Countdown To The Royal Rumble: A Look At Ryback, The Miz & Dolph Ziggler
The Royal Rumble is a variation of the traditional Battle Royal professional wrestling match. A total of 30 competitors, two WWE Superstars start in the ring; every 90 seconds thereafter another Superstar enters. A Superstar is eliminated when they're thrown over the top rope and both feet touch the ground. The last remaining Superstar of the 30 is guaranteed a championship match at WrestleMania. The winner has the choice of challenging either the current World Heavyweight Champion or WWE Champion.
This week we will be profiling some of the contestants in the Royal Rumble match, and look at the ramifications if they win. We profiled John Cena, Antonio Cesaro and Wade Barrett earlier this week, you can check that out at this link.
Ryback
Height: 6' 3"
Weight: 291 lbs.
From: Sin City
Championships Reigns: N/A
There is no bigger feeding frenzy than the 30-man over-the-top-rope Royal Rumble Match, so expect the mammoth brute Ryback to bring his utensils. His close encounters with the WWE Championship are comparable to a ravenous predator smelling blood: he cannot rest until he has it.
What if he wins the Royal Rumble Match?
Switching attention toward the World Heavyweight Championship may not be a bad idea, but Ryback will likely continue his pursuit of WWE's main title. Coming so close to winning it during the past few months leading up to the Rumble, he'll be looking to maul whoever carries the coveted prize ? be it The Rock or John Cena, and especially CM Punk.
Ryback's limits and in-ring competence have only truly been tested by Punk. In a match like the Rumble he gets to possibly test his metal against wrestlers he has not yet faced. However, if recent history tells us anything, the singlet-clad muscle man has not fared well when ganged up on. If three guys like The Shield can throw him around, imagine what four or more could do.
Dolph Ziggler
Height: 6' 0"
Weight: 213 lbs.
From: Hollywood, FL
Championships Reigns: World Heavyweight Champion, World Tag Team Champion (w/The Spirit Squad), Intercontinental Champion, United State Champion
The future of WWE is upon us. The agile blonde-haired "Showoff" Dolph Ziggler is leading the way. Technically sound, durable, and charismatic with a huge upside, banking on him to carry the company mantel ? baby face or heel ? may be a wise choice.
What if he wins the Royal Rumble Match?
With swirling rumors regarding the possible unification of the WWE and World Heavyweight championships, Ziggler winning the 30-man over-the-top-rope match may be the most intriguing of them all. Ziggler is the current Money in the Bank contract holder, his guaranteed shot at the World Heavyweight title could happen any time, any place.
Think about this: he could potentially win the title, win the Rumble, then challenge the reigning WWE champion.
Better still: Ziggler could win the Rumble, challenge the WWE title holder, win it, and then go after the current World Heavyweight Champion whenever he chooses! An impromptu unification match!
The Miz
Height: 6' 2"
Weight: 220 lbs.
From: Cleveland, OH
Championships Reigns: WWE Champion, Intercontinental Champion, United State Champion (x2), WWE Tag Team Champion (x2 ? 1 w/ Big Show, 1w/John Cena) World Tag Team Champion (x2 ? 1 w/John Morrison, 1 w/ Big Show)
The reality-show-to-wrestling story of Mike Mizanin has been told countless times, recounting it again is unnecessary oversaturation. What is worthy of mention is how drenched in talent Miz became. While not the most technical or physically imposing among his elite wrestling peers, the Ohio-native made key improvements to grow from lower-rung wannabe to good quality in-ring performer with impeccable microphone skills.
What if he wins the Royal Rumble Match?
Running his mouth helped The Miz compile an extensive list of enemies, many title contenders and holders. Should Mizanin outlast every other competitor, the championship he chooses to compete for will be much harder to determine than whose skin he'll get under.
He has well-documented 'Mania main event history with Cena and The Rock; should CM Punk retain though, their recent war of words could make the WWE title a target for a victorious Miz. Better opponents may be Alberto Del Rio, Randy Orton, or Big Show for the World Heavyweight strap.
Past Royal Rumble Winners: Jim Duggan (1988), Big John Studd ('89), Hulk Hogan ('90, '91), Ric Flair ('92), Yokozuna ('93), Bret Hart/Lex Luger ('94), Shawn Michaels ('95, '96), Steve Austin ('97, '98), Mr. McMahon ('99), The Rock (2000), Steve Austin ('01), Triple H ('02), Brock Lesnar ('03), Chris Benoit ('04), Batista ('05), Rey Mysterio ('06), The Undertaker ('07), John Cena ('08), Randy Orton ('09), Edge ('10), Alberto Del Rio ('11), Sheamus ('12)
Mr. Joe Walker – an award-winning entertainment and news journalist published thousands of times regionally, nationally, internationally, and online – loves professional wrestling. Follow him on Twitter @mrjoewalker.