Contrary to what most people believe, Christmas is not the most wonderful time of the year. That honor has, since 1988, belonged to the week of the Royal Rumble. Every year, thirty superstars climb into the ring with one goal firmly in their sights: the opportunity at the WWE World Heavyweight Title at Wrestlemania. Over the years, the Rumble has evolved into the most fun Pay-Per-View on the WWE's slate, a chance for everyone in the locker room to put their talents on display while the pecking order for the coming months is established. Always surprising, elating, and engrossing, this year's Rumble figures to be one of the best in recent memory for a multitude of reasons.
5. The Giant Goes Toe-To-Toe With the Beast
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lznv781LhlI The first time we watched Brock Lesnar and Big Show face off in the ring in 2003: the two combined for a Superplex which broke the ring, and the pop from the WWE fans in attendance nearly blew the roof off. While their rivalry has not been revisited in many years, the Giant and the Beast put together some of the most hard-fought matches of the Raw vs. Smackdown Era, and seeing that rivalry revisited is truly special. Lesnar has evolved into a more imposing physical specimen than during his initial run with the WWE, his persona less about the aplomb Paul Heyman garnishes him with every week and more a consequence of his indestructible characterization in the ring. His battles over the last year with HHH and CM Punk offered a few unforgettable spots and kept the eyes of the WWE fans firmly locked on the ring. Contrary to Lesnar's silent arrogance, Big Show comes into this match following a run as the hero of the common man. The compelling comedy and melodrama the Giant revealed during his rivalry with the Authority was one of the more compelling face turns in recent years, and Show has continued to adapt to his frame as he's gotten older with grace, transitioning to a more technical style that has remained exceptionally entertaining. With such a magnificent juxtaposition of competitors, and given the history of stellar in-ring work Big Show and Brock Lesnar have together, this match alone is worth the price of admission.
My Pick: (This one's for you, Paul) *clears throat* BRRRRROCK....... LESNAAAR!