Randy Orton.
Yes, he is “hurt” at the moment and several months of recovery time is what is making the rounds online.
Believe what you want, but Randy Orton will walk out of his hometown as the winner of the 2012 Royal Rumble.
There are many conflicting reports on how long he is out along with when he is being advertised for WWE shows again. I had heard from significant people several months ago that Orton was a name that they had heard internally would be the winner of the Royal Rumble. When they passed this on to me, it was too far away from the Rumble and I didn't think much of it. I have been agreeing for months that the winner of the Royal Rumble would be a Smackdown star that is going to be in the World Heavyweight Championship match at WrestleMania. I just didn't think that Smackdown star would be Orton.
Now, I officially am putting Orton down as my pick to win.
Some of you will doubt me which is fine cause there is at least 29 other guys you can pick. Some of you might be upset if he does win because you think it should go to someone who hasn't won before (which I will address in a moment). Some of you might be upset because now that you have read this, it won't be as surprising and suspenseful. Bottom line, if Orton wins, there is still suspense to experience.
The suspense is who does he face at WrestleMania 28?
I can understand the arguments from those who would be upset at even the consideration of a veteran like Orton winning over the crop of younger talent. However, I respond to that by saying that its very possible one of the young guys could be the title holder. I also think that Orton winning the Rumble, going to WrestleMania with great momentum and that younger talent who is the title holder successfully defending the title against The Viper is a tremendous way for Orton to put someone over. I
It brings one of WWE's most recognizable names to a world title storyline during the most important months for the company while not being unique. More times than not, the winner of the Rumble does go on to win a World Championship at WrestleMania. Having the veteran who appears to be coming back to claim his spot lose on the big stage to a younger name would be a good change that would provide a legitimate surprise to the masses.
As much as I would like the possibility, I don't know if Daniel Bryan will still be holding the title by WrestleMania. It does seem that Bryan is finally turning heel which would allow him to work with a face Randy Orton. Although, maybe a guy like Wade Barrett gets the title before WrestleMania and it is there that Orton vs Barrett settle their score. I am going to put a lot of doubt on that on that scenario. A match we have seen on Smackdown and pay-per-views recently is not a match that I would see WWE making as a world title match at WrestleMania 28.
This leaves me to believe either Daniel Bryan vs Randy Orton or go the route that I have been saying for months involving the World Heavyweight Championship- a triple threat or fatal four match.
The Rock vs John Cena. The Undertaker vs probably Triple H. CM Punk vs probably Chris Jericho. I say let the WHC match be different than a traditional one-on-one contest. Between Randy Orton, Daniel Bryan, Mark Henry, Wade Barrett, Cody Rhodes, Sheamus and Big Show (if he doens't do a rumored celebrity match with Shaq), all are candidates to be involved in the World Heavyweight title match coming from the Smackdown brand. Any combination of them, including Randy Orton as the one definite, would work for a triple threat or fatal four match.
So mark it down. For those of you who agree or thought the possibility of Orton already- use the pick in your basement bets and competitions with friends. This way you can be happy for making some money/looking smart. This extra cash or intelligence in the eyes of your friends will then trump the frustration of not being as surprised because I'm saying it right now, Randy Orton is your 2012 Royal Rumble winner.
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