Your SO OF COURSE preview of WWE Royal Rumble 2018

In this day and age you can’t just “predict” a PPV anymore, you have to account for the capricious whims of WWE’s septuagenarian, sleep-deprived egomaniac owner. You can’t just “preview” a PPV…you have to preview how things should go, in a reasonable and sane world, and then add “so of course…” and explain what Vince McMahon will probably do instead.

Last time on SO OF COURSE it was TLC, the annual December snoozer for the seventeen fans still watching the product in December. It’s January now though, which means things matter again! It’s time to start paying attention because the most action-packed, plot-twisty three months of the year are about to begin. And we have all the preview and predictions you need to see just how exciting it all is and just how many different ways Vince can screw it up! Consider this your SO OF COURSE preview of WWE ROYAL KICKING OFF OF OPERATION GET ROMAN REIGNS OVER AS A MAIN-EVENTER VERSION THREE POINT OH RUMBLE OF 2018!

FIRST ANNUAL STEPHANIE McMAHON PRESENTS THE WWE STEPHANIE McMAHON’S WOMEN’S ROYAL RUMBLE BROUGHT TO YOU BY STEPHANIE McMAHAON!

If you’re just joining WWE after a long hiatus you may be interested to know there are no longer “divas” but instead the company features two divisions of “women’s wrestlers.” This change in company branding is—

…no Stephanie. No one called for you.

The change in the company’s philosophy regarding women’s wrestling is due in large part to NXT and the athletic, story-first/bewbs-second booking around superstars like Emma, Paige, Charlotte, Sasha Banks, Becky Lynch and Bayley. Those women ushered in a revolution with matches that frequently stole the show and outperformed their male counterparts. WWE recognized the opportunity to shift away from “divas matches” (bathroom breaks, mostly) by brandishing a new—

STOP THAT!

Anyway, what started as an organic movement, nudged along by Triple H and the NXT bookers has become a fully-branded YES THIS IS WHERE YOU COME IN STEPHANIE BRAND part of the WWE. Women have main-evented the occasional Raw and Smackdown, they’ve main-evented a legit WWE PPV and now they’re getting their own Royal Rumble, with the winner earning a Women’s Title (either the Raw or Smackdown version) shot at WrestleMania.

Oh and there’s a guest-commentator too.

I forgot who, though.

Only about half of the thirty women have been announced so there’s plenty of room for returning legends and other surprises. The big rumor is of course Ronda Rousey and if you don’t think WWE’s Chief Brand Officer isn’t salivating at the prospect of getting a match with her at WrestleMania you’re crazy. So worst of the worst case scenarios: Stephanie leaves commentary late in the match, tosses Ronda over before getting tossed herself, then goes on to have a Mania match that not only overshadows the first women’s Rumble but the women’s title match on the biggest show of the year.

SO OF COURSE…

SETH ROLLINS & JASON JORDAN vs CESARO & SHEAMUS

If you’re just tuning in you’re probably wondering what the heck is going on here. Let me summarize it quickly:

Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose kissed and made up, teamed up for a cup of covfefe with Roman Reigns in a reunited Shield, then went off to win the Tag Titles. Then Dean got hurt (it was legit but I suspect Seth Rollins’ foul play because FOOL ME ONCE SETH, FOOL. ME. ONCE) and they decided to pair Seth—a guy who has struggled maintaining popularity as a solo-babyface and who was just starting to find his groove—with Jason Jordan, a guy so cold as ice he can’t even get over with a returning Kurt Angle giving him the rub.

It’s the ultimate in SO OF COURSEing.

They face Cesaro and Sheamus, a tag team that’s managed to suck together, be pretty entertaining together, and are just starting to round the corner back to sucking together. This might be the end of their partnership, or at least the beginning of the end. With Mania around the corner I would not be surprised to see a EUROPOWERS EXPLODE match on the big show. Losing to the Sad Trombones would be a great kickoff to it.

SO OF COURSE…

AJ STYLES vs SAMI ZAYN & KEVIN OWENS

If you’ve been away, AJ Styles is the most popular babyface in WWE. He’s a two time world champ and one of the few to have beaten John Cena clean as a whistle in the past decade. He’s effortlessly likable, endlessly talented, and sporting a head of hair that would make supermodels blush. According to him he uses an over the counter brand too.

KO and Sami Zayn are doing remarkable work as a heel duo you hate but love, depending on who has the tag. They’ve coined a YEP movement along the way, and…lookit there’s no way to explain it. You just have to watch it. It’s also destined to end with a brutal beatdown from KO to Sami, but hopefully we get months if not years of these two tagging first. Let them be heels, let them turn face, let them be the best and then they can split and feud and “do this forever.”

SO OF COURSE…

CHAD GABLE & SHELTON BENJAMIN vs THE USOS

If this is your first taste of WWE in six months or so, no you racist that is not Jason Jordan. That’s Shelton Benjamin. He’s back and though he’s lost a step from his 2006 days of getting his face kicked off by Shawn Michaels…

…he’s doing good work being the spotman for the one man wrestling machine that is Chad Gable. The diminutive, somehow dorkier than 2001-era Kurt Angle Kurt Angle is wrestling up a storm on SmackDown. Meanwhile the USOs are continuing their career resurgence as a couple of sass-talking heels. Everyone in this match is A++ at wrestling. And this is a two-out-of-three falls match. So basically, pop the popcorn everybody cause this one is going to be great.

SO OF COURSE…

BROCK LESNAR vs KANE vs BRAUN STROWMAN

Hi, welcome back to WWE. Here’s what’s happening in Raw’s main-event scene: It’s a match that should be WrestleMania’s main-event, but somehow with Kane also there. It’s the most dominant heel champ in maybe ever taking on the most over big man babyface in a generation.

Also here’s Kane.

¯_(ツ)_/¯

I mean, obviously Kane is there to take the pin, but we need to be reexamining the whole thought process here, and ask why this match is happening at all. In only one dimension is Roman Reigns the better choice to face and defeat Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania. In only one dimension should Braun Strowman be reduced to slumming it with Kane while Roman Reigns plods his way through another fan-revolting main-event title run. In only one dimension is that possible. In every other dimension Braun and Brock clash like kaiju and everyone has fun because wrestling is supposed to be fun.

SO OF COURSE…

THE ROYAL RUMBLE

This is the match you came back for, lapsed fan! It’s sixty minutes of entrance music, crowd reactions, lazy attempts to roll people over the top rope, sudden bursts of excitement, surprise returns, big debuts, Michael Cole blathering on and not letting moments just be, and one ultimate winner who goes on to main-event the middle of WrestleMania while Brock vs Roman closes the show!

Who should win? Nakamura winning and feuding with AJ Styles would be fun. AJ Styles losing the title and then winning the Rumble in the same night would be bananas. Finn Balor winning and jumping to SmackDown would be great. And then there are the several potential debuts that WWE has on the horizon, any one of which could be brought in and win the Rumble on his first night; what a splash that would be! There are a LOT of possibilities this year, and a lot of opportunities for an exciting and fan-pleasing finish.

SO OF COURSE…

oh no…

no please don’t do this

sigh

Oh well, there’s always NXT.

Here’s to Sunday.

Cookie	Description
_pxvid	This cookie is used for detection of the browser and distinguishing whether it is a real user or malicious bot.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-advertisement	The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Advertisement".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics	This cookies is set by GDPR Cookie Consent WordPress Plugin. The cookie is used to remember the user consent for the cookies under the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-non-necessary	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Non Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance	This cookie is used to keep track of which cookies the user have approved for this site.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-preferences	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Preferences".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-uncategorized	The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Uncategorized".
CraftSessionId	This cookie name is associated with the Craft web content management system, where is functions as an anonymous session identifier.
csrftoken	This cookie is associated with Django web development platform for python. Used to help protect the website against Cross-Site Request Forgery attacks
DSID	To note specific user identity. Contains hashed/encrypted unique ID.
JSESSIONID	Used by sites written in JSP. General purpose platform session cookies that are used to maintain users' state across page requests.
PHPSESSID	This cookie is native to PHP applications. The cookie is used to store and identify a users' unique session ID for the purpose of managing user session on the website. The cookie is a session cookies and is deleted when all the browser windows are closed.
viewed_cookie_policy	The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.

Cookie	Description
b30msc
btc
CMST
cref
d
gpl
i
icts
ig_did
mdata
na_rn
na_sc_e
na_sr
na_srp
session_depth
visitor-id

Cookie	Description
__gads	This cookie is set by Google and stored under the name dounleclick.com. This cookie is used to track how many times users see a particular advert which helps in measuring the success of the campaign and calculate the revenue generated by the campaign. These cookies can only be read from the domain that it is set on so it will not track any data while browsing through another sites.
__stid	The cookie is set by ShareThis. The cookie is used for site analytics to determine the pages visited, the amount of time spent, etc.
_ga	This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to calculate visitor, session, camapign data and keep track of site usage for the site's analytics report. The cookies store information anonymously and assigns a randoly generated number to identify unique visitors.
_gat_gtag_UA_60765351_1	Google uses this cookie to distinguish users.
_gid	This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to store information of how visitors use a website and helps in creating an analytics report of how the wbsite is doing. The data collected including the number visitors, the source where they have come from, and the pages viisted in an anonymous form.
ad-id	Provided by amazon-adsystem.com for tracking user actions on other websites to provide targeted content
demdex	This cookie is set under the domain demdex.net and is used by Adobe Audience Manager to help identify a unique visitor across domains.
DigiTrust.v1.identity	Registers data on visitors’ website-behaviour. This is used for internal analysis and website optimization.
dmvk	This cookie is set by DailyMotion who display videos, it registers statistical data of visitors' behaviour on the website.
gid	This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to store information of how visitors use a website and helps in creating an analytics report of how the wbsite is doing. The data collected including the number visitors, the source where they have come from, and the pages viisted in an anonymous form.
GPS	This cookie is set by Youtube and registers a unique ID for tracking users based on their geographical location
is_unique	This cookie is set by StatCounter to determine how people are using the website
is_visitor_unique	This cookie is set by StatCounter to determine how people are using the website
sc_is_visitor_unique	This cookie is set by StatCounter to determine how people are using the website
v1st	This is set by DailyMotion to display videos.

Cookie	Description
__asc	This cookie is used to collect information on consumer behavior, which is sent to Alexa Analytics.
__auc	This cookie is used to collect information on consumer behavior, which is sent to Alexa Analytics.
__qca	This cookie is associated with Quantcast and is used for collecting anonymized data to analyze log data from different websites to create reports that enables the website owners and advertisers provide ads for the appropriate audience segments.
_cc_aud	The cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net. The purpose of the cookie is to collect statistical information in an anonymous form about the visitors of the website. The data collected include number of visits, average time spent on the website, and the what pages have been loaded. These data are then used to segment audiences based on the geographical location, demographic, and user interest provide relevant content and for advertisers for targeted advertising.
_cc_cc	The cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net. The purpose of the cookie is to collect statistical information in an anonymous form about the visitors of the website. The data collected include number of visits, average time spent on the website, and the what pages have been loaded. These data are then used to segment audiences based on the geographical location, demographic, and user interest provide relevant content and for advertisers for targeted advertising.
_cc_dc	The cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net. The purpose of the cookie is to collect statistical information in an anonymous form about the visitors of the website. The data collected include number of visits, average time spent on the website, and the what pages have been loaded. These data are then used to segment audiences based on the geographical location, demographic, and user interest provide relevant content and for advertisers for targeted advertising.
_cc_id	The cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net. The purpose of the cookie is to collect statistical information in an anonymous form about the visitors of the website. The data collected include number of visits, average time spent on the website, and the what pages have been loaded. These data are then used to segment audiences based on the geographical location, demographic, and user interest provide relevant content and for advertisers for targeted advertising.
_kuid_	The cookie is set by Krux Digital under the domain krxd.net. The cookie stores a unique ID to identify a returning user for the purpose of targeted advertising.
_px2	This cookie is set by PerimeterX who provide security analyst oversight.
_pxff_tm	This cookie is set by PerimeterX who provide security analyst oversight.
_pxhd	This cookie is set by PerimeterX who provide security analyst oversight.
ab	This cookie is generally provided by agkn.com and is used for advertising purposes.
ad-privacy	Provided by amazon-adsystem.com for tracking user actions on other websites to provide targeted content to the users.
ayl_visitor	This cookie registers data on the visitor. The information is used to optimize advertisement relevance.
bafp	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bafp_t	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_pl	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_rf_8b2087b102c9e3e5ffed1c1478ed8b78	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_rt_8b2087b102c9e3e5ffed1c1478ed8b78	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_t_8b2087b102c9e3e5ffed1c1478ed8b78	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_td_2d31c94105a0aa6d1ceaea0c86c6b656	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bito	This cookie is generally provided by bidr.io and is used for advertising purposes.
bitoIsSecure	This cookies are generally provided by bidr.io and is used for advertising purposes.
bsc	The cookies is set by ownerIQ for the purpose of providing relevant advertisement
CMID	This cookie is linked to advertising and tracking the products users were looking at.
CMPRO	This cookie is linked to advertising and tracking the products users were looking at.
CMPS	This cookie is linked to advertising and tracking the products users were looking at.
dc_id	This cookie is used to deliver adverts more relevant to you and your interests. They are also used to limit the number of times you see an advertisement as well as help measure the effectiveness of the advertising campaign. They are usually placed by advertising networks with the website operator's permission. They remember that you have visited a website and this information is shared with other organisations such as advertisers.
did	The purpose of the cookie is to identify a visitor to serve relevant advertisement.
didts	The purpose of the cookie is to identify a visitor to serve relevant advertisement.
dpm	The cookie is set by demdex.net. This cookie assigns a unique ID to each visiting user that allows third-party advertisers target that users with relevant ads.
eud	This cookie is from Rocket Fuel and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
euds	This cookie is from Rocket Fuel and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
everest_g_v2	The cookie is set under eversttech.net domain. The purpose of the cookie is to map clicks to other events on the client's website.
evo5_popin_instance	Prevents an interaction from reoccurring for visitors not accepting 3rd party cookies.
id	This cookie is set by DoubleClick (which is owned by Google) to build a profile of the website visitor's interests and show relevant ads on other sites.
IDE	Used by Google DoubleClick and stores information about how the user uses the website and any other advertisement before visiting the website. This is used to present users with ads that are relevant to them according to the user profile.
io.narrative.guid.v2	This cookie is generally provided by io.narrative.io and is used for advertising purposes.
KADUSERCOOKIE	This cookie is generally provided by pubmatic.com and is used for advertising purposes.
KTPCACOOKIE	This cookie is generally provided by pubmatic.com and is used for advertising purposes.
matchliveramp	This cookie is provided by w55c.net and is used for advertising purposes.
mc	This cookie is associated with Quantserve to track anonymously how a user interact with the website.
mxpim	This cookie is generally provided by mxptint.net for advertising purposes.
na_tc	This is a Social Media sharing tracking cookie.
NID	This cookie is used to a profile based on user's interest and display personalized ads to the users.
nnls	The purpose of the cookie is to identify a visitor to serve relevant advertisement.
pxrc	The purpose of the cookie is to identify a visitor to serve relevant advertisement.
pxvid	This cookie is set by PerimeterX who provide security analyst oversight.
rlas3	The cookie is set by rlcdn.com. The cookie is used to serve relevant ads to the visitor as well as limit the time the visitor sees an and also measure the effectiveness of the campaign.

Cookie	Description
__jid	Cookies set on the website by the third-party commenting platform Disqus.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional
disqus_unique	These cookies are set by Disqus so that users can comment on website/platform.
G_ENABLED_IDPS	The cookie is used by Google and is used for Google Single Sign On.
mid	The cookie is set by Instagram. The cookie is used to distinguish users and to show relevant content, for better user experience and security.
na_id	This cookie is set by Addthis.com to enable sharing of links on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter
ouid	The cookie is set by Addthis which enables the content of the website to be shared across different networking and social sharing websites.
ov	This is a generic functional cookie that provides enhanced functionality and personalisation.
ts	This cookie is generally provided by PayPal and supports payment services in the website.
vuid	These cookies are used by the Vimeo video player on websites.

Your SO OF COURSE preview of WWE Royal Rumble 2018

FIRST ANNUAL STEPHANIE McMAHON PRESENTS THE WWE STEPHANIE McMAHON’S WOMEN’S ROYAL RUMBLE BROUGHT TO YOU BY STEPHANIE McMAHAON!

SETH ROLLINS & JASON JORDAN vs CESARO & SHEAMUS

AJ STYLES vs SAMI ZAYN & KEVIN OWENS

CHAD GABLE & SHELTON BENJAMIN vs THE USOS

BROCK LESNAR vs KANE vs BRAUN STROWMAN

THE ROYAL RUMBLE

You might also like

FIND THE TOPICS YOU WANT...

Recommended for you