Royal Rumble preview

Read on for how I'd book the 2013 Royal Rumble.

I think we could add some matches to this card to fill up some time:
The Divas' division could use some rebuilding, and it wouldn't involve anyone in the Rumble match. I think we could get real feuds out of Natalya, Tamina, and Layla. Maybe even Naomi. Eventually I think I'd go to Kaitlyn vs. AJ, but first Kaitlyn should get some wins under her belt. We've established that Aksana has something against Kaitlyn, so it would make sense for them to fight a bit. Have Kaitlyn do an interview about being the new Divas Champion and have Aksana interrupt and say that they have unfinished business. They have a match, which Kaitlyn wins.  Aksana attacks her after the match. I'd have them feud for a little bit while someone else is built up to be a more credible threat. I think I'd start with Natalya. You could do Kaitlyn and Natalya vs. Rosa and Aksana eventually leading to a Kaitlyn/Natalya feud. The goal in all of this is to build Kaitlyn into a credible champion with some solid challengers. Though I'd eventually give the title to AJ while Dolph is World Champion in a power couple thing.

For the sake of killing some more time with what would be a good match, The Usos take on the Prime Time Players. The Usos get some mic time before their match where they talk about Cody Rhodes' recent interview where he said that they need a fire lit under them. They go out to prove themselves vs. PTP. Rhodes Scholars with the distraction and PTP with the win. The Usos are understandably upset with the loss. We get more from The Usos vs. PTP in the future. They should be treated as solid teams.

As for matches already announced, The Miz vs. Antonio Cesaro gets enough time to be something special. Both guys bring their A-game and are talked up on commentary. Miz locks Cesaro in the figure four, Cesaro reverses it and grabs the ropes for extra leverage, and Miz taps out. It's made to look pretty painful so Miz doesn't really lose anything by tapping. This isn't Miz being weak; it's the hold being strong and Cesaro being dastardly. The feud continues. They fight a bit in the Rumble match itself, too.

Team Hell No states in an interview that they're over their anger. As they're making their way down to the ring, Rhodes Scholars cut promos to the effect that Bryan used to be a lethal submission specialist and now he spews catchphrases and is known for his facial hair. During the match, they pull dirty heel moves, including the "referee didn't see Bryan get the tag" spot. Bryan eventually comes in like a house of fire and starts going to town on both men. He starts kicking Rhodes in the corner and doesn't break the count at 5. DQ. Bryan then shoves the referee and continues kicking until Kane pulls him off. Eventually Rhodes Scholars win the titles and feud with The Usos (since they already have a beef). Longer term, Rhodes Scholars vs. Mysterio and Sin Cara while Kane and Daniel Bryan feud going into WrestleMania. A win over Kane would be big if done right.

Del Rio beats Big Show clean and is made to look like a million bucks. Conquering hero, all that kind of stuff. As big of a match as possible. Del Rio should be one of THE guys in the company going forward.

The Rock beats C.M. Punk, but Punk looks really game in the process. Brad Maddox and Paul Heyman can interfere. Rock puts Punk over on Raw as a serious threat to the title and he had to bring his A game to beat him. Punk wants a rematch. A returning Triple H rules that due to all of the circumstances surrounding his title defenses, he doesn't get a rematch. This gives us the impetus for his match with Lesnar. Punk enters the Elimination Chamber match, which also includes John Cena, for the right to face The Rock at WrestleMania. We eventually get Rock vs. Punk vs. Cena at Mania.

Sheamus wins the Rumble. Ziggler has a good showing, but can't overcome the odds. The last man eliminated is Randy Orton, who eventually convinces Sheamus to put his title shot on the line at Elimination CHamber. Del Rio vs. Orton at Mania. Sheamus vs. Barrett? I still like the idea of Sheamus vs. Lesnar with HHH as the referee, but don't know if it would fly.

Anyway, that's what I'd do. Thoughts?