**OFFICIAL** 2015 Royal Rumble Thread - The Road To Wrestlemania Starts At TPWW

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Vince McMahon:</font>

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B8P0prCCUAA3qC9.jpg

[James Steele]

Where are these Daniel Bryan injury rumors coming from?

[Hanso Amore]

I wonder when Seth Rollins will finally cash in. I wonder if they'll use that to shock the world, give a WM moment, and save this whole situation at Mania. Brock wins a war, and Rollins cashes in.

Nah, Reigns wins, gets to be the MAN....for 2 minutes and Rollins cashes in and wins.

There goes your new feud right away with Brock leaving at WM.

[Sting Fan]

Where are these Daniel Bryan injury rumors coming from?

I think Franchise put it forward a few posts back and is now quoting it as truth?

[owenbrown]

I would rather have another Triple H title reign than have the outcome of what happened tonight in the Rumble match

[James Steele]

Triple H deserves another run. He got Roman Reigns over last year in the first place.

[Franchise]

Where are these Daniel Bryan injury rumors coming from?

They're just my speculations.

What else would explain it? WWE seems to want to please the sheep so I assume Bryan would have been last to be eliminated etc. He barely lasted 20 minutes (maybe less). The only logical explanation.

[KIRA]

If Lesnar is going to be painted as some monster terminator then you need a guy on that level physically to be able to compete and pass it off as legit.

No way could Bryan pull that off.

furthermore if he couldn't get through the RR match without getting injured then what do you think would have happened if he had been subjected to all those supplexes, running through the barriers etc?

There needs to be an element of realism.

We saw 2 men in gold paint a guy that eats worms and a man with a stunt double who looks nothing like him
Realism there is a man in a fucking bunny suit on the WWE roster page

[Dark One]

The real important stat from tonight is that Brock Lesnar broke his personal record for Suplexes in a single match.

At least 17, although it might have been 19 if you count the J&J suplex as two and the one that got flipped out of.

[Simple Fan]

No RKO's is what they should have been booing for not Bryan. I will never understand the WWE universes obsession with him.

[Savio]

its really comical that WWE did this again.....In Philly

[Emperor Smeat]

... really? A punch in the face was the finishing move? :lol:
Yeup

http://i.imgur.com/gHy6vjp.gif

[KIRA]

I would rather have another Triple H title reign than have the outcome of what happened tonight in the Rumble match

Much Much rather

[Franchise]

We saw 2 men in gold paint a guy that eats worms and a man with a stunt double who looks nothing like him

Realism there is a man in a fucking bunny suit on the WWE roster page

Yes but none of those guys are being subjected to supplexes from a man who fights in UFC/MMA or dreams of doing so.

Why don't we just AJ Lee vs Rusev in a HIAC match then?

[RP]

All I need to know right now is if Dean Ambrose win the Royal Rumble?

[XL]

How did they not learn from last year? So weird. They could have possible just killed Reigns with this.

They did learn from last year. 2014 saw Batista gets shit on because people thought Bryan might win. This year at no point did they even let you think anybody else was in with a shot; Bryan eliminated early, Ziggler/Ambrose barely got going.

Cena versus Rusev seems like a lock. Cena regains the US Championship for the first time in 10 years.

Pffffft. The US Title will be a complete afterthought.

Where are these Daniel Bryan injury rumors coming from?

I think Franchise put it forward a few posts back and is now quoting it as truth?

From the guy who has 33.3% accuracy tonight.

[James Steele]

The fast lane logo looks really dumb.

[Franchise]

All I need to know right now is if Dean Ambrose win the Royal Rumble?

No. Roman Reigns did.

[Dark One]

All right, thread's rapidly spiraling into a clusterfuck. Abandoning thread. See y'all tomorrow.

[Franchise]

They did learn from last year. 2014 saw Batista gets shit on because people thought Bryan might win. This year at no point did they even let you think anybody else was in with a shot; Bryan eliminated early, Ziggler/Ambrose barely got going.



Pffffft. The US Title will be a complete afterthought.





From the guy who has 33.3% accuracy tonight.

You're just bitter goat face didn't win.

[James Steele]

Trips vs Sting should go on last now at least.

[James Steele]

Unless they do RKO vs DDP in a finisher match.

[KIRA]

And you are the only one here who doesn't think DB beating lesnar wouldn't look credible

[XL]

You're just bitter goat face didn't win.

I'm incredibly "bitter" that a fictional character in a fictional story did get to win a fictional prize.

I was also super pissed when the Giant lost to Jack.

[XL]

Trips vs Sting should go on last now at least.

This is part of the problem; if we get Sting/HHH and Lesnar/Reigns we've got two incredibly predictable "main events".

[James Steele]

I wouldn't be opposed to HHH going over Sting or Lesnar going over Reigns.

[James Steele]

Any more word on the Taker/Wyatt rumors?

[RP]

No. Roman Reigns did.

But if Dean Ambrose won, you would tell me right?

[Franchise]

I'm incredibly "bitter" that a fictional character in a fictional story did get to win a fictional prize.

I was also super pissed when the Giant lost to Jack.

Must be because you seem rather butthurt.

[Franchise]

But if Dean Ambrose won, you would tell me right?

Of course.

[KIRA]

Yes but none of those guys are being subjected to supplexes from a man who fights in UFC/MMA or dreams of doing so.

Why don't we just AJ Lee vs Rusev in a HIAC match then?


Seeing as Aj and Rusev are better in the ring and on the mic than Roman sure It would be watchable

[James Steele]

Dean Ambrose won the Titty Rumble. He had 29 other women throw their bras over the top rope.

[Franchise]

Seeing as Aj and Rusev are better in the ring and on the mic than Roman sure It would be watchable


Daniel Bryan is more likely to be in a neck brace than in the ring with Lesnar at WM.

[Shadrick]

Dean Ambrose won the Titty Rumble. He had 29 other women throw their bras over the top rope.

And isn't this the only rumble that matters?

[Innovator]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B8PyxiUIgAAsre4.png

Rock's face says it

[road doggy dogg]

The first part of the PPV was good, title match great... loved seeing Bubba Ray and DDP (usually hate retreads making appearance but was awesome to see those 2)... like everyone else, thought ending was awful. Predictable, and I can see why, but awful. Not Batista-level bad but goddamn.

[RP]

Just so I can report back to the casual forum thread. What place did Daniel Bryan finish?

[Savio]

nice lipstick by reigns

[Franchise]

Last year you were all pissed that Batista won and Reigns didn't and now you're pissed that Reigns won?

There's no pleasing you people.

[XL]

Must be because you seem rather butthurt.

About Bryan not winning? As evidenced where?

Think you're "butthurt" about me pointing out your predictions were wide of the mark all night.

Anyhow, for some reason, Tazz Dan seems to like you, so I'm gonna let this little thing slide because he is a god amongst men.

[Savio]

Just so I can report back to the casual forum thread. What place did Daniel Bryan finish?18th

[XL]

Last year you were all pissed that Batista won and Reigns didn't and now you're pissed that Reigns won?

There's no pleasing you people.

This simply isn't true.

Last year we were pissed that Bryan didn't win. This year we're pissed that anybody but Reigns didn't win.

[BigCrippyZ]

Yes but none of those guys are being subjected to supplexes from a man who fights in UFC/MMA or dreams of doing so.


Yeah, it always needs to be super realistic. Like all those powers Taker and Kane have. Or all the things outside of the ring that would NEVER result in criminal charges. :roll:

[Shadrick]

About Bryan not winning? As evidenced where?

Think you're "butthurt" about me pointing out your predictions were wide of the mark all night.

Anyhow, for some reason, Tazz Dan seems to like you, so I'm gonna let this little thing slide because he is a god amongst men.

Lol, I remember when I laughed at one of his posts and Tazz Dan told me to leave him alone, as he was, and I'm paraphrasing here, "a new, and decent poster we dont want to drive away."


But yeah, while some have an issue with Reigns being the winner, I don't, I just have a problem with how the Rumble itself went down.

[Franchise]

About Bryan not winning? As evidenced where?

Think you're "butthurt" about me pointing out your predictions were wide of the mark all night.

Anyhow, for some reason, Tazz Dan seems to like you, so I'm gonna let this little thing slide because he is a god amongst men.

Not really it's just you and a few other sheep on here seem pissed about the fact that I don't rate Daniel Bryan as highly as you think he should be rated and that he just isn't that good. That's my opinion which I'm entitled to.


We'll find out in due course whether or not Bryan was injured and whether that factored into him being eliminated early etc.

somehow I doubt not having Bryan in main event or title picture will affect PPV buys or WM attendance significantly.

[BigCrippyZ]

Last year you were all pissed that Batista won and Reigns didn't and now you're pissed that Reigns won?

There's no pleasing you people.

No dipshit. We were pissed last year because Bryan wasn't ev put in the match and we would've rather had Reigns win than have Batista shoved down our throats. This year Bryan was in the match and we would've rather had other winners than Reigns shoved down our throats after seeing how bad he performed recently with the shitty material he was given

[Sting Fan]

Not really it's just you and a few other sheep on here seem pissed about the fact that I don't rate Daniel Bryan as highly as you think he should be rated and that he just isn't that good. That's my opinion which I'm entitled to.


We'll find out in due course whether or not Bryan was injured and whether that factored into him being eliminated early etc.

somehow I doubt not having Bryan in main event or title picture will affect PPV buys or WM attendance significantly.

Vince???

[XL]

I doubt very much that Bryan was injured. Like I said immediately after it happened; better to have him eliminated early and hope the crowd get over it, than have people think he's gonna go all the way only to be dropped by Reigns; that would amplify the hatred from the crowd.

It's also why Ambrose, Ziggler, or any other fan favourite didn't really get any momentum in the match.

[road doggy dogg]

tbh Reigns winning this year is angering people for the same reasons as Batista last year. People don't feel he is ready to headline WM. I am inclined to agree; Reigns has never really impressed me

That being said, I don't think there were many better alternatives. Bryan obviously. But like, Rusev? I don't think he's ready. Ambrose? Maybe. Cesaro I could see, or Ziggler. I think, Bryan aside, Reigns was the best choice of a bad lot.

[XL]

Lol, I remember when I laughed at one of his posts and Tazz Dan told me to leave him alone, as he was, and I'm paraphrasing here, "a new, and decent poster we dont want to drive away."


But yeah, while some have an issue with Reigns being the winner, I don't, I just have a problem with how the Rumble itself went down.

Tbf, I think he started pretty well, he's just gone majorly off the rails in the lead to the Rumble.

[Franchise]

Lol, I remember when I laughed at one of his posts and Tazz Dan told me to leave him alone, as he was, and I'm paraphrasing here, "a new, and decent poster we dont want to drive away."


But yeah, while some have an issue with Reigns being the winner, I don't, I just have a problem with how the Rumble itself went down.

Maybe I'm a little peeved at how one-sided everyone is here and how you seem to think what YOU think is what EVERYONE thinks hence why you're getting your knickers in a twist about my Bryan bashing.

You seem to be misinterpreting my point about realism. The point is you need someone who can go one on one with Lesnar for approx 30 minutes and come out of it unscathed and fit to go on the road for Raw and Smackdown the next week etc.

It appears to me Bryan is not coping well with physical knocks. That will become evident in the coming days and weeks.

Even if Bryan is mega popular, do you think that has escaped the attention of WWE? Do you not think they want to please their fans? Of course they do.

That's why they had the guy win the title 3 times already in less than a year. Even though he hadn't won the RR they had no hesitation putting him in the WM main event, going against the whole point of the RR being the ticket to the WM main event.

So please quit with this whole BS WWE doesn't know what the fans want. If they really didn't care Bryan would be over in TNA or ROH already.

The fact he is still in the WWE shows that people behind the scenes realise he is popular.

[Ruien]

Not really it's just you and a few other sheep on here seem pissed about the fact that I don't rate Daniel Bryan as highly as you think he should be rated and that he just isn't that good. That's my opinion which I'm entitled to.


We'll find out in due course whether or not Bryan was injured and whether that factored into him being eliminated early etc.

somehow I doubt not having Bryan in main event or title picture will affect PPV buys or WM attendance significantly.

You are becoming terrible.

[KIRA]

Last year you were all pissed that Batista won and Reigns didn't and now you're pissed that Reigns won?

There's no pleasing you people.

There were 3 chances to please us 4 if you count Rusev

and they fucked them all up

[Jaded-Dragon]

All I could think after D Bryan was eliminated was, "We haven't had anybody since Cena really reach up and grab that brass ring."

How can anybody grab it with this fucking booking? What has Reigns done to earn this spot?

And then my wife and I could only laugh as we sat there saying 'There were people in suits in the back, standing at the curtain with a smile on their face while saying; "This crowd is going to pop so hard when Roman wins this thing."'

Out of touch?

No. Not at all.

[ron the dial]

fantastic triple threat
lackluster main event
C-

[Emperor Smeat]

If the WWE was worried about Bryan's health status or Bryan getting gassed, he would have shown up way later in the Rumble than he did. Last year Batista didn't show up until right near the end and spent even less time than Bryan did this year in the ring.

Most likely the WWE didn't want Bryan to overshadow Reigns which is why he showed up early and gone before Reigns appeared. Same for why Big Show and Kane took out a lot of the other crowd favorites.

[Franchise]

Tbf, I think he started pretty well, he's just gone majorly off the rails in the lead to the Rumble.

Yes because not liking Daniel Bryan = off the rails.

[teamXtremist]

Awful rumble ending. Poor acting with Kane and Big Show hanging out by the ropes waiting for Reigns to clumsily knock them over. Just a huge mess. Ziggler gets about as much ring time as Zack Ryder. Why bother making him look so strong at Survivor Series?

At least the triple threat was awesome. Save Wrestlemania, Rollins!


This .I don't mind reigns winning but he was much hotter least year.now he has no momentum and of course wwe shoves him down our throat.like Batista last year there was no real drama

[XL]

Yes because not liking Daniel Bryan = off the rails.

There's a difference between "not liking" and creating troll threads like "ha ha ha Bryan didn't win the Rumble".

[Franchise]

If the WWE was worried about Bryan's health status or Bryan getting gassed, he would have shown up way later in the Rumble than he did. Last year Batista didn't show up until right near the end and spent even less time than Bryan did this year in the ring.

Most likely the WWE didn't want Bryan to overshadow Reigns which is why he showed up early and gone before Reigns appeared. Same for why Big Show and Kane took out a lot of the other crowd favorites.

I don't know exactly how they book this behind the scenes whether they have an idea of who will go where or simply gather everyone taking part and draw lots etc.

Injuries can surface at any time even during a match and if that's what happened then that brought his evening to an end and probably threw a spanner in the works re: how the match was going to function.

[Franchise]

There's a difference between "not liking" and creating troll threads like "ha ha ha Bryan didn't win the Rumble".

Well given the amount of stick I have been receiving for merely stating that Bryan wasn't going to win the rumble, I felt the need to gloat about it.

[Simple Fan]

[QUi TE=KIRA;4574639]And you are the only one here who doesn't think DB beating lesnar wouldn't look credible[/QUOTE]

No I also feel that Lesner losing to Bryan would be dumb.

[owenbrown]

Franchise in full troll mode

[KIRA]

The sad part is the Rock got caught in this and I was like man you can't salvage this thing I was right

[road doggy dogg]

lol apparently tonight was NHL all star game and NFL pro bowl

Combined fucks given is like -500%

[BigCrippyZ]

Quit feeding the Frachise, I mean, troll, guys.

[Shadrick]

Maybe I'm a little peeved at how one-sided everyone is here and how you seem to think what YOU think is what EVERYONE thinks hence why you're getting your knickers in a twist about my Bryan bashing.

You seem to be misinterpreting my point about realism. The point is you need someone who can go one on one with Lesnar for approx 30 minutes and come out of it unscathed and fit to go on the road for Raw and Smackdown the next week etc.

It appears to me Bryan is not coping well with physical knocks. That will become evident in the coming days and weeks.

Even if Bryan is mega popular, do you think that has escaped the attention of WWE? Do you not think they want to please their fans? Of course they do.

That's why they had the guy win the title 3 times already in less than a year. Even though he hadn't won the RR they had no hesitation putting him in the WM main event, going against the whole point of the RR being the ticket to the WM main event.

So please quit with this whole BS WWE doesn't know what the fans want. If they really didn't care Bryan would be over in TNA or ROH already.

The fact he is still in the WWE shows that people behind the scenes realise he is popular.

literally none of this applies to me as I haven't disagreed with anything you've posted concerning the Rumble.

the fact that you're "peeved..." is pretty weird tbf.

[Shadrick]

Well given the amount of stick I have been receiving for merely stating that Bryan wasn't going to win the rumble, I felt the need to gloat about it.

right, just like a troll would.

[Franchise]

literally none of this applies to me as I haven't disagreed with anything you've posted concerning the Rumble.

the fact that you're "peeved..." is pretty weird tbf.

Pissed off etc however you want to put it.

I thought this was meant to be a forum not some fascist members gathering right?

[Vastardikai]

I glad that Reigns won.

I picked his number in a Royal Rumble pool. Won $45 bucks.

But seriously, I laughed my ass off at Daniel's elimination. I was surprised he didn't get Warlord'ed.

[Heyman]

You know what's funny?


Last year when Batista won the rumble, the fans got firmly behind Roman Reigns when it came down to the final two.

[Sting Fan]

You know what's funny?


Last year when Batista won the rumble, the fans got firmly behind Roman Reigns when it came down to the final two.


They almost got behind Rusev this year, lesser of two evils deal I guess. Never thought I would refer to Rusev as the lesser of 2 evils tbh...

[road doggy dogg]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/WWEDanielBryan">@WWEDanielBryan</a> didn't win <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RoyalRumbleMatch?src=hash">#RoyalRumbleMatch</a> so this was my highlight of the night <a href="https://twitter.com/RealPaigeWWE">@RealPaigeWWE</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/BellaTwins">@BellaTwins</a> (Brie) <a href="http://t.co/RAImRphN2h">pic.twitter.com/RAImRphN2h</a></p>&mdash; Nikolas Melendez (@True_Niko) <a href="https://twitter.com/True_Niko/status/559575064534724610">January 26, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[road doggy dogg]

opps posted the original Tweet, but Paige RT'd it :cool:

[Franchise]

OK if, IF it was confirmed that Bryan did legit pick up an injury and this affected his Rumble appearance do you think the fans would be less butthurt?

[road doggy dogg]

I'd rather watch an injured Bryan face Lesnar than a 100% Reigns tbh tbh tbh tbh

[Emperor Smeat]

According to Psycho Sid who was at the ppv, crowd's been upset well after the show ended. Was in a semi-riot mood for a bit.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Fans outside blocking talent's cars. They're legit pissed. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RoyalRumble?src=hash">#RoyalRumble</a></p>&mdash; SID (@SychoVicious) <a href="https://twitter.com/SychoVicious/status/559562765476446209">January 26, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Reigns will leaving the arena late. With the ruckus, <a href="https://twitter.com/WWE">@WWE</a> wants him safe. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RoyalRumble?src=hash">#RoyalRumble</a></p>&mdash; SID (@SychoVicious) <a href="https://twitter.com/SychoVicious/status/559566170081067008">January 26, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Franchise]

I also don't see Reigns v Lesnar at WM. I predict it will be Reigns v Rollins.


And if the sheep bleat loudly enough, WWE may well find a way to insert more people into the title match maybe a 4 way elimination match or an elimination chamber match.

[road doggy dogg]

Keep calling everyone sheep, that makes you seem like so much less of a troll

[Damian Rey]

The problem being that he didn't look hurt nor can you in any way begin to even substantiate the idea that he was hurt. He was clearly going at full speed, doing his usual big spots. If he was hurt or they needed to protect him they wouldn't allow him to go out there and take bumps off the top rope or dive to the outside.

Reigns winning, as easily predicted, was an albatross. Nothing against guy. I'm sure in the long term, with more experience, he could be a main event guy. But that time, clearly is not now. He's not ready. He doesn't have the following, he doesn't have personality, and he's just not comfortable enough to be there. It's obvious.

I don't understand the decision making here. Even if they wanted to use Bryan elsewhere on the Mania card, you had Ambrose and Ziggler as viable options to main event and help create another main eventer. I just don't get it anymore.

[Damian Rey]

Wouldn't buying into the shit WWE's shoveling, making lousy excuses why it's a good idea, and speculating, i.e. making up injury rumors more of a sheep act than being upset a guy who isnt ready/arguably doesn't deserve a top spot won?

[Dark One]

Had to come back to share WWE.com going full Ryan Clark with the clickbait.

http://i.imgur.com/QAfCy3e.png

[Franchise]

Keep calling everyone sheep, that makes you seem like so much less of a troll

Because you can't seem to accept the fact Bryan didn't win.

It's ridiculous. God knows what you do when you watch real sport and your team loses.

[road doggy dogg]

Missing the point entirely.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Honestly, I hope they don't listen to the fans and change their WrestleMania plans. I hope they stick with it. I want Reigns and Lesnar to just stink out the joint for 20 minutes as an entire stadium boos the crap out of it at their biggest event. I feel bad saying that because Lesnar has been amazing and deserves a way better end to his WWE career if he does go back to UFC, and it's not Reigns' fault that he is being put into this position. The fans bailed WWE out last time and will give them a chance to do so again, but this time I think they should have to see this shitty decision through. Maybe then they'll realize the importance of listening to the fans the first time (but they probably won't).</font>

[Dark One]

WWE TRENDING WORLD WIDE ON TWITTER

http://i.imgur.com/gwaBzur.png

http://danieljserra.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/comment_vToX23PTvY4B5ID3JWzkocQAaOHgqb83.gif

[Sting Fan]

Getting back to the triple threat, did anyone else find it weird that Brock pretty much killed Cena with his first two suplexes. I understand they want him to be a beast and all that but he destroyed the WWE superman with 2 suplexes.

Just seemed such a weird way to start a match to me. I don't mind Lesnar winning but man he needs to put someone over in a big way or he goes back to the UFC as some unstoppable beast who destroyed the best the WWE had to offer while showing up once in a while.

Seems like silly marketing pushing the PG14 watchers to UFC.

[Corndad]

Triple Threat was amazing . Rumble just never got off the ground. Pretty bad Rock was sent out to stop the possible booing and just made it worse and seem more forced. This ain't even Romans fault. That's sad thing. Just couldn't believe my eyes how easy some guys were thrown out. Hell look at Wyatt. Dude was in there forever and his elimination was an after thought.

[Sting Fan]

Dont get me wrong the Triple threat was AMAZING! but the pacing and setup seemed a little off at the start. By the middle I was well and truly into it and loving it.

[Franchise]

Missing the point entirely.

Just because a group of fans chant for it or type it on a forum doesn't mean it's right i.e. Bryan winning.


Remember back to 1996? Bash at the Beach, when Hogan turned heel and joined the NWO? The crowd went ballistic, literally throwing any piece of litter they could get their hands on and lobbing it at the ring. Even Hogan himself reflected in future interviews that he had concerns about how the fans would react and getting out of the arena etc. At the time people were pissed off more than a catheter. You wouldn't have been faulted for assuming from that reaction that Hogan turning heel was a terrible move but then what happened? It became one of the most memorable moments and storylines in the history of the entire business, put WCW on the map, made Hall and Nash into legends, re-ignited Hogan's career and almost destroyed the WWE particularly in the Monday Night Wars.

If WCW had re-jigged their plans in light of the reaction at BATB who knows what would have happened?

Just because it doesn't seem like the right decision now doesn't mean it's going to be like that further down the line.

[Dark One]

http://i.imgur.com/DPRuFdv.png

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RoyalRumbleIn5Words?src=hash">#RoyalRumbleIn5Words</a> &quot; No Commitment. Cancel any time.&quot;</p>&mdash; Chris Riddle (@ChrisRiddle) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChrisRiddle/status/559571936934506496">January 26, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RoyalRumbleIn5Words?src=hash">#RoyalRumbleIn5Words</a> We want our money back</p>&mdash; #CancelWWENetwork (@ClevelandReport) <a href="https://twitter.com/ClevelandReport/status/559585592279695361">January 26, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RoyalRumbleIn5Words?src=hash">#RoyalRumbleIn5Words</a> That's how you lose subscribers.</p>&mdash; Soularyem (@Soularyem) <a href="https://twitter.com/Soularyem/status/559585548344377344">January 26, 2015</a></blockquote>
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[KIRA]

WWE TRENDING WORLD WIDE ON TWITTER

http://i.imgur.com/gwaBzur.png

http://danieljserra.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/comment_vToX23PTvY4B5ID3JWzkocQAaOHgqb83.gif

Holy shit its picking up steam fast

[Dark One]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B8QLM8SCYAIuGLg.png:large

[Sting Fan]

Just because a group of fans chant for it or type it on a forum doesn't mean it's right i.e. Bryan winning.


Remember back to 1996? Bash at the Beach, when Hogan turned heel and joined the NWO? The crowd went ballistic, literally throwing any piece of litter they could get their hands on and lobbing it at the ring. Even Hogan himself reflected in future interviews that he had concerns about how the fans would react and getting out of the arena etc. At the time people were pissed off more than a catheter. You wouldn't have been faulted for assuming from that reaction that Hogan turning heel was a terrible move but then what happened? It became one of the most memorable moments and storylines in the history of the entire business, put WCW on the map, made Hall and Nash into legends, re-ignited Hogan's career and almost destroyed the WWE particularly in the Monday Night Wars.

If WCW had re-jigged their plans in light of the reaction at BATB who knows what would have happened?

Just because it doesn't seem like the right decision now doesn't mean it's going to be like that further down the line.

So your comparing the night WWE tried to birth a star... the new top Babyface in the company to the biggest heel turn in wrestling to justify the crowds reaction.

:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:

[ron the dial]

Just because a group of fans chant for it or type it on a forum doesn't mean it's right i.e. Bryan winning.


Remember back to 1996? Bash at the Beach, when Hogan turned heel and joined the NWO? The crowd went ballistic, literally throwing any piece of litter they could get their hands on and lobbing it at the ring. Even Hogan himself reflected in future interviews that he had concerns about how the fans would react and getting out of the arena etc. At the time people were pissed off more than a catheter. You wouldn't have been faulted for assuming from that reaction that Hogan turning heel was a terrible move but then what happened? It became one of the most memorable moments and storylines in the history of the entire business, put WCW on the map, made Hall and Nash into legends, re-ignited Hogan's career and almost destroyed the WWE particularly in the Monday Night Wars.

If WCW had re-jigged their plans in light of the reaction at BATB who knows what would have happened?

Just because it doesn't seem like the right decision now doesn't mean it's going to be like that further down the line.
the difference being that was the kind of reaction they were going for.

[Dark One]

There are tons of people posting their cancellation notices on twitter.

This is definitely Will Ferrell Trident-level absurd theater. This is the pure, uncut, good shit.

http://i.imgur.com/FfnvQQD.gif

[KIRA]

lol The WWE network cancellation page crashed

[Damian Rey]

WCW wanted people too be pissed at Hogan. That was the point. Completely unrelated situation.

And a "group of fans" equates to every arena visited last year? You're being a bit ignorant, here.

[KIRA]

Just because a group of fans chant for it or type it on a forum doesn't mean it's right i.e. Bryan winning.


Remember back to 1996? Bash at the Beach, when Hogan turned heel and joined the NWO? The crowd went ballistic, literally throwing any piece of litter they could get their hands on and lobbing it at the ring. Even Hogan himself reflected in future interviews that he had concerns about how the fans would react and getting out of the arena etc. At the time people were pissed off more than a catheter. You wouldn't have been faulted for assuming from that reaction that Hogan turning heel was a terrible move but then what happened? It became one of the most memorable moments and storylines in the history of the entire business, put WCW on the map, made Hall and Nash into legends, re-ignited Hogan's career and almost destroyed the WWE particularly in the Monday Night Wars.

If WCW had re-jigged their plans in light of the reaction at BATB who knows what would have happened?

Just because it doesn't seem like the right decision now doesn't mean it's going to be like that further down the line.

These cancellations are a hell of a lot for a short goat faced loser

[KIRA]

And I just joined the cancel crowd

I feel better

[Dark One]

Just going to embed a live feed of the hashtag, because I can't possibly keep up with the GLORY.

<a class="twitter-timeline" data-dnt="true" href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CancelWWENetwork" data-widget-id="559588031846289408">#CancelWWENetwork Tweets</a>
<script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)?'http':'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+"://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script>

[Dark One]

You're welcome.

[KIRA]

DK ‏@rawisDK Sep 8

Now repeat after me... I'm not paying 9.99 to be insulted. #WWE #RAW #CancelWWENetwork

[Sting Fan]

Brutal... Yet outstanding.

[Tom Guycott]

lol apparently tonight was NHL all star game and NFL pro bowl

Combined fucks given is like -500%

Feels like this is going to be some kind of excuse for the lack of popularity for the RR win.

[Franchise]

the difference being that was the kind of reaction they were going for.

Yes but don't you think for one moment WCW considered the possibility of the whole angle backfiring on them spectacularly?

[KIRA]

Can you say mass Exodus ?

This is incredible to watch

[ron the dial]

Yes but don't you think for one moment WCW considered the possibility of the whole angle backfiring on them spectacularly?
after they got a better reaction than they could have ever hoped for?

[ron the dial]

it's just an absurd comparison

[Dark One]

Yes but don't you think for one moment WCW considered the possibility of the whole angle backfiring on them spectacularly?

I don't feel like WCW was good at considering that possibility.

[DrCrawford]

I was at the rumble. The Triple Threat match was amazing. Just incredible, and made the night worth it.

The rumble was just bad. Had no energy to it or pacing, especially after Bryan was eliminated. It sucked the enthusiasm right out of the arena. So many big guys in the ring at once, was just boring. My brother who doesn't watch anymore or even know whats going on said it was awful the way it ended.

The boos could have been worse, but I think some people just didn't have enough emotion to even boo anymore, because they stopped caring. There was a lot of talking half way through the rumble, people weren't really paying attention after it started to get super stale. Lots of "Let's go Rusev" or "this is bullshit" chants. Yes people were cheering Reigns on last year but people forget why - because nobody wanted to see Batista win. I would have even preferred to see Hornswoggle win this rumble over Reigns.

I still had a good time but I purchased these tickets months ago, and had I known it was going to be like that, perhaps I would have passed on it. I definitely have no interest in watching it further, as I already haven't been watching for quite a few months. I can't believe they are just so out of touch. It isn't even about Bryan winning, it is just when they try and force you to like someone, and instead someone like Ziggler that people genuinely want to see gets 20 seconds of ring time.

Also, what was the announce team saying about the boos? I was sitting there thinking that they were likely trying to play it off as the crowd booing whoever was hitting Reigns.

[Heyman]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B8QLM8SCYAIuGLg.png:large



LOL. This is a good photo.

[KIRA]

Somewhere C.M Punk is laughing his ass off

While fucking AJ Lee

[KIRA]

I hope Vince is going into convulsions over this.

I hope his investors are pulling their hair out

Did somebody have the sense to RT cancel WWE network to Vince ?

[Damian Rey]

Can't wait for the final number of cancellations.

[rockman725]

I said this in a Raw thread a while back I believe, but the main reason why "we" are "shitting" on Roman Reigns is because he simply has no character development since he debuted. Rollins progressed, Ambrose progressed, Reigns did not. He was the muscle of the group with them and he is just muscle without them. If he is going to get over, he needs to either find a way to better relate to the fans as a babyface or be completely re-packaged. We, the audience, are not stupid and we can see his character is no different now than it was in 2013.

Bryan was the favorite & most logical choice to win the Rumble. However, I think it would have been different if he had stayed in there longer and/or somebody other than Reigns would win if not him. Problem is that it was leaked on the net a long time ago that Reigns was the favorite to win behind the scenes. So in essence, we kinda new the most likely scenario. The fans in the arena (as well as others at home) wanted to see something different happen. Since Reigns was proclaimed the favorite, the fans wanted anyone other than Reigns to win. Same thing happened last year with Batista. It's a coincidence that it was Reigns as the runner-up, but the fans would have been cheering Duke The Dumpster Drose if it came down to he and Batista.

When Bryan got eliminated, it became a deflating moment because the anticipation was Reigns was going to win. Had they called an audible and had Ziggler, Ambrose, Wyatt, Rusev, hell even The Big Show win, then I think the reception at the end would have been different.

[Franchise]

I hope Vince is going into convulsions over this.

I hope his investors are pulling their hair out

63 days time nobody will be thinking about this and you will all be commenting on how great WM 31 was, that Roman Reigns walked out the champion and Sting made an awesome WWE in ring debut and ended The Authority, oh and how Triple H rolled back the years and put in a stellar performance.

McMahon has been in this business long enough to know what he's doing. The storm will die down.

[Jaded-Dragon]

Somewhere C.M Punk is laughing his ass off

While fucking AJ Lee

That's good times.




Well, #CancelWWENetwork is now the #1 trend in the World, not just the U.S.

And apparently the cancellation page of the WWE Network has crashed.

I am honestly enjoying watching this unfold more than I enjoyed watching the Rumble itself.

[Franchise]

I said this in a Raw thread a while back I believe, but the main reason why "we" are "shitting" on Roman Reigns is because he simply has no character development since he debuted. Rollins progressed, Ambrose progressed, Reigns did not. He was the muscle of the group with them and he is just muscle without them. If he is going to get over, he needs to either find a way to better relate to the fans as a babyface or be completely re-packaged. We, the audience, are not stupid and we can see his character is no different now than it was in 2013.

Bryan was the favorite & most logical choice to win the Rumble. However, I think it would have been different if he had stayed in there longer and/or somebody other than Reigns would win if not him. Problem is that it was leaked on the net a long time ago that Reigns was the favorite to win behind the scenes. So in essence, we kinda new the most likely scenario. The fans in the arena (as well as others at home) wanted to see something different happen. Since Reigns was proclaimed the favorite, the fans wanted anyone other than Reigns to win. Same thing happened last year with Batista. It's a coincidence that it was Reigns as the runner-up, but the fans would have been cheering Duke The Dumpster Drose if it came down to he and Batista.

When Bryan got eliminated, it became a deflating moment because the anticipation was Reigns was going to win. Had they called an audible and had Ziggler, Ambrose, Wyatt, Rusev, hell even The Big Show win, then I think the reception at the end would have been different.

Two months is a long time to build his character but it doesn't help if the person he's challenging will only be making 2 or 3 appearances during that period.

[KIRA]

Can't wait for the final number of cancellations.

IKR watching literately wave after massive wave cancel and loving it

[Heyman]

McMahon has been in this business long enough to know what he's doing. The storm will die down.


You know, it's crazy.


Had it not been for CM Punk leaving the WWE last year, I think the whole Daniel Bryan/Sheamus rumors for Wrestlemania would have actually come to fruition. :nono:


Batista and Orton would have been your main-event.


The XFL + WWE Network + ?????


I'm starting to wonder if Vince is really as smart as people make him out to be. Time will tell..........if it hasn't already.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Wow, are people actually cancelling their subscriptions over this? I'm actually greatly entertained by that. People say "if you don't like it, stop watching" and have used PPV buys in the past to pinpoint whether or not something works, but often people would purchase PPVs expecting them to be good, or not purchase because they have low expectations and then the blame is misplaced on a fresh concept not working. Now the Network almost allows a direct gauge to whether or not people are engaged in what they have seen; and with the WWE so dependent on it, they will be forced to listen.

Personally, I was deflated after the Royal Rumble. I don't usually say these things, but I could not give a fuck about WrestleMania right now. Lesnar vs. Reigns? No interest. Rusev vs. Cena? No interest. You can call me a smark if you want; but I have been watching wrestling for fourteen years now. I'm allowed to have my own taste, and something about what the WWE has been offering lately has just put me off.

Bryan winning was the best option. It makes the most storyline sense, and it would have provided the best match. It just wasn't meant to be Reigns' year. He's been produced and marketed to be this next big thing, but it feels phony, artificial and it isn't clicking. A little weakness from Reigns might actually get people to find him less bland.

I will continue to watch NXT, but until something changes, I am actually done with RAW and SmackDown.

[Mr. Nerfect]

If I were an investor in WWE, I would have been pretty pissed off at that PPV. Maybe we will start to see some changes soon. Although rumors suggested that Triple H wanted Reigns to win the Rumble too. I would like to think that he would have seen how weak Reigns has come across in recent weeks and shifted things up however.

[Tom Guycott]

I find it funny that the people arguing against the booing of Reigns are looking completely past the fact* that, just like The Rock initially, he is being built as a generic babyface that lacks personality and hasn't done anything of note yet. There is literally NO reason to get behind the guy other than WWE telling everyone they should.

I hope, for his sake, this leads to his own version of a "Die, Rocky, Die" moment: something he can expound on to become a memorabe character that resonates and leaves a lasting impression with fans and not just a blank token the back office thinks "should be the man" by 1970's standards of getting over.


*wtf is a "feact"? We will never know.

[Emperor Smeat]

Just going to embed a live feed of the hashtag, because I can't possibly keep up with the GLORY.

<a class="twitter-timeline" data-dnt="true" href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CancelWWENetwork" data-widget-id="559588031846289408">#CancelWWENetwork Tweets</a>
<script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)?'http':'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+"://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script>

Knowing the WWE's recent past, Cena is going to be the one who benefits the most in the end. Either in the form of Mania no longer revolving around Reigns or everything Cena does gets seen as just important or better than whatever Reigns does.

[Heyman]

If I were an investor in WWE, I would have been pretty pissed off at that PPV. Maybe we will start to see some changes soon. Although rumors suggested that Triple H wanted Reigns to win the Rumble too. I would like to think that he would have seen how weak Reigns has come across in recent weeks and shifted things up however.



I'm actually quite baffled as to how badly the WWE screwed the pooch on this one.

[Mr. Nerfect]

The thing is, this actually damages Roman Reigns' ability to draw. The WWE pushing him too hard was always a concern of mine, because once he crosses over into that "overdone" territory, a large contingent of fans will hold a grudge for a very long time. Reigns could have been the coolest thing in the world at one point.

This also hurts Daniel Bryan. Instead of proving that he is still "the guy" coming back from injury, he has to come out on RAW and say "Well, it turns out I'm not the guy." At least last year he was protected by not being in the match. People were pissed, but not deflated. Vince and co. have made sure that the average mark knows that Bryan can't win the big one anymore.

Dolph Ziggler looks like shit. I haven't been as into him as everyone else seems to be (but I haven't been watching RAW or SmackDown much), but him getting knocked out and eliminated makes him look like a bit of a pussy too. The same goes for Dean Ambrose. Everyone the audience cared about was sacrificed at the alter of Roman at the Rumble, and now the WWE might have damaged everybody.

Brock Lesnar and Seth Rollins were really the only two people who came out of the Rumble looking fairly good. It wouldn't shock me if Rollins wins the World Title between now and WrestleMania to get him into that main event.

[Dark One]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>I believe this will be the best year ever for <a href="https://twitter.com/WWE">@WWE</a>. It starts this Sunday with <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RoyalRumble?src=hash">#RoyalRumble</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WWENetwork999?src=hash">#WWENetwork999</a> <a href="http://t.co/jnpIdR53LD">pic.twitter.com/jnpIdR53LD</a></p>&mdash; Vince McMahon (@VinceMcMahon) <a href="https://twitter.com/VinceMcMahon/status/558650170888695809">January 23, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_me5bgtrdVR1rk5wnbo1_400.gif

[Franchise]

You know, it's crazy.


Had it not been for CM Punk leaving the WWE last year, I think the whole Daniel Bryan/Sheamus rumors for Wrestlemania would have actually come to fruition. :nono:


Batista and Orton would have been your main-event.


The XFL + WWE Network + ?????


I'm starting to wonder if Vince is really as smart as people make him out to be. Time will tell..........if it hasn't already.


WWE Network wasn't a smart move at all imo. Well having the PPVs on it wasn't but maybe it was combat the free streaming. But I can't imagine the likes of BSkyB being happy with that.

Also people seem to be attaching way too much importance to the RR match and the WM title match. Firstly as you know from past experience, not winning the RR doesn't mean X superstar is eliminated from the prospect of the WWE title match re: triple threat, four way elimination etc. There is every possibility and given the amount of anger, WWE will probably relent and make it a 4 way elimination match.

Secondly, the title match is not automatically the main event or considered the marquee match on the card. Hogan Rock was second to last at WM 18 but no doubt was the de fact main event. In recent years we've had Taker v HBK, Rock v Cena 1 close out the show, perhaps given the significance of those events. This year it might be Sting v Triple H. The title match isn't necessarily "the main event" at WM and hence winning the RR or losing it doesn't necessarily matter that much. And do you honestly rate the likes of Sheamus and Alberto Del Rio amongst the greatest Royal Rumble winners? Those guys were never bad by any stretch of the imagination but were not exactly on the same level as other legendary winners like Hogan, Flair, Rock, Austin etc.

Besides Ultimate Warrior and Mick Foley never won the RR and it did no harm to their careers or their popularity amongst the fans. I see no reason why Bryan not winning the rumble would do the same.

And some fans, cancelling subscriptions because a result doesn't go their way. Do you ask for refunds at an NFL game if your team doesn't win?

Do you suppose Patriots or Seahawks fans will be asking for refunds if their team doesn't win the Super Bowl next Sunday?

[KIRA]

thing is I still don't think WWE understands the power the IWC has and probably thinks
we are just a few upset Smarks and don't matter

Then #cancelwwenetwork trends worldwide....

[Wishbone]

This is like a terrible car crash that you know you should look away from but just can't... I'm not sure if I should laugh or cry right now. On the one hand an industry I've been invested in for damn near two decades looks like it's taking a major hit, but on the other this might be the kick in the balls it needs to actually improve.

Like Noid said though I may very well be done with RAW and Smackdown now... I'll tune in tomorrow, partially out of habit and partially out of curiosity to see if they can actually turn this around. However, outside a full on retcon of tonight I can't see how they could possibly appease the fans' blood lust. This is like a Marvel Ultimates level disaster. The WWE juggernaut may very well have been brought to its knees tonight.

[KIRA]

WWE Network wasn't a smart move at all imo. Well having the PPVs on it wasn't but maybe it was combat the free streaming. But I can't imagine the likes of BSkyB being happy with that.

Also people seem to be attaching way too much importance to the RR match and the WM title match. Firstly as you know from past experience, not winning the RR doesn't mean X superstar is eliminated from the prospect of the WWE title match re: triple threat, four way elimination etc. There is every possibility and given the amount of anger, WWE will probably relent and make it a 4 way elimination match.

Secondly, the title match is not automatically the main event or considered the marquee match on the card. Hogan Rock was second to last at WM 18 but no doubt was the de fact main event. In recent years we've had Taker v HBK, Rock v Cena 1 close out the show, perhaps given the significance of those events. This year it might be Sting v Triple H. The title match isn't necessarily "the main event" at WM and hence winning the RR or losing it doesn't necessarily matter that much. And do you honestly rate the likes of Sheamus and Alberto Del Rio amongst the greatest Royal Rumble winners? Those guys were never bad by any stretch of the imagination but were not exactly on the same level as other legendary winners like Hogan, Flair, Rock, Austin etc.

Besides Ultimate Warrior and Mick Foley never won the RR and it did no harm to their careers or their popularity amongst the fans. I see no reason why Bryan not winning the rumble would do the same.

And some fans, cancelling subscriptions because a result doesn't go their way. Do you ask for refunds at an NFL game if your team doesn't win?

Do you suppose Patriots or Seahawks fans will be asking for refunds if their team doesn't win the Super Bowl next Sunday?

Its not just some fans its alot (like if im an investor I'm calling Vince and asking him is he fucking retarded) ALOT, and youre comparing this to football LOL somebody else do this I can't even...

[Mr. Nerfect]

I'm actually quite baffled as to how badly the WWE screwed the pooch on this one.

I actually don't get it either. I don't get how the WWE didn't get it last year. What did they actually think would happen?

[ron the dial]

another absurd comparison

[Dark One]

This is like a terrible car crash that you know you should look away from but just can't... I'm not sure if I should laugh or cry right now. On the one hand an industry I've been invested in for damn near two decades looks like it's taking a major hit, but on the other this might be the kick in the balls it needs to actually improve.

Like Noid said though I may very well be done with RAW and Smackdown now... I'll tune in tomorrow, partially out of habit and partially out of curiosity to see if they can actually turn this around. However, outside a full on retcon of tonight I can't see how they could possibly appease the fans' blood lust. This is like a Marvel Ultimates level disaster. The WWE juggernaut may very well have been brought to its knees tonight.

http://i.imgur.com/odg2Sgr.png

[Damian Rey]

Gotta agree with Noid. Lesnar Reigns seems Shi blah. Reigns has no momentum. The story for him and Lesnar is non existent.

Rusev has had one of the best long term builds in fucking ages. And now he's going to become Cena fodder, just like Wyatt last year.

[Franchise]

thing is I still don't think WWE understands the power the IWC has and probably thinks
we are just a few upset Smarks and don't matter

Then #cancelwwenetwork trends worldwide....

WWE network won't be around this time next year, not in it's current form anyway.

I can't see the viability of $9.99 a month that includes all the PPVS when you could make so much more from individual PPV buys.

Sure it consolidates all the archives but surely all of that is available somewhere on the internet for free as are streaming opportunities.

[DrCrawford]

Also, there is a supposed to be a huge blizzard tomorrow in Hartford, where RAW will be. I wonder if they will postpone RAW and use it to their advantage to deflect the negativity.

[Franchise]

another absurd comparison

What would you prefer I compare it to?

Or are you just such a Bryan mark that you can't accept the reality that A) he lost, B) there are people out there who actually aren't Daniel Bryan fans shock horror?

I'm sure Hogan had his haters back in the day who weren't into the whole hulkamania phenomenon.

[Dark One]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Considering putting some shirts on sale. A lot of people have $9.99 in their pockets after tonight.</p>&mdash; The Young Bucks (@NickJacksonYB) <a href="https://twitter.com/NickJacksonYB/status/559575040585256960">January 26, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Mr. Nerfect]

The WWE has never really understood the internet and the power it wields. Vince, despite his best efforts to turn "professional wrestling" into "sports entertainment", often still proves to have that carny-style disdain for his own marks. The presentation of the Roman Reigns character has been corny and transparent, and quite frankly, an insult to the intelligence of viewers. You can't "work" people into enjoying a persona like that any more.

And he should know that. Things have been shifting in that direction for years.

[ron the dial]

What would you prefer I compare it to?

Or are you just such a Bryan mark that you can't accept the reality that A) he lost, B) there are people out there who actually aren't Daniel Bryan fans shock horror?

I'm sure Hogan had his haters back in the day who weren't into the whole hulkamania phenomenon.
have i mentioned bryan?

[Franchise]

Its not just some fans its alot (like if im an investor I'm calling Vince and asking him is he fucking retarded) ALOT, and youre comparing this to football LOL somebody else do this I can't even...

But that's the absurdity of what you and others are doing/suggesting with the cancellations, threatening to boycott WWE etc. If it was based on pure popularity figures alone, Cena is BY FAR the most popular superstar on the active roster, there's no arguing that. If we were to go off that in the way people are suggesting we should milk Bryan's popularity for all it's worth. Then John Cena should be have been champion from 2006 until the present day.

How ridiculous and boring would that be?

[Mr. Nerfect]

Reigns could have been a perfectly acceptable winner of the 2016 Royal Rumble. He could have been a perfectly acceptable WWE Champion by SummerSlam time. Now his rise is going to be associated with "#CancelWWENetwork."

If they leave it as Lesnar vs. Reigns at WrestleMania, I think the best option would be to pull a Lesnar/Reigns double-turn, and have Heyman help Reigns win. At least as a heel, Reigns won't be a bland Superman babyface.

[Poit]

http://i.imgur.com/odg2Sgr.png

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/nCQGQ5qBQTA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Mr. Nerfect]

The thing is it is about Bryan. Sure, the crowd might have turned around for Ziggler or for Ambrose, but could you really see them headlining WrestleMania right now? The only smart option was Bryan once he was announced for the match. If you don't want him to win, don't have him in there.

[Dark One]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>So how did the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RoyalRumble?src=hash">#RoyalRumble</a> go? I couldn't catch it due to travel. Did <a href="https://twitter.com/WWEDanielBryan">@wwedanielbryan</a> win like I hoped he would?</p>&mdash; Mick Foley (@realmickfoley) <a href="https://twitter.com/realmickfoley/status/559573444207988737">January 26, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Wishbone]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Considering putting some shirts on sale. A lot of people have $9.99 in their pockets after tonight.</p>&mdash; The Young Bucks (@NickJacksonYB) <a href="https://twitter.com/NickJacksonYB/status/559575040585256960">January 26, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

I laughed a little

[Franchise]

have i mentioned bryan?

No but ever point I make you label as an absurd comparison.

The whole behaviour of so-called fans on here "oh bryan didn't win boo hoo I'm not watching WWE again blah blah blah blah blah blah".


Maybe Bryan isn't the best man for the job, to take the mantle full time, to be able to take hard knocks week in week out in the ring or in training etc and perhaps he needs to be eased back into action.


What would you rather have, that he won the rumble, "won" against Lesnar but picked up legit injuries meaning he had to take time out again for an extended period and relinquish the title again.

Or would you all rather he managed to regain his full fitness, carry on wrestling and further down the line say a few months from now, he returns to the main event picture and occupies the top spot for a longer period?

[Mr. Nerfect]

It might be the best course of action to have someone "take out" Reigns and do a Rumble rematch at Fast Lane.

[Franchise]

Reigns could have been a perfectly acceptable winner of the 2016 Royal Rumble. He could have been a perfectly acceptable WWE Champion by SummerSlam time. Now his rise is going to be associated with "#CancelWWENetwork."

If they leave it as Lesnar vs. Reigns at WrestleMania, I think the best option would be to pull a Lesnar/Reigns double-turn, and have Heyman help Reigns win. At least as a heel, Reigns won't be a bland Superman babyface.

If they cancel the network it will be due to the logistical problems they've had and the fact it doesn't make sense to give fans everything for 9.99 a month when they could charge $40 or whatever for PPV buys and people will still buy it.

It was an ill-fated and baffling move.

[Poit]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>So how did the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RoyalRumble?src=hash">#RoyalRumble</a> go? I couldn't catch it due to travel. Did <a href="https://twitter.com/WWEDanielBryan">@wwedanielbryan</a> win like I hoped he would?</p>&mdash; Mick Foley (@realmickfoley) <a href="https://twitter.com/realmickfoley/status/559573444207988737">January 26, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

NO ONE TELL HIM.

[Tom Guycott]

Ironically, just about the only guy they are building right is Rusev, and they seem to have kinda put him on the back burner... which actually helps him, provided WWE remembers he's back there. They haven't really done anything to damage his credibility, but he's kind of just roster filler right now.

Armchair booking: he should have been Roman's target about now. Fuck this year's 'mania, maybe shoot for next year's. Build his stock with a solid midcard run instead of having him jump the line. The time they could have used to make this sit better with the audience was wasted with Reigns sitting in a hospital last year, but in spite of that, pulled the trigger anyway even with a giant blank spot in the resumé.

[Dark One]

Bad night for WWE.

Good night for my rep.

http://i.imgur.com/b9Ikhi8.png

[Mr. Nerfect]

No but ever point I make you label as an absurd comparison.

The whole behaviour of so-called fans on here "oh bryan didn't win boo hoo I'm not watching WWE again blah blah blah blah blah blah".


Maybe Bryan isn't the best man for the job, to take the mantle full time, to be able to take hard knocks week in week out in the ring or in training etc and perhaps he needs to be eased back into action.


What would you rather have, that he won the rumble, "won" against Lesnar but picked up legit injuries meaning he had to take time out again for an extended period and relinquish the title again.

Or would you all rather he managed to regain his full fitness, carry on wrestling and further down the line say a few months from now, he returns to the main event picture and occupies the top spot for a longer period?

He shouldn't be in there if he isn't ready to go. Even if you know you aren't going to be able to bank on him for an additional five years, he was still the best choice to win this year. The story kind of demanded it.

[Wishbone]

Reigns could have been a perfectly acceptable winner of the 2016 Royal Rumble. He could have been a perfectly acceptable WWE Champion by SummerSlam time. Now his rise is going to be associated with "#CancelWWENetwork."

If they leave it as Lesnar vs. Reigns at WrestleMania, I think the best option would be to pull a Lesnar/Reigns double-turn, and have Heyman help Reigns win. At least as a heel, Reigns won't be a bland Superman babyface.

Turning heel is really Reigns' only option at this point. He'll have to pull a Batista, hell, maybe even sign on as the Authority's guy just to make this halfway believable.

[Franchise]

It might be the best course of action to have someone "take out" Reigns and do a Rumble rematch at Fast Lane.

As I said before there are 63 days until WM and a lot could change/happen between now and then.

A rumble rematch is unlikely.

I would however be open to the prospect of an elimination chamber match given that it seems the PPV has been shelved for the time being, they can use the EC as a gimmick/stipulation and it would satisfy the fans and a number of big superstars by having an EC match with Lesnar for the title at WM.

Lesnar v Bryan v Reigns v Rollins v Ambrose v Ziggler v Wyatt all in an elimination chamber would be pretty awesome.

[Franchise]

NO ONE TELL HIM.

I think he already knew and was being sarcastic.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Best thing the WWE can do: Have Triple H announce on RAW that Roman Reigns is defending his WrestleMania title shot in a Royal Rumble rematch. It's evil, it's screwy, it might drive fan sympathy towards Reigns a bit more -- and they can move him out of the immediate title picture. Have him eliminate Seth Rollins and then have a pissed off Rollins dump him out post-elimination.

[Damian Rey]

There you go again making unsubstantiated injury themed posts. Why don't we just wait to hear he's actually injured before you start trying to use it to justify tonight's lackluster decision.

The reason you can't find a decent comparison to Bryan is because there isn't one.

[Tom Guycott]

thing is I still don't think WWE understands the power the IWC has and probably thinks
we are just a few upset Smarks and don't matter

Then #cancelwwenetwork trends worldwide....

Also, that "IWC" is more or less an outdated term when it's viewed as maybe 1000 people in the world being basement-dwelling neckbeards circle-jerking in a forum like this one or some AOL style chatroom, and not LITERALLY EVERY FAN WITH A CELL PHONE, which at this point consists of pretty much everyone over the age of 10.

Its like they're oblivious that those same people who hold their phone up during Bray's entrance can use the damn thing to say how shit their decision-making is. Funny that.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Then have Daniel Bryan win, and hope that all is well in the world. Bryan insists on defending his shot against Reigns at Fast Lane however, since he's that sort of guy. Bryan beats Reigns and then moves on to Brock at WrestleMania.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Yeah, you can't keep the internet out of wrestling today.

[Wishbone]

Watch WWE turn Reigns heel tomorrow and then try to claim it was the plan all along.

[Dark One]

NJPW World appears to also be down.

This is so fucking great. If you average in these last three hours, this may be the best show of all time.

[Mr. Nerfect]

If Reigns turns heel out of this, they should actually just have him stripped of his Rumble title shot by popular demand. Network subscribers are cancelling because they hate Reigns so much, is the official Authority story. Daniel Bryan comes to Reigns' defense and tells them that he won the Rumble fair and square, and as a result, should be given the shot, but to no avail. Reigns starts Spearing good guys and not giving a fuck very soon after that.

[KIRA]

NJPW World appears to also be down.

This is so fucking great. If you average in these last three hours, this may be the best show of all time.

This has turned into the greatest night ever

I hope this all carries over to RAW and just continues to snowball

[Franchise]

There you go again making unsubstantiated injury themed posts. Why don't we just wait to hear he's actually injured before you start trying to use it to justify tonight's lackluster decision.

The reason you can't find a decent comparison to Bryan is because there isn't one.

I never said it was a fact that he was injured you spastic. Merely speculating that he might be injured.

[Jaded-Dragon]

If they cancel the network it will be due to the logistical problems they've had and the fact it doesn't make sense to give fans everything for 9.99 a month when they could charge $40 or whatever for PPV buys and people will still buy it.

It was an ill-fated and baffling move.


Not really. Profits are split with the Cable and other TV providers for PPV buys so WWE doesn't make what they should on them. The problem is that they thought they would have 3 million worldwide subscribers by now, which would mean they would be making far more money off the network than they ever did on PPV.

They reported they made a total of $82million on PPV in 2013, they would make that in a quarter on the Network IF they got the numbers they were hoping to get.

Either way, right now they are losing money on their big shows like RR and WM that normally get high buy rates; but they are making more money on the smaller PPV's that normally only draw 175k-200k buys.

Which brings us to tonight. If even half of these people are actually canceling their accounts, that is going to be a major blow for them.

[Tom Guycott]

http://i.imgur.com/odg2Sgr.png

"Fuck you, lady, that's what stairs are for!"

[Damian Rey]

I never said it was a fact that he was injured you spastic. Merely speculating that he might be injured.

Based on? You've hung onto it since the end of the show. Exactly what are you basing these speculations on?

[Dark One]

Repost, but god damn it, I need to keep this train going and it's amazing.


http://gfycat.com/ifr/ChillyPaltryEmperorpenguin

[KIRA]

I'm so giddy over this that I'm using the word giddy.

Still number 1

and the cancellations are still coming in droves ..........there are no words :'(:love:

[road doggy dogg]

ugh last gif making page load really slow, bad

[Wishbone]

Shame there isn't another wrestling company that can compete with WWE right now. This could have been their moment to skyrocket in popularity.

[Dark One]

Spoilered it because I love you RDD.

[KIRA]

Shame there isn't another wrestling company that can compete with WWE right now. This could have been their moment to skyrocket in popularity.

NJPW is gonna do a double take when they see their site

[Wishbone]

NJPW is gonna do a double take when they see their site

What's going on with their site?

[road doggy dogg]

Wonder how many of these #CancelWWENetwork people are for cereal. Anyone got a link to WWE's stock numbers or w/e, would be curious to see if it dips tomorrow or anything

[KIRA]

What's going on with their site?

people are subscribing

[Mr. Nerfect]

Do we have any idea how many people are actually cancelling their subscriptions? Will it be enough to make a dent? The social networking aspect is enough of a black mark for the WWE. I mean, "#RomanEmpire" isn't a worldwide trend at the moment, is it?

[Tom Guycott]

Off the shitstorm for a second: what happen'd with Ascension vs NAO? I'm hoping Konnor and Victor got (and continue to get) a backdoor victory to mirror how LoD jobbed to the Outlaws back in the day to help legitimize them, and with the same "you're too old"/barely able to back up their bragging schtick to boot.

But, since I missed it, I'm fearing a one and done squash that didn't help the new guys in any way.

[Damian Rey]

We'll know for sure sooner than later. You know damn well dirt sheet providers will be scouring for some numbers. Cannot wait to see if there's a dramatic drop off.

[Dark One]

Off the shitstorm for a second: what happen'd with Ascension vs NAO? I'm hoping Konnor and Victor got (and continue to get) a backdoor victory to mirror how LoD jobbed to the Outlaws back in the day to help legitimize them, and with the same "you're too old"/barely able to back up their bragging schtick to boot.

But, since I missed it, I'm fearing a one and done squash that didn't help the new guys in any way.

NAO controlled 90% of the match, then Konnor grabbed him from on the apron and ripped his neck down over the rope into Fall of Man. So, pretty much what you wanted.

[Dark One]

Wonder how many of these #CancelWWENetwork people are for cereal. Anyone got a link to WWE's stock numbers or w/e, would be curious to see if it dips tomorrow or anything

http://www.reuters.com/finance/stocks/overview?symbol=WWE.N

[Mr. Nerfect]

Shame there isn't another wrestling company that can compete with WWE right now. This could have been their moment to skyrocket in popularity.

I was thinking about this just yesterday. I don't want to be presumptuous, but if there were a "WCW-level" brand, that could afford to pay people six figures, then I think CM Punk, Cesaro, Dolph Ziggler, Alberto Del Rio, Zack Ryder and possibly even Daniel Bryan would all be working there at the moment. And it wouldn't be unreasonable to think that Brock Lesnar would have given it a shot there, or that Kurt Angle would have agreed to work for them. Or that AJ Styles would make them his new home promotion. I mean, as it stands, for the type of promotion it is, the WWE is the only real game in town. TNA has done enough to sully its reputation, ROH is a little small time, New Japan is based in Japan and GFW hasn't really started up yet and who knows how much money they can really offer.

[Damian Rey]

I'm far too incompetent to try and read that chart.

[Franchise]

Based on? You've hung onto it since the end of the show. Exactly what are you basing these speculations on?

On the fact that he's come back from a rather serious and lengthy injury. It's not impossible for injuries to resurface especially if rushing back into physical activity so soon.

We will find out in due course I am sure but the whole point of internet forums was to discuss and speculate?

[Dark One]

I'm far too incompetent to try and read that chart.

Won't change until tomorrow morning when the exchange opens. Just look at the Change box.

[Mr. Nerfect]

The WWE almost seems to be in the position it was when WCW were kicking its ass, but without the other company there to kick their ass. I think this is what CM Punk meant when he said that Vince McMahon is a millionaire that should be a billionaire.

[road doggy dogg]

If it does dip low (I'm skeptical), could be a hot time to buy some stock in it before it inevitably picks up around WM time... I doubt there will be any noticeable effect though

[Mr. Nerfect]

I, too, am actually doubtful that much will change. I just haven't had this lack of investment in the product in some time.

[Damian Rey]

On the fact that he's come back from a rather serious and lengthy injury. It's not impossible for injuries to resurface especially if rushing back into physical activity so soon.

We will find out in due course I am sure but the whole point of internet forums was to discuss and speculate?

True, but there's been no reason to think he's hurt. None. He's wrestled regularly since returning. He looked fine during the rumble and hit his usual big spots.

Fine to speculate. But you're reaching on these injury ideas.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Apparently fans were blocking talent's cars as they tried to leave, or so an online report has said. Not sure how legitimate that is, but Jesus if that is the case. I hope it was worth it, Vince...

[Dark One]

Welp, time to go to bed. Working late tomorrow, so I won't be around to enjoy the East Coast Raw thread, but I'm sure it'll be great.

Here's something to work on in the interim. Please rank these in order of shittiness/stupidity/THIS-IS-THE-END-OF-WRESTLING

1) Abeyance as multiple time WWE World Heavyweight Champion

2) The 2015 Royal Rumble

3) Shockmaster

4) Gobbledygooker

5) Bash at the Beach 2000

6) Mae Young giving birth to a hand

7) Jeff Hardy being completed wasted for Victory Road

8) Brawl for it All

9) WCW spoiling Mick Foley's Title Win

10) Kennel in a Cell match


It's been a pleasure gents.

[Tom Guycott]

NAO controlled 90% of the match, then Konnor grabbed him from on the apron and ripped his neck down over the rope into Fall of Man. So, pretty much what you wanted.

I kept trying to rep you and tell you thanks, but my tablet doesn't want to cooperate. So please, read this post and pretend what I just said happened!

[Franchise]

Welp, time to go to bed. Working late tomorrow, so I won't be around to enjoy the East Coast Raw thread, but I'm sure it'll be great.

Here's something to work on in the interim. Please rank these in order of shittiness/stupidity/THIS-IS-THE-END-OF-WRESTLING

1) Abeyance as multiple time WWE World Heavyweight Champion

2) The 2015 Royal Rumble

3) Shockmaster

4) Gobbledygooker

5) Bash at the Beach 2000

6) Mae Young giving birth to a hand

7) Jeff Hardy being completed wasted for Victory Road

8) Brawl for it All

9) WCW spoiling Mick Foley's Title Win

10) Kennel in a Cell match


It's been a pleasure gents.


You don't consider David Arquette and Vince Russo winning the WCW Title amongst the worst moments?

There was also the time Robocop saved Sting.

[Dark One]

I kept trying to rep you and tell you thanks, but my tablet doesn't want to cooperate. So please, read this post and pretend what I just said happened!

http://thisisinfamous.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/bo-dallas.jpg

[Tom Guycott]

Also, didn't realize Poit already posted the whole damn song when I dropped the "Schadenfreude" quote. Didn't show up for me the first time. My apologies.

[Poit]

Hey, you appreciate good music. :y:

[Tom Guycott]

I actually sing that line IRL whenever applicable. Problem is, I'm rarely ever in the company of people who know the source material. Almost never, in fact, so no one knows what the hell I'm singing, let alone what I'm singing.

I also burst my way into an apartment once singing Captain Hammer's opening for "A Man's Gotta Do", but she a) was aware of the origin and b) I was there to kill a spider, so it worked.

[Emperor Smeat]

Do we have any idea how many people are actually cancelling their subscriptions? Will it be enough to make a dent? The social networking aspect is enough of a black mark for the WWE. I mean, "#RomanEmpire" isn't a worldwide trend at the moment, is it?

Supposedly NJPW World's website went down around the same time as the Cancel movement started to pick up steam on Twitter.

Won't know until NJPW reveals their next sub numbers if it was in fact due to a big exodus from the Network's base.

[Mr. Nerfect]

It does seem odd. I wouldn't think that people canceling their subscriptions to the WWE Network would be the sort to immediately flock to New Japan though, you know?

[Tazz Dan]

Was gonna delete this because Dave asked me to, but I could see the irony in that. So I've edited it.

[Shisen Kopf]

Wow, my serious business tracker is going crazy. This thread :y::y::y:

[Shisen Kopf]

Roman Reigns wooooooo!

[KIRA]

The thing I love about IWC they are not gonna let this go there will be more boos and canceled subscriptions someone on twitter said WWE stock fell over a point now we are talking

[#1-norm-fan]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Ppl who canceled their WWE Network subscriptions because the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RoyalRumble?src=hash">#RoyalRumble</a> PPV didn't go their way are childish &amp; they need to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GROW?src=hash">#GROW</a> UP</p>&mdash; #RIPUltimateWarrior (@xMagicalBellas) <a href="https://twitter.com/xMagicalBellas/status/559642521094356992">January 26, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

I agree with this lady. People need to grow up and not cancel their subscription to a wrestling network simply because it doesn't entertain them.

[KIRA]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Ppl who canceled their WWE Network subscriptions because the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RoyalRumble?src=hash">#RoyalRumble</a> PPV didn't go their way are childish &amp; they need to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GROW?src=hash">#GROW</a> UP</p>&mdash; #RIPUltimateWarrior (@xMagicalBellas) <a href="https://twitter.com/xMagicalBellas/status/559642521094356992">January 26, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

I agree with this lady. People need to grow up and not cancel their subscription to a wrestling network simply because it doesn't entertain them.

How dare consumers of a product get pissed off because they don't get what they want.
If I order pizza and get rice cake its childish to complain.

please tweet that to this lady

[Corkscrewed]

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<script async="" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

I agree with this lady. People need to grow up and not cancel their subscription to a wrestling network simply because it doesn't entertain them.

I can't tell if this post is being made ironically or not. Really hoping it's ironic, since, you know... not supporting a product you don't like is only the most logical and basic aspect of capitalism.

Anyway, I'm highly amused that they Bootista 2.0'd the Rumble, but as with last year's developments, there are certainly ways to rectify this. If we have HHH vs Sting and Cena vs Rusev for not the US Title at Wrestlemania, you could turn Lesnar vs Reigns into a triple threat or fatal fourway.

I'd personally root for a fatal fourway, since it could generate more suspense and intrigue. Make it Lesnar vs Reigns vs Rollins vs... I dunno, Bryant (health issues permitting) or something like that. And then even have Reigns beat Lesnar with literally five spears (milking the Lesnar injured ribs angle, since he's face-ish now, and all WWE faces have to be vulnerable if they're not named Cena ). And then have Rollins cash in his MitB while Reigns is celebrating, clocking him in the back of the head with the brief case, then beating him down some more, signalling to a ref to start a match, and then applying a curb stomp onto Reigns onto the briefcase. You get a heel win that the fans might actually be happy for.

Well, I'd be happy with that swerve, at least.

--

If Bryant is healthy, then I'm disappointed he didn't win. If he's really not 100%, then I understand not giving him the rub. Having Bryant build an underdog story and be the guy to defeat Lesnar would have been my favorite angle for Wrestlemania, because you'd be able to empathize with him. And having Bryan triumph where others have failed could be believable due to his technical wrestling acumen. But it's all based on how well Bryant can really perform, and since I don't know that (and won't rely on rumors), I can't really comment on whether I'm happy he was eliminated quickly or not.

Bray Wyatt did look awesome, though.
<iframe style="display: none;" allowtransparency="true" scrolling="no" id="rufous-sandbox" frameborder="0"></iframe>

[#1-norm-fan]

I was trying that "ironic" thing, for the record.

That tweet was quite retarded. I just found the idea that keeping your subscription to a wrestling network regardless of whether it entertains you or not is the "grown up" thing to do hilarious.

[XL]

Think I'm most annoyed that I sacrificed half a nights sleep to watch live for the first time in forever because I was expecting something interesting to happen (in the Rumble or the Triple Threat).

Now I'm going to do a 10 hour shift with 3.5 hours sleep.

[Tazz Dan]

I'm not pissed because Roman won, I honestly can't see why people hate him THAT much, like with a passion, other than the fact he is pushed hard on TV. We all know the IWC rebel's against that happening unless it's a favourite of theirs.

Actually, I'm not even pissed. I'm just sad that the match had so much potential, and they booked it so horribly. Whoever thought it was a good idea to make Big Show & Kane look stronger than Bryan, Ziggler, Ambrose etc should be reprimanded. That's what ruined the match for me.

[The Rogerer]

The problem being that all that bad booking happened in order to place Roman on a pedestal. It's not his fault but you can't boo with a caveat.

[Tazz Dan]

Yeah I get that, but it's not the first time it's happened. I think things are getting a bit extreme with some things I'm reading. If some people legit feel the way they do about what happened on a wrestling show, it's probably not a bad thing they stop watching for a while.

[GD]

Was gonna delete this because Dave asked me to, but I could see the irony in that. So I've edited it.

lol :(

[owenbrown]

Keep calling everyone sheep, that makes you seem like so much less of a troll

Meltzer sheep,,, :shifty:

[drave]

Yeah I get that, but it's not the first time it's happened. I think things are getting a bit extreme with some things I'm reading. If some people legit feel the way they do about what happened on a wrestling show, it's probably not a bad thing they stop watching for a while.

I'm not pissed, but disappointed for sure. Also don't really "hate" Reigns, but he is boring as shit to ME. I was not entertained and doubtful I will be entertained come Mania (at least for the title match). I'm willing to give it a shot because I am a fan of WWE, but since Summerslam, my interest has definitely declined.

The Rumble match itself was shite. People talking during the match on mic and then, as you stated, Kane + Show eliminating most of the talent who, if were in the final 4 instead of them, would have been much more entertaining. There should have been a few "OH SHIT" elimination spots. This Rumble fell very flat for me, which is disappointing because it is generally my favorite event of the year. Markout moment came for Bubby "Bully" Ray Dudley.

[Triple A]

As a person who doesn't really know anything about Reigns and doesn't care that he won, the reason it seemed shitty to me had nothing to do with him... just the match itself seemed really shitty and boring and super anticlimactic... nothing cool happened, sorta just suddenly tossed people over the ropes without any "cool spots" or build up or whatever... was just like "ok..." Like even the end, when Rusev was still not out and he came back... before the crowd could even finish "popping," he just got boringly thrown out immediately... and Kane and Big Show being there @ the end... Daniel Bryan being eliminated super early so only a bunch of boring ass wrestlers were left for the rest of the match (and immediately eliminating any1 else who came in who seemed "exciting")... shitty

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Yep. The first and second halves of the Rumble were night and day.

It was clear that WWE knew Bryan getting eliminated would be booed. They just chose to get it out of the way early. Their big mistake though was thinking they'd turn the crowd back around in the second half of the match.</font>

[drave]

Not a huge Rock mark, but if "The Great One" cannot turn a crowd around, there most likely isn't anyone withing the sports entertainment realm who can.

[drave]

As a person who doesn't really know anything about Reigns and doesn't care that he won, the reason it seemed shitty to me had nothing to do with him... just the match itself seemed really shitty and boring and super anticlimactic... nothing cool happened, sorta just suddenly tossed people over the ropes without any "cool spots" or build up or whatever... was just like "ok..." Like even the end, when Ryback was still not out and he came back... before the crowd could even finish "popping," he just got boringly thrown out immediately... and Kane and Big Show being there @ the end... Daniel Bryan being eliminated super early so only a bunch of boring ass wrestlers were left for the rest of the match (and immediately eliminating any1 else who came in who seemed "exciting")... shitty

All of this +1

[KIRA]

http://time.com/3682093/cancel-wwe-network-royal-rumble/

Shit continues to hit the fan

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>I want to join the Cancel WWE Network movement, but at the end of the day I'm not sure it's going to make a difference. Me cancelling isn't going to stop WWE from shooting itself in the foot time and time again. I'd rather just enjoy NXT and the wonderful back catalogue available to me.

I've seen people on here say the product is way more enjoyable if you just don't waste your time with TV and go into PPVs blind. I will be doing that for Fast Lane. I've stuck with Raw for far longer than I should because 16 year habits are hard to break, but it's just hard to get motivated to spend 3 hours every week watching something that will invariably piss me off.

This is as good a time as any to pick back up on my plans of marathoning Nitro.</font>

[Big Vic]

Cancel it for now and resubscribe at "Fast Lane"

[erickman]

According to Psycho Sid who was at the ppv, crowd's been upset well after the show ended. Was in a semi-riot mood for a bit.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Fans outside blocking talent's cars. They're legit pissed. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RoyalRumble?src=hash">#RoyalRumble</a></p>&mdash; SID (@SychoVicious) <a href="https://twitter.com/SychoVicious/status/559562765476446209">January 26, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Reigns will leaving the arena late. With the ruckus, <a href="https://twitter.com/WWE">@WWE</a> wants him safe. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RoyalRumble?src=hash">#RoyalRumble</a></p>&mdash; SID (@SychoVicious) <a href="https://twitter.com/SychoVicious/status/559566170081067008">January 26, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

damn talk about white heat that sounds like old piper storys about the old days of wrestling the heels having to hide.

[road doggy dogg]

Man. The more I think back to last night, the more I'm bummed out about how much of a sour taste the Rumble finish left in most peoples' mouths. The title match preceding it was awesome.

[Heisenberg]

Kind of weird that Cena isn't at the spearhead of this #PoopOnWWE movement

[Asmo]

Not a huge Rock mark, but if "The Great One" cannot turn a crowd around, there most likely isn't anyone withing the sports entertainment realm who can.

This.

[road doggy dogg]

Guys srsly can we talk about how good that triple threat match was? Rollins is incredible. I was never fully sold on him but after last night I'm coming around.

[KIRA]

Not a huge Rock mark, but if "The Great One" cannot turn a crowd around, there most likely isn't anyone withing the sports entertainment realm who can.

I'm still completely floored by that I can only imagine whats going on in that company right now

[road doggy dogg]

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[JimmyMess]

Does anyone else think that The Rock coming down was them calling an audible? I feel bad for Reigns

[Vastardikai]

You know, forcing a square peg into a round hole hasn't worked for WWE in the past. This feels familiar. Like I've witnessed this before...

And no, I'm not talking about last year.

[Rammsteinmad]

I'm not gonna pretend to know anything about running a business, and I'm not gonna try and be like Francise or anyone who's gonna get all "lol IWC sheep" or whatever, bottom line, I'm a fan, I know what I like, what I don't like, and this Rumble match was boring. Nothing interesting happened. No really special moments occured. Just literally people come in, brawl, and get eliminated. Reigns winning was complete bullshit and uninteresting. I streamed it online so the only thing I'm gutted about wasting was my time. Lesnar vs. Reigns doesn't appeal to me at all. Crowd are gonna shit all over it.

[Rammsteinmad]

I do feel bad for Reigns though. Been put in this position that he very clearly isn't ready for. He has to act on-screen like this is his big moment and that the crowd aren't shitting all over him.

[KIRA]

I do feel bad for Reigns though. Been put in this position that he very clearly isn't ready for. He has to act on-screen like this is his big moment and that the crowd aren't shitting all over him.

Honestly me too the outrage I think is more for the company and Vince than him

[Rammsteinmad]

Absolutely. Reign's himself can't help this. Sure, he could have worked more to improve or whatever, but ultimately as others as said, who in their right mind would turn down this opportunity?!

[KIRA]

Absolutely. Reign's himself can't help this. Sure, he could have worked more to improve or whatever, but ultimately as others as said, who in their right mind would turn down this opportunity?!


On top of that having Him show up right after DB gets eliminated like we were supposed to look to him as some sort of hero

AND THEN a transparent and insulting attempt to prop him up using his relation to The Rock you could not have booked this any worse if you tried.

[road doggy dogg]

I don't know. I still think the backlash is way overdone.

Like... okay. Say the DB scenario goes down exactly the same, early elimination etc. If instead of Reigns coming in and winning as he did right after, you put Rusev in that exact spot and had the exact same thing happen but with Rusev instead of Reigns.

Are you going to seriously tell me that you think Rusev is more "ready" than Reigns is? I don't buy it. Yeah Reigns isn't a great choice but he's better than the alternatives (DB winning notwithstanding)

[Big Vic]

Rusev is more ready then Reigns, or at least he has someone who can speak for him. Rusev also doesn't feel like "Cena 2.0"

[KIRA]

But we knew going in they were gonna try to make a guy who isn't ready

Rusev would have if nothing else been a more interesting choice and a reason to kinda go okay where is this going the backlash might've been bad but it would not have been page crashing mainstream news worthy levels out rage

[Big Vic]

Daniel Bryan would have been my first choice to win the rumble.
Rusev would have been my second.
Reigns my third but only because they haven't built anyone else up like him the whole year.

[road doggy dogg]

I think Bryan would have been unanimously considered the best choice. Of the next two though, I think at gunpoint I'd still take Reigns over Rusev. Can see the argument for Rusev though, just personally I think Reigns is more ready than him at this point.

[KIRA]

I think the Rumble pissed off god too seeing as how RAW might not be on tonight

[Big Vic]

I can't pick Reigns over Rusev because I forsee 2 months of "Jack and the Beanstalk" promos.
Brock vs Rusev also feels better to me from a wrestling stand point.

[road doggy dogg]

Will Reigns really be painted as an underdog against Lesnar? Obviously Lesnar is a beast but Reigns has always been booked as the superman/muscle (going back to Shield) kind of figure. I think painting him as trying to "prove he can handle" Brock would be the wrong approach.

Of course, like you said, Rusev matches up physically moreso than Reigns, but Reigns should be booked to be on Brock's level if they want to salvage this thing at all.

[Big Vic]

I think they will be booked as equals, reigns only has one pinfall loss in his career.

They need him to connect more with the fans, I think him acknowledging the boos tonight on raw would be a step in that direction instead of WWEs usual plan of "Ignore it and it will go away".

I wish they would give him the mic with no promo written up and tell him to speak from the heart about last night and how he feels.

[Mr. Pierre]

I was at the show last night, and like Vito said, it was obvious that WWE just wanted to get Bryan outta the way so Roman can have a better shot of being cheered in the second half.

The Rumble should be used to get multiple people over, but instead it hindered several performers at the expense of Reigns, who was literally being boo'd so badly that I could barely hear his music in the arena.

I just wanted to mention how fucking awfully thought out this Rumble was, and list some guys who were truly screwed:

Reigns - The obvious one. Fucking wow. What are they doing to do this guy? He has a great look, seems to have a great head on his shoulders, and was developing nicely until around Summerslam. Also, it's fairly obvious that his opponent for WM is Lesnar, who has now been turned into the #1 babyface in the company. It wasn't like Lesnar was just cheered by a bunch of loud smarks, but the WWE wrote him as a babyface last night. If Reigns goes up against Lesnar at this point, with Lesnar leaving the next day, it has potential to get ugly very fast.

Ambrose - What the fuck? His only purpose in this match was similar (but to a much lesser extent obviously) to the Rock's. His popularity was attempted to get Reigns over with the crowd as they fought off Show and Kane at the end. Completely forgettable performance, but not due to a lack of effort by Dean, but because it was his job to throw punches for 10 minutes and then be "Roman's boy" in the final moments. Just fucking lame. No direction, no nothing. Literally tossed out like a piece of garbage by a duo of wrestlers who don't need any sort of rub, especially one at the Royal Rumble.

Ziggler - Ok so he wasn't booked to win it, fine. But why not have him come out a bit earlier and let this guy have a nice performance? I know the answer, and it's because WWE went out of their way to make Dolph look average to make Reigns look great. Two months ago, Dolph just beat the Authority. Last night, he lasted in the Rumble for 3 minutes. What the fuck is going on here?

Bryan - Vito hit the nail on the head. Essentially Bryan would have the first half of the Rumble, be eliminated, and Roman would have the second half in hopes of helping his cause. It made things even worse. Bryan was the most over guy in the match by a mile, not just in Philly, but anywhere, and he was out within 12 minutes. Not to mention, his elimination sets up no future storyline or direction.

Wyatt - What a first half he had. Showcased amazingly, bitching people out. I loved it. Then when the Roman Reigns Show began, he was completely lost in the shuffle, and tossed out by the Authority. What? So Wyatt has a monster performance, and we can't even get a babyface (please not named Roman), to dump him over the ropes? Why couldn't Ambrose get an ounce of heat back from the Wyatt feud and have a fun spot with him? Why couldn't Wyatt's WM opponent start some shit with him here? Just fucking brutal

Rusev - So, WWE couldn't let Roman and Rusev each grab a corner of the ring for all of 10 seconds so commentary and the audience (TV and arena) can establish that "These are our final two participants"? Instead, Rusev runs in the ring like a total goofball, runs into the Spear and tossed over the ropes before anyone can process, "Wow this Rusev guy is legit, making it to the finals in the Rumble."

I honestly think that last night may have been the worst booked Rumble match in history. I can't recall a worse one. Not only did the wrong wrestler win, but they did it at the expense of so many people

Anyways, I also wanted to point out how fucking awesome that triple threat was. Just wow, whatta match. Great stories told all around, lots of fun spots, tons of emotion by everyone involved. I loved every minute of it.

Cena did a great job here, Lesnar is just amazing, and Rollins is a star. This match could not have been any better. Excellent booking (I personally enjoyed the Lesnar face-turn spots, but it's truly baffling why Reigns is the one going after him this Mania season), and literally had me guessing until the very end.

Amazing how WWE can do such a perfect job orchestrating their show from 9:00-10:00 PM, and then completely shit the bed in the final hour. It truly does feel like there's two minds with totally different visions operating the machine.

[road doggy dogg]

I think they will be booked as equals, reigns only has one pinfall loss in his career.

They need him to connect more with the fans, I think him acknowledging the boos tonight on raw would be a step in that direction instead of WWEs usual plan of "Ignore it and it will go away".

I wish they would give him the mic with no promo written up and tell him to speak from the heart about last night and how he feels.

Really, if what comes of this is they allow Reigns free reign (ha ha ha) on his promo work, it could be a blessing in disguise. Let's see some silver lining here baby