The Royal Rumble Is This Saturday. This is Why You Should Watch It And What You Need To Know

This is the first weekend without real football in months (sorry Pro Bowl). Like many of you my Saturdays and Sundays consist of sitting on my ass and watching football till I get a headache from staring at a screen for 10 hours (wouldn’t have it any other way) but now we have a massive void in our weekends. How are we going to fill that void? Spend time with family? Exercise? Run errands? Nope. We’re going to watch professional wrestling like adults.

This Saturday at 6 PM EST marks the Royal Rumble. The second biggest event on the WWE calendar. It’s another excuse to get together with friends and throw something on the TV while you enjoy food and drinks. Here’s a quick guide to get you ready for Saturday Night.

The Royal Rumble is a 30 person match. The goal is to be the last person standing in the ring. The winner of the match goes on to get a championship match and main event Wrestlemania, the biggest event in wrestling. The match starts with 2 people in the ring and every 90 seconds a new participant enters. You eliminate a wrestler by throwing them over the top rope and both their feet hitting the floor. You’ll understand what’s going on within 2 or 3 minutes of the match if you haven't seen it before.

My favorites to win the Men’s Royal Rumble

John Cena - I refuse to believe anybody doesn’t know who this man is. He announced this would be his last Royal Rumble match. He should be around at the end.

CM Punk - One of the more polarizing wrestlers of all time. Punk has been on a heater since re-joining WWE and is a massive draw. He could be the final man standing and get his shot at Mania.

Roman Reigns- Maybe the greatest championship reign (no pun intended) of all time. He lost his belt to Cody Rhodes last year at Wrestlemania and we could be looking at a potential rematch this year. I think the 3 mentioned Superstars along with maybe Seth Rollins will be the final men standing.

My favorites to win the Women’s Royal Rumble

Charlotte Flair - Daughter of the legendary Ric Flair, one of the more decorated female wrestlers in WWE history. She’s been out of action for over a year due to injury and this will be her return match. WWE inexplicably spoiled she would be in the match instead of it being a surprise (shoutout Bob Fox who thought the same thing) but nonetheless she has a good of a chance as anyone.

Bianca Belair - The EST of WWE. One of the top wrestlers in the Women’s division today, Belair has all the tools to be the face of the company and she’s a former champion. She will be around toward the end of the match.

Iyo Sky- Another former champion trying to get back to the pinnacle of wrestling. Whether you’re a wrestling super fan or have never watched a show you’ll be entertained by Iyo Sky on Saturday. Her unique move-set and high flying, risk-taking abilities make her appointment TV.

Other Matches

Cody Rhodes v. Kevin in Owens in a Ladder Match for the Undisputed WWE Championship

There’s bad blood between these guys as you can tell from the above links. Rhodes has been the face of the company for almost a year now and since Owens turned on him, he’s been craving Cody’s gold. These guys have put on great matches the past year or so and Saturday should be no different.

DIY v Motor City Machine Guns for the WWE Tag Team Championships

So this match is a little different. It’s a two of three falls match. Simply, its best 2 of 3. You’ll have to record two pin falls over your opponent instead of one. With 4 great wrestlers this should be entertaining and could go either way. The tag titles aren’t usually involved in these bigger events and these guys know that. They are going to put on a show.

I stopped watching wrestling in the mid 2010s and just picked it back up a couple years ago. I urge everyone to give this event a shot. Wrestling is in one of the best spots its been at ever because of the talent on their roster and in two different 30 person matches that talent will be on full display. The rumble is also known for surprise moments involving former superstars. So if you were a wrestling fan you may see some familiar faces. Rock, Austin, Undertaker. Anyone can show up on Rumble day. Peacock 6 PM EST. Don’t miss it.