The Royal Rumble is just a few short hours away. One of the most anticipated events of the year, this year’s card is loaded with top quality matches including the Women’s Championship bout between Beth Phoenix and Melina. In recent years, the Divas haven’t had much of a presence at the Royal Rumble but I think it’s a testament to these two Divas, that they’re on the card.
We’ve seen what these two women can do in the ring together, their Match of the Year award winning performance at last year’s One Night Stand has left expectations very high for tonight’s pay per view. But unlike that event, this match has far more meaning.
A) It is for the Women’s Championship.
B) It is one of the biggest shows of the year.
C) Heading into this match, there has been far more plot development than their previous match.
To me, the last reason (C), is the most important. This match has been hotly built up for two months now and the fans are ready for this match. This could have been thrown away at Armageddon in December or on an episode of Raw, but thankfully it wasn’t. Sure this feud has been somewhat overshadowed by Rosa Mendes, but I expect tonight, that this whole storyline will finally be given some direction. I’m guessing after tonight, we’ll have a clear idea where the women’s division for Raw is going heading into WrestleMania.
But what of the outcome? If Beth should retain, I’m sure we’ll see a rematch between these two Divas – possibly even at WrestleMania. However, one thing to me is clear, that Melina is destined to be the next Women’s Champion. Whether it happens tonight or in the coming months, remains to be seen. If it were to be tonight, I think it’s the perfect stage for Melina to pick up the title – at the Royal Rumble, one of the biggest events of the year. She’d be the first Diva to truly be able to go toe-to-toe with Beth Phoenix and win the belt.
And more sentimentally, if Melina were to win tonight, it’d complete what has been a great comeback for the A-Lister. Since her return from injury in November, Melina has really picked up where she left off. Her face turn was cut short last June, but thankfully, fans were willing and accepting of a face Melina and she’s become a pretty good fan favourite. Tonight, if she were to win the title it’d truly complete her face turn – being accepted as a face by both the fans and the WWE Creative Team.
Prediction: If I had to call it, I’d go with Melina going over and winning the title. Somehow Rosa will cost Beth the title, I’m guessing.
What do you think? What will be the outcome of tonight’s PPV? Discuss in the comments.
