How to have an amazing first Women's Royal Rumble
Stephanie McMahon speaks in front a select group of competitors in the first Women's Royal Rumble
The easiest steps to making this memorable and entertaining!
Matthew Klink (@klinkmatt on Twitter)
01/19/2018
1. Don’t have a dude get involved!
I know that the WWE had a rough going after the first Lady’s Money in the Bank and having James Ellsworth get involved. Even though I predicted that would happen on the 75 and Woodward podcast network, I still regret and feel ashamed. This is a celebration of everything that has happened in the women’s division up until this point. The WWE won’t screw this up,
2. Let this be a crowning achievement for the next best superstar.
As much as I love Sasha and Charlotte, it is time for someone else to look truly legitimate and BAD! I’ve always asked of this from the male Royal Rumble, but I want it to at least feel like anyone can win. That actually does mean that some Royal Rumble finishes will be sacrificed for a longer term benefit, but it would help make the match look more like a real sport. As we head into this year’s Royal Rumble, much like 3 of the last 4 felt, there seems to be one outstanding individual guaranteed to be involved in the ending, no matter what.
That being said, the real opportunity here is to let an up and coming superstar or one in need of a real reset to become the first victor of the Rumble and become a part of WrestleMania. I would even extend this notion to Becky Lynch as her injuries and role on the roster seem to be moving her away from being a top contender consistently. That being said, Nia Jax is who I’d like to see standing in the middle of the ring. Finally able to claim a one on one title match!
3. Can’t be too short or too long.
Definitely a Goldilocks situation here as we need the length of time that is just right. As Mike and I have talked about on the Podcast this will be crucial in legitimizing the Women’s division as well as keeping the fan’s attention.
Go too short and you’ve let the fans know that this was not worth creative’s time or that it wasn’t going to be good enough to warrant a lot of in ring action. The length will be necessary to ensure that this Rumble means something for weeks to come. More than one storyline should be built here (and one I’m hoping for is an Asuka feud to keep her away from the title).
Go too long and you WILL lose the attention of fans. Two rumbles are a lot. Even for someone like me that watches Rumbles on repeat.
4. Be flexible with who can enter.
To make this rule short and sweet, anyone should be allowed to enter. Not that the WWE would need to announce this to make it a rule, but I would internally they have acknowledged that all WWE superstars, NXT superstars and newly acquired UFC fighters should be candidates for this match. This will further the feeling of the unknown and unpredictability, but expanded inclusion should help the outsider or non-wrestling fan see the legitimacy of the sport when UFC fighters enter the ring.
For the most part I have a ton of confidence in the WWE in ensuring all of these rules are met, but even if they flub one or even two, it must be said: this was an amazing decision. The roster was finally big enough, the competition is ripe, and …guess what? WE GET TWO ROYAL RUMBLES!
