Greetings.
The WWE had its first major pay per view of the year this past weekend – the Royal Rumble and I had decidedly mixed perspectives about the big show.
Giving credit where credit is due, there were some inspired performances, particularly the Universal title clash between Brock Lesnar and Finn Balor, which exceeded all expectations.
Other matches that lived up to the hype were the two women’s title matches – Ronda Rousey defending her RAW title against Sasha Banks and the SmackDown title match pitting Asuka against Becky Lynch – both of which were hard fought and entertaining.
To no one’s surprise the the world title clash between Daniel Bryan and A. J. Styles was outstanding, however the finish – which had Erick Rowan, for no discernible reason interfering, was lame and ruined what had been a terrific match.
I was pleasantly surprised with the women’s Royal Rumble, as the work rate was solid and most of the participants kept things plausible, with a minimum of over choreographed high spots and contrived overkill, however it seemed to go on and on, and on, to the point that, by the end, the fans were spent and seemed relieved that it was finally over
The mens Rumble was also decent, however because the fans had already been subjected to so many other high spots, illicit finishes, promos and whatever else, the fans were relatively non-reactive, which isn’t what you want on a match that’s supposed to be setting the table for Wrest;emania.
I also thought the tag team title match between the odd couple – Shane O’ Mac and the Miz against the Bar – which saw Shane and Miz win the tag straps, was a lot better than I had expected, although the wrestling was incidental to the high spots. Props to Sheamus and Cesaro for taking one for the team
While those matches rose to the occasion, some of the others, including the U. S. title match between non-Americans, Rusev and Nakamura and the Futile Fourway between Buddy Murphy and three nondescripts were uninspired and over scripted, although I, frankly, wasn’t really expecting much from either of them.
Overall, I give the wrestlers and those in the WWE who were responsible for orchestrating the schematics credit for trying and endeavoring to give the fans their money’s worth. My biggest complaint about the show, however, was the sheer length of it – nearly five hours, which was way too long.
I recognize that the powers that be in the WWE creative department were trying to hit a home run for the first big pay per view of the year and, also, that most of the wrestlers were busting their asses to get themselves over, but more isn’t necessarily better.
All things considered though, the card would have been a lot better if there had been far fewer matches, fewer performers and less overkill – in other words, addition by subtraction.
By that token, I would have saved one of the Rumbles and either the mens’ Universal or the World title as well as one of the womens’ title matches for another pay per view, plus scrapping a few of the other underneath matches.
In spite of some of those shortcomings, I’d still give the Royal Rumble a passing grade. Hopefully those pulling the strings in WWE head office will have learn from some of the shortcomings of the Rumble though and apply them to Wrestlemania. If such is the case, this year’s Wrestlemania could prove to be one of the best ever.
In any case, I’ll call this a wrap for now but shall look forward to catching up with you all next week.
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