania 33.
CHECK THIS OUT
"I'm excited about the Finn Balor that's going to come back, as opposed to the Finn Balor that I left behind." - https://t.co/KEkBmD5h9C
— WWE on ESPN (@WWEonESPN) December 19, 2016
The Undertaker Vs. AJ Styles Still A Possibility
(Credit: WWE)
(Credit: WWE)
WHAT'S THE DEAL?
If AJ Styles doesn't face John Cena at The Royal Rumble, look for him to face The Undertaker at the "Big Four" pay-per-view instead, according to WrestlingNewsWorld.com:
It’s believed that AJ Styles could defend the WWE Championship against The Undertaker at Royal Rumble next year. While not confirmed and still a score to settle with Dolph Ziggler, this is a match Vince McMahon is keen on.
WHAT'S IT MEAN FOR WWE?
At this point, it feels like a virtual inevitability that Styles will face both The Undertaker and Cena sometime soon, though the specifics of that are still up in the air.
Ideally, we'll get to see Styles vs. Cena (again), Styles vs. The Undertaker and The Undertaker vs. Cena by the time WrestleMania 33 concludes. Unfortunately, however, there will not be a way for us to see those three matches and please everyone involved.
One likely scenario: Cena beats Styles for the WWE Championship at Royal Rumble, then defends it against Undertaker at WrestleMania 33, possibly after taker wins the Rumble match itself. Another potential scenario: The Undertaker defeats Styles for the title at Royal Rumble, Cena wins the Rumble and then Cena challenges Undertaker for the title at 'Mania. A third scenario: Styles beats Cena at Royal Rumble, and then Cena vs. Taker takes place at WrestleMania without a title involved.
The bottom line is, there are a lot of routes WWE can take with these three superstars, but regardless, they will likely dominate the WWE Championship picture though WrestleMania 33. Still, if any superstar is going to get the shaft come 'Mania time, that would likely be Styles, which won't sit well with many fans who realize that Styles has helped carry SmackDown since the brand split.
CHECK THIS OUT
Mark Out Moment of the Year goes to...@AJStylesOrg debuts at the #RoyalRumble. #PWMAwards pic.twitter.com/Zuj65pX4Dc
— PWM - WWE COVERAGE (@ProWrestlingMag) December 19, 2016
News On The Feud Between The Miz And Dean Ambrose
(Credit: WWE)
(Credit: WWE)
WHAT'S THE DEAL?
WWE may have had some hesitation about Dean Ambrose feuding with The Miz for the Intercontinental title, according to WrestlingNewsWorld.com:
WWE began a program between The Miz and Dean Ambrose on this week’s episode of Smackdown Live, which will likely result in a match between the two for the Intercontinental Championship at next month’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view.
There was some concern the title was beneath Ambrose but obviously Vince felt it was safe because they’re going with it.
WHAT'S IT MEAN FOR WWE?
On Raw, it's been made pretty clear since the brand split that the show's midcard title, the United States Championship, is portrayed to be below main its main eventers, even, oddly enough, the man who is holding the US title, Roman Reigns.
But SmackDown's midcard prize, the Intercontinental Championship, had a banner year in 2016 in large part because main event caliber superstars like The Miz and Dolph Ziggler had an epic rivalry over the belt. Given that SmackDown only has perhaps half a dozen or so truly established superstars, having Ambrose feud over the revamped Intercontinental Championship won't hurt him, especially after the way The Miz and Ziggler helped raise its prestige in recent months.
The Intercontinental Championship is now once again a coveted prize in WWE, and Ambrose's presence in the title picture will only improve its significance in the eyes of fans. The Miz is arguably the best overall heel in the company right now, too, which is why a feud with Ambrose, one of WWE's most popular stars, is great for all parties involved.
After all, when is the last time the Intercontinental Championship was as relevant as it is today?
CHECK THIS OUT
Here's what @ReneeYoungWWE had to say about SLAPPING #ICChampion @mikethemiz on #SDLive... #TalkingSmack @WWEDanielBryan pic.twitter.com/WkOQUuGlbR
— WWE (@WWE) December 22, 2016
WHAT ELSE IS NEW?
"Stone Cold" Steve Austin seems to have officially put to rest any chances of a return to the ring, saying "I’m done. I road off into the sunset in 2003."
Stephanie McMahon has hinted once again at Ronda Rousey coming to WWE once her UFC career is over, and at this point, it would be a surprise if Rousey didn't work for WWE in some capacity within the next couple of years.
TNA star Drew Galloway's contract is up in February 2017, and WWE should do everything it can to re-sign him. Galloway, who previously worked in WWE as Drew McIntyre, is still in his early 30s and is one of the most well-rounded non-WWE talents who could soon be a free agent.
Even though she's moved on from the title picture, there are reportedly still plans for Sasha Banks to have a "big match" at WrestleMania 33. It'll be interesting to see what WWE can come up with for Banks if Bayley and Charlotte are still feuding for the Raw Women's Championship at that time, which they are expected to be.
Zack Ryder is expected to be out for anywhere from four to nine months after rupturing his patellar tendon on SmackDown two weeks ago. That's a big loss for SmackDown as The Hype Bros seemed to be getting pretty over with the crowd and were poised to challenge Randy Orton and Bray Wyatt for the show's tag team titles.
Mickie James recently underwent her WWE physical and is slated for a return to SmackDown soon. The blue brand's women's division has been on fire as of late, and James should only improve it.
Blake Oestriecher is an elementary school teacher by day and a sports writer by night. He’s a contributor to the Forbes @SportsMoneyBlog, where he focuses on the WWE, NBA and NFL. You can follow him on Twitter @BOestriecher.
The 2017 Royal Rumble match may be without two big names, at least one of which many fans expected to be in the bout, according to Cageside Seats:
Roman Reigns is not scheduled to be in the Royal Rumble match as of right now.
It's unlikely Finn Balor is going to return to WWE in time for the Royal Rumble, even as a surprise entrant for just a short run through the match.
This would echo recent comments from Balor, who hinted at a slim chance of being in the Royal Rumble but said that he's really targeting a WrestleMania return.
WHAT'S IT MEAN FOR WWE?
At the 2016 Royal Rumble, Dean Ambrose defeated Kevin Owens in a Last Man Standing match at The Royal Rumble and then both men appeared in the Rumble later that night, an illogical decision that received some online backlash and deservedly so.
So just imagine the chorus of boos that would result if Reigns lost to Owens earlier in the night, then entered the Royal Rumble match and had a significant role in the bout. If you think he's booed heavily now, that would be one surefire way to make him the biggest heel in the building.
Thus, WWE would be wise to keep Reigns as far away from the 30-man Royal Rumble as possible, though hardly anyone would be surprised if he lost to Owens and then showed up in the match anyway. Likewise, it wouldn't be a shocker if Reigns beat Owens to win the Universal Championship, removing him from the Royal Rumble match by default.
As for Balor, there is really no telling when his return will happen. The standard timetable for Balor's return from shoulder surgery wouldn't put him back in time for The Royal Rumble, but is he attempting to swerve fans by saying he's targeting a WrestleMania return?
That's the hope of many fans because one of the best scenarios WWE could book is for Balor to be a surprise entrant in the Royal Rumble, win the match and go on to perhaps face Reigns or Owens for the Universal title (that Balor never officially lost) at WrestleMania 33.
CHECK THIS OUT
"I'm excited about the Finn Balor that's going to come back, as opposed to the Finn Balor that I left behind." - https://t.co/KEkBmD5h9C
— WWE on ESPN (@WWEonESPN) December 19, 2016
The Undertaker Vs. AJ Styles Still A Possibility
(Credit: WWE)
(Credit: WWE)
WHAT'S THE DEAL?
If AJ Styles doesn't face John Cena at The Royal Rumble, look for him to face The Undertaker at the "Big Four" pay-per-view instead, according to WrestlingNewsWorld.com:
It’s believed that AJ Styles could defend the WWE Championship against The Undertaker at Royal Rumble next year. While not confirmed and still a score to settle with Dolph Ziggler, this is a match Vince McMahon is keen on.
WHAT'S IT MEAN FOR WWE?
At this point, it feels like a virtual inevitability that Styles will face both The Undertaker and Cena sometime soon, though the specifics of that are still up in the air.
Ideally, we'll get to see Styles vs. Cena (again), Styles vs. The Undertaker and The Undertaker vs. Cena by the time WrestleMania 33 concludes. Unfortunately, however, there will not be a way for us to see those three matches and please everyone involved.
One likely scenario: Cena beats Styles for the WWE Championship at Royal Rumble, then defends it against Undertaker at WrestleMania 33, possibly after taker wins the Rumble match itself. Another potential scenario: The Undertaker defeats Styles for the title at Royal Rumble, Cena wins the Rumble and then Cena challenges Undertaker for the title at 'Mania. A third scenario: Styles beats Cena at Royal Rumble, and then Cena vs. Taker takes place at WrestleMania without a title involved.
The bottom line is, there are a lot of routes WWE can take with these three superstars, but regardless, they will likely dominate the WWE Championship picture though WrestleMania 33. Still, if any superstar is going to get the shaft come 'Mania time, that would likely be Styles, which won't sit well with many fans who realize that Styles has helped carry SmackDown since the brand split.
CHECK THIS OUT
Mark Out Moment of the Year goes to...@AJStylesOrg debuts at the #RoyalRumble. #PWMAwards pic.twitter.com/Zuj65pX4Dc
— PWM - WWE COVERAGE (@ProWrestlingMag) December 19, 2016
News On The Feud Between The Miz And Dean Ambrose
(Credit: WWE)
(Credit: WWE)
WHAT'S THE DEAL?
WWE may have had some hesitation about Dean Ambrose feuding with The Miz for the Intercontinental title, according to WrestlingNewsWorld.com:
WWE began a program between The Miz and Dean Ambrose on this week’s episode of Smackdown Live, which will likely result in a match between the two for the Intercontinental Championship at next month’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view.
There was some concern the title was beneath Ambrose but obviously Vince felt it was safe because they’re going with it.
WHAT'S IT MEAN FOR WWE?
On Raw, it's been made pretty clear since the brand split that the show's midcard title, the United States Championship, is portrayed to be below main its main eventers, even, oddly enough, the man who is holding the US title, Roman Reigns.
But SmackDown's midcard prize, the Intercontinental Championship, had a banner year in 2016 in large part because main event caliber superstars like The Miz and Dolph Ziggler had an epic rivalry over the belt. Given that SmackDown only has perhaps half a dozen or so truly established superstars, having Ambrose feud over the revamped Intercontinental Championship won't hurt him, especially after the way The Miz and Ziggler helped raise its prestige in recent months.
The Intercontinental Championship is now once again a coveted prize in WWE, and Ambrose's presence in the title picture will only improve its significance in the eyes of fans. The Miz is arguably the best overall heel in the company right now, too, which is why a feud with Ambrose, one of WWE's most popular stars, is great for all parties involved.
After all, when is the last time the Intercontinental Championship was as relevant as it is today?
CHECK THIS OUT
Here's what @ReneeYoungWWE had to say about SLAPPING #ICChampion @mikethemiz on #SDLive... #TalkingSmack @WWEDanielBryan pic.twitter.com/WkOQUuGlbR
— WWE (@WWE) December 22, 2016
WHAT ELSE IS NEW?
"Stone Cold" Steve Austin seems to have officially put to rest any chances of a return to the ring, saying "I’m done. I road off into the sunset in 2003."
Stephanie McMahon has hinted once again at Ronda Rousey coming to WWE once her UFC career is over, and at this point, it would be a surprise if Rousey didn't work for WWE in some capacity within the next couple of years.
TNA star Drew Galloway's contract is up in February 2017, and WWE should do everything it can to re-sign him. Galloway, who previously worked in WWE as Drew McIntyre, is still in his early 30s and is one of the most well-rounded non-WWE talents who could soon be a free agent.
Even though she's moved on from the title picture, there are reportedly still plans for Sasha Banks to have a "big match" at WrestleMania 33. It'll be interesting to see what WWE can come up with for Banks if Bayley and Charlotte are still feuding for the Raw Women's Championship at that time, which they are expected to be.
Zack Ryder is expected to be out for anywhere from four to nine months after rupturing his patellar tendon on SmackDown two weeks ago. That's a big loss for SmackDown as The Hype Bros seemed to be getting pretty over with the crowd and were poised to challenge Randy Orton and Bray Wyatt for the show's tag team titles.
Mickie James recently underwent her WWE physical and is slated for a return to SmackDown soon. The blue brand's women's division has been on fire as of late, and James should only improve it.
Blake Oestriecher is an elementary school teacher by day and a sports writer by night. He’s a contributor to the Forbes @SportsMoneyBlog, where he focuses on the WWE, NBA and NFL. You can follow him on Twitter @BOestriecher.
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