What a weird Royal Rumble poster that is, what the hell? Anyway, it’s that time again, folks. It’s the Voices of Wrestling staff picks for the Royal Rumble 2013! Dexter Brocks, of 1,003 Holds, is the reigning and defending champion on this one, let’s all hope someone can bring him down before he starts counting down the days ala CM Punk. Dexter and the rest of the 1,003 Holds crew gave their predictions and picks on Wednesday’s podcast, which you can listen to here: https://www.voicesofwrestling.com/2013/01/23/1003-holds-rumble-predictions-more/.
Antonio Cesaro (c) vs. The Miz
Singles match for the United States Championship
Joe Lanza: Why do I have this feeling The Miz is going to win with his patented figure four leglock, even though Flair NEVER won with the same hold? I’ll still go with Cesaro, possibly more on wishful thinking, because he’s the most interesting champion in the company right now.
Rich Kraetsch: Like Joe I wouldn’t be surprised with The Miz here, the recent Nature Boy re-deux push, the Figure Four, etc. But I still have to go with Cesaro to continue his push and continue turning heads as the best up and comer in the WWE.
Brett Jendra: Cesaro
Dexter Brocks (c): Cesaro
Jason Chae: Cesaro
Team Hell No (Kane & Daniel Bryan) (c) vs. Team Rhodes Scholars (Cody Rhodes & Damien Sandow)
Tag Team match for the Tag Team Championship
Joe Lanza: New champs. Team Hell No breaks up (yay!), setting up Daniel Bryan vs Kane for WrestleMania (boo!).
Rich Kraetsch: It’s finally (thankfully) time to move on from Team Hell No, Rhodes Scholars wins this one and begins their run as tag champs.
Brett Jendra: Rhodes Scholars
Dexter Brocks (c): Rhodes Scholars
Jason Chae: Rhodes Scholars
Alberto Del Rio (c) vs. Big Show
Last Man Standing match for the World Heavyweight Championship
Joe Lanza: Del Rio. He’s in the midst of one of those classic “shove him down their throats whether the like it or not” WWE style pushes. Cole will scream about how excited the fans are for this latino superstar, despite the defining silence from the apathetic crowd.
Rich Kraetsch: I can’t fathom a scenario where Del Rio doesn’t retain and retain easily.
Brett Jendra: Alberto Del Rio
Dexter Brocks (c): Alberto Del Rio
Jason Chae: Alberto Del Rio
CM Punk (c) vs. The Rock
Singles match for the WWE Championship
Joe Lanza: The Rock is your new champion. WWE wisely sticks to the plan, ignores the 1% of fans who know the plot.
Rich Kraetsch: I hate to say it, but The Rock is your new champion. It’s the easy route to go, it’s the way to make the most short term money so it’s what’s happening. I’d love to see Punk retain and lose at Elimination Chamber, but I don’t think it’s going to happen.
Brett Jendra: CM Punk
Dexter Brocks (c): CM Punk
Jason Chae: The Rock
2013 Royal Rumble match Winner receives his choice of a WWE Championship or World Heavyweight Championship match at WrestleMania XXIX
Joe Lanza: Ziggler goes ironman, but loses at the end to Cena. WWE wisely sticks to the plan, ignores the 1% of fans who know the plot. Cena challenges Rock for WrestleMania (um, twice in a lifetime!). For the record, I am pulling for Hunico. PUSH HUNICO.
Rich Kraetsch: Ziggler steals the show on this one, Ryback is a monster throughout but in the end Cena is the winner and going to Mania for a rematch with The Rock.
Brett Jendra: The Rock….OR the Loser of Punk/Rock….OR Ziggler.
Dexter Brocks (c): John Cena…OR Brock Lesnar.
Jason Chae: John Cena
