I usually watch the Rumble match each year and that's it in terms of current product because I like the surprises (the only other two matches I watched in '22 were Cody at Mania and the HIAC). But I don't think I can anymore.
The production is awful. Those CG logos everyone has for their entrances are awful. The commentary is awful. The camera cutting to the crowd constantly is awful. Nearly all of the guy's I'd never heard of literally look like children playing wrestling in there.
I'd been hearing raves about Triple H's booking, but the rumble was booked horrendously. Predictable, boring, and totally lacking in starpower (doesn't help that Lashley and Brock were barely a blip in the match).
The last few Rumbles were bad but this one was easily the worst of all time.
Your takes always make time think that it’s actually Warrior from beyond the grave…. Jeez.
Post by Glorydaysofwrestling on Jan 29, 2023 12:35:47 GMT -5
The only thing I will say is the camera work still sucks. They miss key shots that they need for promo packages. The constant shakes and camera switches definitely takes away from the product. You need your camera crew to enhance not degrade your product.
Post by The Real Chillary on Jan 29, 2023 12:35:58 GMT -5
I still can't work out why Gargano lasted so long, when he did nothing in the whole match. Dude was so awkward. I tell you guys, I don't get the appeal.
I still can't work out why Gargano lasted so long, when he did nothing in the whole match. Dude was so awkward. I tell you guys, I don't get the appeal.
his time in NXT was great before he created The Way stable. But ever since returning under HHH, he’s been a let down. I think that’s booking’s fault though. Maybe they’re just waiting to do something with him. I’d love to see him as US or IC champ, or tag champs with Ciampa once he returns.
It’s ok if people didn’t like it. People can have different opinions. Especially when it comes to something as stupid as pro wrestling. Me personally, loved the Rumble matches. Loved the main event and the aftermath. Love Bray but that was pretty bad. LA Knight sucks. Hardy is dogsh** and I’d listen to smooth jazz as ppv themes before I’d welcome back this country butt rock crap. Alexa just isn’t a credible challenger anymore. She gave Bianca two of her worst matches in the last couple of years. GUNTHER looked like a star. Cody is going to be the man. Kevin and Sami as the tag champions is 100% the move. Super happy Gargano got a good showcase. Rhea is amazing. Dom is probably the best heel in wrestling. Give me Brock Vs Bobby 3. Give me Seth vs Logan. Glad Kofi is ok. Where will gay icon The Babadook strike next?
Post by Chody Rhodes on Jan 29, 2023 14:40:25 GMT -5
this moment will live forever
pictured above; the single greatest undisputed heavyweight champion the universe has ever known. The Tribal Chief and Head of the Table, Roman Reigns standing alongside his special council aka The Wise Man, Paul Heyman. -circa 2023
live event photo taken by professional photoshopper and Rhode's enthusiast: AxelSmackdown.
Post by johnnyhanson21 on Jan 29, 2023 16:03:20 GMT -5
I don't know why so many are down on the men's rumble match up,probably the best rumble they've had in a decade or more.Yes it would have been fun if we got a surprise return of Cena,Austin,Rock,Ryder,White...ect during the match but kind of nice for once that the focus was on the actual roster this time.They mixed in so many past storylines in the past year in the match plus possible build to a half dozen Wrestlemania bouts coming up all in one match.
They had call backs to feuds from last year in Edge/Judgment Day,Rhodes/Rollins,Brock/Lashley & Guther/Sheamus while also building possible Wrestlemania matches with Dominick/Rey,Rollins/Paul and others.Had one of the best spot ever in a rumble with the Paul/Ricochet spot and had a great ending mini match up between Rhodes/Gunther who came out looking like a stud lasting 70 minutes.You add all that up plus for once teams actually worked together through out the whole match without even a hint of turning on each other in McIntrye/Sheamus,New Day,Judgement Day,Strowman/Ricochet was extremely refreshing to see and smart booking for once.
Damn near a perfect match up again only thing that would have added the cherry on top would have been Cena,Austin or Rock returning and having a good run during the match up.
Post by Angusdacat on Jan 29, 2023 16:19:55 GMT -5
Booking for both rumbles were incredible. Literally my only critique would have been to not have the numbers as "on the nose," with the #1 and #30 spots, but even then it added some doubt on whether Rhea would actually win after everyone initially just assuming she would. I was convinced she would have the same treatment as Gunther the further the match went on and was completely fine with it since she would have still been protected.
Not only did this rumble continue the build for multiple Wrestlemania matchups, it set up future stars and programs.
Imagine Summerslam 2023 with Cody Rhodes defending against Gunther and Rhea Ripley defending against Evil Asuka.
And just as a counterpoint to the Rhea critiques, having the dominant favorite win the rumble gives legitimacy and unpredictability to every rumble after it. Too often we get told that the bigger, stronger competitors are the odds on favorite, but when literally none of them ever win it becomes hard to believe (BTW, Big Show should have won in 2000)
Post by Codyverse: Tag Team Champion on Jan 29, 2023 16:53:12 GMT -5
Rewatched the men’s match this morning. Overall, hell of a rumble match. Weird pacing at times and too many mid carders got treated as throwaways but that will happen in most Rumbles
Gunther is a unit. So glad he decided to come to America. We’re lucky to have him
No shocker but I’m so glad Cody won. The last 15 minutes of that match were fantastic
You're like a child that wanders into the middle of a movie and wants t...
Absolutely tremendous stuff last night. Haven’t felt this good after watching a wwe ppv in a long time. The Wyatt stuff was abysmal. Too gimmicky and was pretty horrible. The men’s rumble match was nearly flawless. The women’s had some pretty sloppy spots but I’m happy Rhea won
Now that main event. Wow. Best payoff to a story that there’s been in such a long time. Haven’t been this excited for a road to mania in a long time. It goes to show, you absolutely don’t need The Rock or any legacy star to create compelling stories. Just commit to long-term, logical stories that everyone can get invested in, then everyone will buy in be interested. It’s kind of disappointing knowing Vince is going to get his grubby hands on this stuff again. Enjoy this while it lasts.