WWE Royal Rumble 2023: 10 Things That Must Happen
The Rock? Cody Rhodes? Nah, there's only one choice to win WWE's Royal Rumble.
Raw's 30th anniversary celebrations are already catching some hate online for not being the nostalgia-fest some apparently wanted. Surely it's better that WWE used retro acts to put current ones over, and that the bulk of TV time available hyped up this weekend's Royal Rumble supershow. No?
This is a very important pay-per-view for everyone.
Recent reports from Dave Meltzer suggest The Rock won't be ready in time for a mega-match vs. Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 39. Some think this is WWE's way of working the media and thus making big Dwayne's return a colossal surprise, but...this article doesn't think he should show up anyway.
The single best story in pro wrestling deserves the airtime more, and that could lead to the most unlikely Rumble winner in company history. A result like that (and another cherished full-timer winning the women's version) would make up for zero title changes on the card.
WWE can come through for names who deserve it, and they can book an intoxicating mix of good vibes, heartbreak and character-progressing drama along the way. That'd feed nicely into 'Mania season.
Here's everything that must happen in San Antonio!
10. The Women’s Rumble Opens
Imagine the Alamodome excitement if WWE's usual pyro kicked off the night then the ring announcer said, "It's now time for the women's Royal Rumble match!". People would lose their minds at the prospect of seeing a 30-person special right off the bat, and it'd set the tone for the rest of the show.
It'd be also be wise to keep both Rumbles apart.
The women's bout is arguably the lesser match this year. That hasn't always been the case, but it's an arguable point in 2023 due to all the anticipation surrounding the men's version. So, get the ladies out there early to jumpstart Saturday's card like only they can.
A retro pop for someone like Trish Status, or perhaps for a beloved full-timer like Becky Lynch, would get the party rolling nicely. Honestly, there's no need to bury one of the Rumbles in the midcard - WWE has other matches for those spots.