To start things off, I would like to thank Ryan Lieberthal for giving me the idea to write this one. it wasn't a direct suggestion. It was more an indirect one. He simply brought up the subject of wrestling. It was this and what happens around this time of the year that was the inspiration behind it.
Now that the pleasantries are over, let's get started. The Royal Rumble Match is, in my view, the most exciting and unpredictable match. Anything can happen. Whether it be an interference related elimination, a revenge attack or most consistently, surprise entrants. It is the last one that is really the talking point for me.
Most ones are, please pardon my langauge, "golden oldies". The technical term would be Hall of Famers. Growing up, I was always amazed to see them enter the match. I was hoped that one of these would win the match. However, as I've grown older, I have come to the realisation these ones only come to hype up the crowd and raise the volume level.
I don't get the practicality of this. The ones who enter are only around for 1 -2 minutes tops. They make a signature move and then swiftly get eliminated. The commentators always give false hope by saying, "imagine [insert name] headlining Wrestlemania!" To me, these entrants can be used for promoting the rising stars of NXT. What is further puzzling regarding these entrants is that the storylines for WrestleMania and beyond are probably 99% written and set in stone. Therefore, there is no real point or puropose for these type of entrants.
The other type of surprise entrants that needs to be spoken of are the ones who return from long term injuries to win the match (with no prior knowledge of their returns). These include: John Cena (2008) and Edge (2010). What's disappointting regarding these winners is that they all entered late into the match (no. 30/29). This is disappointmenting to me. This is because entering at that point in time doesn't leave much time for entrants to test their mettle. They are essentially given a free ride to the main event of Wrestlemania.
The other form of returning entrants from injury aren't that necessary. The "WOW!" factor will always be there, regardless of where it happens. Ergo, there is no need for these entrants. It's pointless and useless.
Another aspect of this sport that is in need of of a R.I.P. status are so-called "Dream matchups." Although the build up can be a thing of beauty, the actual product can be disatrous and a laughing matter. There are two examples that come to mind: Undertaker vs Goldberg and The Brothers of Destruction vs DX. The first match was a travesty. Goldberg suffered a concussion within a few minutes which could be said was the catalyst for the whole mess. I think what epitomises this match was the botched Jackhammer. Luckily, the botch didn't lead to any serious damage. The second match was hilarious. There were a comedy errors. One of which included Kane's mask falling off.
What these matches prove is that dream matches can't match the reality. The reasoning is obvious. These matches occur when the respective participants are way past their prime. The solution is simple: have these matches as early as possible to produce an actual entertaining match. One example could be Shawn Michaels vs Hulk Hogan at Summerslam 2005.
The overall picture is this: Wrestlers and writers need to recognise that their sport is for the young. Trying to relive the glory days will never come. Squash matches will then occur with the younger generation. It will be over within a minute or two. Experience will get you nowhere in this industry. The only thing that will come of it is injuries and possible pernament damage/s to the body.