50 Things You Learn Binge-Watching Every WWE Royal Rumble
13. Comedy Strangled 2012
WWE could've slapped a funny theme song on the branding for 2012's Rumble and referred to it as 'the comedic one', because there were laughter tracks scattered all over the thing. In the end, it was a stumble more than a Rumble. Mick Foley returned to have a mirth-filled battle between 'Mr. Socko' and the 'Cobra' with Santino Marella, and announcers like Michael Cole, Jerry Lawler and Booker T all had short stays in the match themselves.
It's a bit jarring to experience all over again without the week by week context of WWE's TV product. Far too many of the entrants were inconsequential, and Sheamus winning 100% comes out looking forced whether fans liked it or not. He was Vinnie Mac's chosen new babyface, so everyone would just have to put up with it until the boss moved on to a shiny new toy.
Sheamus wasn't bad, just miscast. In fairness, he wasn't given much backup with all that Foley vs. Santino stuff and so many commentators drifting in and out of the match in the blink of an eye. Star power hadn't been this thin in the Rumble for a while, put it that way. This is one to skip if you're on a Rumble binge session before the next event and need to save some time here or there.
Give it a miss unless you absolutely must consume everything Foley, or liked that period when Cole in-ring tortured countless other fans. MC lasting longer in the match than surprise entrant Kharma and future WWE Champ Jinder Mahal should've been a crime. Less so for the latter, but you get the point.