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Royal Rumble 2013 Review: A Big Change To The Usual Norm

Courtesy: WWE.com
Its the Royal Rumble we all saw coming, but hoped the WWE would prove us wrong.

As we start the road to Wrestlemania and the best time of the year for pro wrestling fans, the road seems to be already set with a headlining match-up of John Cena vs. The Rock II. With a Royal Rumble full of a few for-sures, a handful of wishfuls, lots of filler, and even those who were a waste of time (The Godfather? What was that all about), the WWE seemed to stay the course on the obvious. 

I totally understand the box-office draw a Cena/Rock II would generate, and even the idea of a story of John Cena, the current conquering super hero of the WWE, getting his revenge on The Rock after last year's Wrestlemania defeat, but I really was hoping for a hook, a twist, or even a minor bump before we got to this point.

After building up CM Punk in his 400-plus day reign as champion, it just seems like a sharp right turn into Rock/Cena. 

A big change to what was expected. 

I might be the only one who thought Punk walking into Wrestlemania and headlining against the Undertaker in a streak vs. streak match would've been epic. 

Or even, as self-admitted Ziggler fanatic (Huge fan, as he guy simply reminds me of Curt "Mr. Perfect" Hennig), the idea of him going for the opportunity to unify the belts on the industry's biggest stage. 

But here we are...John Cena vs. The Rock II. 

(Courtesy WWE.com)
Obviously, the loophole of the Shield interfering can cause a twist, but we all know we are heading there again. I like the Rock (who doesn't?), and surely respect John Cena a ton for what he does for the industry. However, I'm not quite sure how to describe it, but the instant change of The Rock as WWE champion (who is rarely on television), and John Cena winning (again!) seems a bit rushed. 

I'm all in for Wrestlemania anyway, as most pro wrestling fans are, but I'm hoping the WWE over the next 70 days can really sell me on a Rock/Cena II at Metlife. 

And it starts immediately, tomorrow night, on Raw. 

Here are some other notes on the Royal Rumble, of course, in classic rhetorical question form: 

How awesome was it to see Bret Hart? 

At the same time, how weird was it to hear him endorse Alberto Del Rio? 

"The Mexican Bret Hart", Really? 

Has Alberto Del Rio's face turn been tough to buy so far? 

Especially when Ricardo Rodriguez is helping him cheat every step of the way?"

Am I the only one who thinks that "Team Rhodes Scholars" should simply just be called, "Rhodes Scholars"? 

Wasn't it weird to see the Rumble not in the main event slot? 

How awesome was it to see Chris Jericho on WWE television again? 

Is Shaemus not one of the hardest working pro wrestlers in the world today? 

Was anyone else pulling for Ziggler to go the distance in the Rumble? 

As soon as Cena had the hot hand, didn't you just know...?

Love him or hate him, doesn't Ryback have one of the best recognizable themes in the industry today? 

Wouldn't you take the WWE's version of their All-Star game (The Royal Rumble) over the lame Pro Bowl every single day, and twice on Thursday?" 

How shocked were you that more people didn't do the usual Wrestlemania point-to-the-sign? 

Didn't you sort of groan when it was down to Orton, Cena, and Ryback? 

John Cena, wins, again? 

Why does The Rock come out after the reigning champion? 

After the lights went out, didn't you just see this getting restarted? 

And don't you just miss Harold Finkel and that wonderful voice stating, "Thissssssssssssss match muuuuuuuuuussssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssst continuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuue!!!?"

Does anyone really beleive Cena chooses to go after Alberto Del Rio to headline Wrestlemania with? 

Who wouldn't want to headline with the Mexican Bret Hart? 

And doesn't it seem weird that The Rock simply handpicked his WWE title match and requested a restart by just showing up a few times a year? 

Are you ready for Rock/Cena II?
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