20 Things You Learn Watching WWE Since 1997

For many fans, the most exciting WWE match each year is the Royal Rumble. The staggered-elimination battle royal is an ingenious idea, as it flows in far more interesting fashion than a regular battle royal. The fact that each man gets his own entrance means that major surprises are commonplace, and the prize - a ticket to the main event of WrestleMania - means that the stakes could hardly be higher.

Unfortunately, as good as it sounds, WWE seems to botch it more years than not. This year, the "surprises" were almost all disappointing, Roman Reigns took a spot that many had pegged for Samoa Joe, and Randy Orton won. Last year, Triple H returned in the least surprising surprise ever, winning the match and the WWE Title. In 2015, Reigns won and fans hated it. In 2014, Batista won and fans hated it.

Suffice to say, the day after the Royal Rumble, most fans seem a lot angrier than they did the day before. The matches are poorly structured, disappointing, and ultimately just a way for WWE to advance the agenda that already turns so many people off. Still, everyone will be excited next January.