Royal Rumble Weekend Reaction

The first of WWE's Big Four weekends has come to a close and I have to say, it was a fun time on both the NXT and main roster. As far as predictions go, I was 4-1 on Takeover and 8-1 on the Royal Rumble. Baszler and Nakamura winning threw me off. Let's talk both shows.

As has become the norm for these weekends, the NXT Tag Team division kicks off the festivities with a major barn burner tag match. I expected the match to be good but not this amazing, edge of your seat thriller the Undisputed Era and the War Raiders pulled off. As I said in the predictions, The War Raiders are the only team worthy enough to dethrone UE and dethrone them they did. Hanson and Rowe won the titles in a fast and furious match. There will definitely be a rematch either on the NXT tapings or Takeover New York. Matt Riddle and Kassius Ohno had another hard hitting war, which saw Riddle take a savage beating before getting the win via stoppage thanks to some hard strikes. Just as predicted, Riddle needed the win but needed to take a beating before getting it. It makes him look like a star and perhaps preps him for a future North American Championship match because.....

JOHNNY FREAKING WRESTLING DID IT! He has finally won a singles title in NXT. The amount of heartbreak Gargano experienced in 2018 was almost too much to bear, not to mention him going 1-4 at Takeovers. It was a tough year but it's one that helped craft a darker and more cunning Gargano and without that, he wouldn't have won the NA Title. Gargano wanted to win at all costs so that included giving Ricochet a brain buster on the concrete, followed by the slingshot DDT for the 1-2-3 and the title. It was a seriously satisfying moment for his long almost 2 year journey as a singles star. Next up, Shayna Baszler faced Bianca Belair for the NXT Women's Title. If you didn't know Belair was a star, you dang sure know it now. This is how to protect a star, even in defeat. Belair powering her way out of Baszler's Kirifuda Clutch and turning it into a suplex was absolutely amazing to watch. She even fought of Duke and Shafir, as expected. The end game when Belair went for the 450 splash, connected and then got caught in the Clutch again. It was enough to give Belair her first loss on NXT TV. Regardless, this will be her year. It reminds me of when Sasha first loss to Charlotte at Takeover R Evolution. The job was to look as strong as possible and Belair did just that. A title win is definitely coming. Finally, Tommaso Ciampa defended his title against Aleister Black in a rematch from their clash on NXT TV back in July. This was another hard hitting match between the two but in the end, it ends with Ciampa winning. Ciampa has now won his fourth Takeover match in a row. NXT ended the show with Ciampa standing on the stage, title in hand and logo at the bottom right of the screen. All of a sudden, Johnny Gargano comes out, stares down Ciampa and holds his title high. Ciampa laughs and does the same. #DIY is now standing tall in NXT but this time, as singles champions. The best part was right before the screen went black and you saw Gargano staring at Ciampa's title.

Storytelling at its finest. Is this all a ruse for Gargano to finally capture the NXT Title and get back at Ciampa once and for all? Guess we just have to stay tuned in. Overall, another great Takeover show. Gargano/Ricochet stole the show to no one's surprise, but that tag match and Bianca's amazing performance are two other major highlights to NXT's first Takeover of the year.

Royal Rumble followed and was a great show in its own right. WWE did something great on the pre show which led to a major moment on the main show. During the Nakamura/Rusev match, which wasn't too bad, Rusev knocked Lana off the apron, injuring her in the process, which in turn allowed Nakamura to hit a quick knee to the back of the head of Rusev and win back the United States Title. Nakamura would then be eliminated by Mustafa Ali in the Royal Rumble so I'm sure a US Title feud between the two is coming and that should be a lot of fun. The Cruiserweight Fatal Four Way was great and a nice showcase of how far the show has come along in the past few months. I was on the edge of my seat for it all, especially the closing sequence with all the flying knees and superkicks. Murphy retaining was expecting and I hope he gets the Ali treatment whenever he's done with 205 Live. 

The main show started with Asuka defending the Smackdown's Women's Title against Becky Lynch and these two did not disappoint. They were given enough time to shine and it lived up to the hype for their first ever clash. I loved the spots where both women were trying to hit each other's submissions on each other. It was a nice cocky touch for both women. I never expected Becky to win and Asuka proved me right, tapping out Becky with an inverted Asuka Lock. It was a solid opener and it kept the door open for a moment we all wanted. The Miz made history on Sunday as he now only needs the Universal Championship to say he's held ever active singles title available to him. Him and Shane winning was the feel good moment of the night, even though I do feel kind of bad for The Bar. They keep losing their titles to makeshift teams!

Ronda Rousey defended her Raw's Women's Title against Sasha Banks in a fantastic match. Rousey gets better and better with each defense and Sasha made her look like a million bucks. She even got the suicide dive right! Sasha's attitude as of late has screamed back to her days in NXT days and she gave Ronda the fight of her career. She fought Ronda so hard, Ronda didn't even tap her out! That's a first in title defenses for Rousey. Post match saw Sasha show Ronda respect at first, only to throw up the iconic Four Horsewomen fingers and storm off. Sasha's basically saying, you got me, but there's still more of us for you to beat. And it looks like one of those women may be coming around.

The women's Rumble was a sharp contrast from the inaugural one last year. 2018's was a celebration of all the women who have paved a way to actually get a women's Royal Rumble. 2019 was all about showcasing the current talent WWE has to offer. With 23 confirmed entrants and EVERY woman on Raw and Smackdown being used, it was guaranteed they were going to dip into NXT for some spots. And dip they did! We got Io Shirai, Kairi Sane, Rhea Ripley, Candice LaRae, Xia Li, and Kacy Catanzaro as entrants. Catanzaro had the most creative save from elimination of the night which called back to her days on American Ninja Warrior. It was a sight to see, that's for sure. I was completely wrong with the first two entrants, which were Lacey Evans and Natalya, both who lasted pretty long in the match. Natalya took Sasha's record from last year and lasted 55:58. Ember Moon, at #6, got close as well, lasting 53:10. Fun fact, last year #4 Mandy Rose became the first person to be eliminated first from the #4 position. This year, #4 Liv Morgan followed suit and was eliminated first. The Final Four came down to Charlotte (#13), Bayley (#27), Becky Lynch (#28) and Nia Jax (#29). 3 out of 4 correct for ya boy. First thing, Lana came out as #28, but remember that injury in the pre show? It played into Becky getting into the match. With Lana being unable to compete, Becky came out and pleaded with Fit Finlay to take her spot, which he graciously gave her. The crowd loved that. Anyway, final four all has numbers with previous winners and all were former champions. Bayley went out first, followed by Nia and we're down to the two we knew it was going to come to; Charlotte at #13 and Becky Lynch at #28. Becky was selling a leg injury and despite that, she was able to overcome the odds and win the Women's Royal Rumble. #28 now has three winners; Batista's two wins and Lynch's win. Lynch's win will most likely set up her match with Raw Women's Champion Ronda Rousey, the suspected main event of Wrestlemania 35. Great match, great build and great use of future stars. My biggest gripe? THERE WAS NO FREAKING WRESTLEMANIA SIGN FOR THEM TO POINT AT! Just a LED board with Wrestlemania on it. Not the same AT ALL. 

I feel bad for AJ Styles and Daniel Bryan. They were placed directly after the women's rumble match and all the emotions felt after Becky won, so the crowd was pretty quiet for this one. It was a good match with a bit of a shocking ending. We randomly got an appearance from Erick Rowan, clad in a flannel shirt. During the match, Bryan accidentally kicked the ref, which led to Rowan getting involved and chokeslamming Styles, leading to Bryan getting the victory. Does Bryan have his first disciple? I'm very interested in this. Who's next for Bryan to face on Smackdown? Next up, The Beast Brock Lesnar defended his title against Finn Balor. This match was quick and to the point which was completely fine. We all knew Balor wasn't winning but he got his offense in and gave Lesnar a fight. Lesnar locked in the Kimura after Balor's Coup De Grace for a submission victory. Balor looked good in defeat and his push in still in place. Fun match.

The men's Rumble closed the show and started off in a fun way, with Elias as #1 and Double JJ Jeff Jarrett as #2. Jarrett was quickly eliminated, giving #2 the first one eliminated stat. Besides Jarrett, there weren't any other legends but we got unannounced participants, like Kurt Angle, Shelton Benjamin, Curt Hawkins and No Way Jose. NXT was represented as well with Johnny Gargano, Pete Dunne and Aleister Black. Black even eliminated Dean Ambrose in the process. A sign of things to come? Something interesting to point out was that John Cena wasn't in the match and when #16 Drew McIntyre came out, Michael Cole instantly put McIntyre over as the person who took Cena out of the match. This is MOST DEFINITELY a sign of things to come for McIntyre's Wrestlemania plans right? McIntyre didn't make it to the Final Four, thanks to Ziggler so a Mania match with Cena is the next best thing. As expected, R-Truth did not get to come out as #30 but it wasn't a major crazy surprise like Kenny Omega or Roman Reigns. No, Nia Jax attacked R-Truth and entered the Rumble, striking men in the process and eliminating Mustafa Ali. Now, WWE has allowed men hitting women on TV, but it that hasn't been the case in a very long time. I really can't remember the last time. That ended at the Rumble as Nia got hit with a 619 and then a massive RKO, much to the crowd's and my delight. Delight because it was unexpected not because I advocate men hitting women. Where this is leading is the question though. Is WWE leading towards intergender wrestling in the future?

THIS. JUST. HAPPENED. 😱😱😱😱 #RoyalRumble@NiaJaxWWE @RandyOrton @reymysterio @HEELZiggler pic.twitter.com/8Qydqkbui3

— WWE (@WWE) January 28, 2019

It did come down to Seth Rollins (#10), Andrade (#19), Braun Strowman (#27) and Dolph Ziggler (#28). Now honestly, who the heck had Ziggler in this year's FINAL FOUR for the Royal Rumble? I'll wait. Anyway, Rollins at #10 was the only number without a previous winner while for the 2nd straight Rumble, #27 and #28 made it to the Final Four as they made in the women's Rumble earlier in the night. If you count the two traditional Rumbles from January 2018 and exclude the Greatest Royal Rumble, #27 and #28 were apart of the Final Four THREE times in the row. #28 was actually apart of the Final Four in the last four Rumbles in January.

I got two of the four Final Four right in my predictions. Strowman took out Andrade and Ziggler and battled Rollins for the spot at Wrestlemania. Rollins was able to Curb Stomp Strowman on the apron and out of the ring for the victory. #10 now has a Royal Rumble winner in Seth Rollins. Rollins is going to Wrestlemania and will either challenge Brock Lesnar or Daniel Bryan, either one is a match I'd be down to seeing. I'm not fully convinced Rollins is facing Lesnar just yet, as a Bryan/Rollins match excites to me to no end. Part of me thinks Rollins won't get past Lesnar and it would all be for naught and I can't take another Lesnar Wrestlemania disappointment.

We are on the Road to Wrestlemania. Where will this lead? Let's start by finding out on Raw. Great two shows from WWE. I hope they can continue to momentum.

NXT Takeover Phoenix and Royal Rumble Predictions

It's baaaaaaaaaaaaaccccccccccccckkkkkkkkkkk!!!!!! It's been a LONG time since I've done some predictions and this is a great weekend to return on. Now, I missed NXT UK Takeover Blackpool (AWESOME event with a really fun main event) but I refuse to miss this major weekend. For the third year in a row, Takeover and the Royal Rumble will be on back to back nights. Like 2017, they will be held in different venues; Takeover at the Talking Stick Resort Arena and Royal Rumble taking place inside Chase Field, the stadium for the Arizona Diamondbacks, a first for WWE. Last year, I had the pleasure of attending the events live and it's an experience I'll never forget. So much better than when I went to the 2015 version. Anyway, as always, let's start with NXT first as they present Takeover Phoenix.

Five matches on tap for the show, featuring all four titles on the line; two rematches and two first time matches between the four of them and the third match between two hard hitting individuals. Let's discuss.

Matt Riddle will battle Kassius Ohno in their third match of their feud. Ohno is playing gatekeeper to Riddle for his NXT run, which has worked as many of the major NXT guys are currently busy. The first match was a flash KO for Riddle and the second was a hard hitting albeit short match. The third clash will be their best work together. There's really no reason for Ohno to win here if they're pushing Riddle as one of NXT's next top guys. Ohno does have to give Riddle the fight of his young NXT career to get him over in a big way. I'm going with Matt Riddle with the big win here. He should move onto to the NXT North American title picture afterwards.

MATCH OF THE YEAR ALERT 2019! After defeating the #1 contender for the NXT Championship, Aleister Black, inside a steel cage, Johnny Gargano looked to invade the planned singles NXT Title match between his arch rival Tommaso Ciampa and Black at Phoenix. Ciampa got inside Gargano's head and told him he should be in line for a NXT North American Championship match. It didn't take Gargano long to ask for just that and laid Ricochet out with a super kick on the first NXT episode from Full Sail in 2019. And that's where we're at; Johnny Freaking (Takeover) Gargano will face The One and Only Ricochet for the NXT North American Championship. This. Is. Going. To. Be. GOODT! Who was the best wrestler in WWE last year? If you said Seth Rollins or AJ Styles, I'd clap but the real answer is Johnny Five Star-gano. Who has been the best new talent in NXT? If you said Keith Lee or Matt Riddle, nice try, but the obvious answer is Ricochet. Putting these two together in one first time ever match up? The sparks are going to fly. These two will do everything in their power to make this the match you talk about most when the weekend is all said and done. The way they're making Ciampa added into this feud makes me believe that Ricochet VS Ciampa could be the plan for the main event of Takeover New York during Wrestlemania weekend. It would either be a champion VS champion match or more likely an ascension to the main event match for Ricochet. For that to come to fruition, Ricochet would have to lose here. As much as I love Ricochet, Gargano has not won at a Takeover since his major win at Takeover New Orleans. That was 9 months ago. Ricochet stole the show at New Orleans, stole the show again in Chicago, won the title and had the spot of the year in Brooklyn and stood tall at Wargames II. Needless to say, it's time for a Ricochet loss at a Takeover. Johnny Gargano, by hook or by crook, will walk out of Takeover Phoenix as the NEW NXT North American Champion. Will Ciampa help in some way? Maybe but #DIY will be singles champions together. Again, this will be a barn burner. Do NOT miss this!

Did you know The Undisputed Era were NXT Tag Team Champions for 363 days in 2018? Thanks to tape delays, it might have felt shorter than that but that's the facts. Even with the injury to Bobby Fish, UE was able to stay strong all year with the addition of Roderick Strong, who has flourished in his new role. Their title reign is in serious jeopardy as they prepare to do battle with Hanson and Rowe, The War Raiders. The War Raiders always looked like the team to beat UE. Although Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch surprised the world with their hard fought battle at Takeover Chicago II, once the War Raiders were signed, it was almost a guarantee that they would be tag champs one day. With Undisputed Era's time in NXT coming to nearly two years in August, it might be time for Cole and the boys to come up to the main roster and save the Raw tag division. NXT is short on tag teams though so maybe they'll hang around. Regardless, this may be the end of the road for UE's title reign. UE has been the team to beat for almost two years but I 'm going with new champs being crowned in Phoenix. I expect a rematch with a stipulation at Takeover New York.

This has been a long time coming! First ever two time NXT Women's Champion Shayna Baszler will defend her title against Bianca Belair. Belair has been on my radar since the inaugural Mae Young Classic. Her breakout performance against favorite and eventual winner Kairi Sane was easily the highlight of the tournament. Despite that, it has taken her a year and a half to finally get a shot at the NXT Women's Title. This is an interesting feud for NXT as both women are definitely portrayed as heels on television. Belair, based on social media posts, will be a a face going forward as she's been teaming with Kairi Sane at NXT house shows. Anyway, I like Belair a lot. She reminds me of Sasha Banks when she was peak heel Boss. The attitude, her mannerisms and the way she talks all remind me of that. I think she'll work well as a face when the time comes as even though currently a heel, Belair has been getting a lot of crowd support lately so maybe the full turn will be coming at Phoenix. The big question is definitely what role Shayna's friends Marina Shafir and Jessamyn Duke will play in the match. We've already seen them accompany her to the ring for the lead up to this match so will they be at ringside again? Kairi still has unfinished business with them as well but with Dakota Kai out with a torn ACL, will they just insert Belair into her position and have Io Shirai, Sane and Belair feud with the MMA Four Horsewomen? There's also other factors here as well, such as the Royal Rumble and the build to Wrestlemania. It's no secret that the two Four Horsewomen groups are going to feud soon. Charlotte has already faced Ronda Rousey, Rousey cost Becky Lynch her title and Rousey is facing Sasha Banks at the Rumble itself. It's about to boil over. And WWE are introducing the Women's Tag Titles next month? Come on. It might be time for Shayna to leave NXT behind and be with Ronda. Duke and Shafir can do both as they continue to learn and train. If Shayna's moving on, it's time for someone to step up, that being NXT's best female athlete in Bianca Belair. NXT will be fine without Shayna. They still have Sane, Shirai, Deonna Purrazzo, Rhea Ripley (she's performed at NXT house shows so I still count her), and Mia Yim, not to mention other NXT women who competed in the Mae Young Classic but haven't gotten a shot on TV yet, like Mae Young Classic 2018 standouts Lacey Lane and Kacy Catanzaro.

Getting back to the match, if Shafir and Duke get involved, I expect to see Sane and Shirai, especially since they just won together as a team on TV. This should be a interesting match though and let's see if Shayna can make Belair shine like Sane did. If they don't pull the trigger here on Belair, the only one I could see stopping Shayna would be Shirai. I'm going with the person I want to win and that's Belair. Bianca Belair will defeat Shayna Baszler to win the NXT Women's Championship and stay UN DE FEA TED in the process.

Tommaso Ciampa will defend the NXT Championship against the man he took the title from; Aleister Black. Black and Ciampa are coming off major victories from the previous Takeover event, with Black beating Gargano and Ciampa beating The Velveteen Dream. Both stars with major momentum, they will meet in this highly anticipated rematch. As with their first match, I'm expecting shenanigans. I've already gone on record as stating Johnny Gargano will become North American Champion and I'm now stating the Ciampa will retain, so yes, for a few months, #DIY will hold both male singles titles in NXT. Why do I think that? I really think Ciampa will somehow be linked to why Ricochet loses his title, which will set up the main event for Takeover New York; Tommaso Ciampa VS Ricochet. Black is most likely on his way out of NXT. He might stick around for the NXT tapings leading up to Takeover New York but expect Black to be apart of Raw or Smackdown after Wrestlemania. This will be a fantastic main event, one filled with many hard strikes, shenanigans and false finishes, but in the end, Tommaso Ciampa will retain the NXT Title. This will be a barn burner for sure.

Following Takeover Phoenix, WWE hosts the Royal Rumble in Chase Field. Currently 9 matches on the card, on par with the 2018 card, and this feels more like a Mania card than anything. Of the nine matches, we have two first time ever battles in the women's title matches, former Bullet Club leaders challenging for their respective brand's World Titles, the two Royal Rumble matches, the most random tag team title match in Rumble history and two title matches that will be on the pre show. Let's discuss!

Let's talk what's on the pre show. Buddy Murphy will defend his Cruiserweight Championship against former champs Akira Tozawa and Kalisto and my man Hideo Itami. Also, Rusev will defend his United States Title against former champion Shinsuke Nakamura. I would put the Smackdown Tag Title match here as well but I feel like Vince would never put Shane on the pre show. That being said, these two matches should be really good, especially that Cruiserweight match. Murphy's challengers aren't the guys I would have picked for such a big stage as the Rumble though. TJP and Cedric Alexander over Tozawa and Kalisto every day. I would have even liked Gran Metalik. Regardless, Murphy is RED hot right now. He's not losing that title just yet. I do hope that Murphy follows suits with Mustafa Ali and joins the blue brand later this year.Murphy retains. As far as the US Title goes, Rusev just won it and will not lose it in his first defense. Rusev retains and hopefully goes on to feud with Samoa Joe or Andrade. Maybe not Andrade if he has a fantastic night.

In a strange move, The Bar will defend their Smackdown Tag Team Titles against The Miz and Shane McMahon. You know, despite having The New Day, The Usos, Sanity and Gallows and Anderson on the show. It's strange to thing of Miz and McMahon being a thing. I really don't know where this is leading but I feel bad for The Bar, having to continue to face make shift tag teams each year (themselves being a make shift tag). Last year, it was Braun Strowman and Nicholas and now MizMahon (you can use that one WWE). The Bar is WWE's best experiment gone right and it shows as they've racked up five title reigns in the past 2 years. Miz deserves so much better than this and at one point, I picked him as a favorite to win the Rumble to face enemy Daniel Bryan for the title. It doesn't look like it's going to happen. I don't think WWE would put Miz and Shane together for nothing which would mean Shane and Miz would have to win the titles. If Miz does win the Smackdown Tag Team Titles with Shane, he'd be one title away from holding every male title (excluding the Crusierweight). He would just need the Universal Title. Miz would have held the old World Tag Team Title design, the amazing original WWE Tag Titles that was introduced in 2002, the ugly copper ones that was introduced in 2010 and the much better blue version in 2019. Miz and Shane win the titles.

The women's matches this year are the hardest to call. We all know the endgame is Ronda Rousey VS Charlotte Flair and/or Becky Lynch at Wrestlemania but just how do we get there? Currently, we have Ronda defending her title against Sasha Banks, Asuka defending her title against Becky Lynch and Charlotte is entered into the women's Royal Rumble.

Let's talk Sasha/Ronda first. This is the second battle between the Four Horsewomen groups and one I'm really looking forward to. It's been a very long time since Sasha has had a singles Raw Women's Title match and it comes at a time where her talents will definitely be used elsewhere, with the Women's Tag Titles coming next month. I don't think Sasha fits in with the singles title plans right now so despite her and Ronda potentially tearing it up come Royal Rumble, Sasha ain't beating Ronda. This will definitely be the most exciting match Ronda has competed in but it will end the same, a submission victory. Ronda will retain the championship in a hard fought war.

So if Ronda's beating Sasha, it makes things a little easier. For Becky to get to Mania, she'd have to win the Rumble. Funny thing is; neither Sasha or Becky are in the Rumble due to being in the title matches. That could obviously change but as of right now, she's not in it. I got a good scenario but I'll leave it for the Rumble match prediction. Anyway, Asuka VS Becky Lynch will be amazing. This is one of those NXT matches that has never happened until now and with it, Asuka would have faced all four members of WWE's Four Horsewomen in singles matches. To go with my scenario, Asuka would have to win here. This should be another fantastic women's title match on the show but Asuka has to get the win.

Ok, now let's get to the women's Royal Rumble match. Of the 30 entrants, 23 have been confirmed, which is basically the entire Raw and Smackdown women's roster excluding Sasha Banks, Becky Lynch and the two champs, Rousey and Asuka. With the champs retaining, we can rule them out. I fully expect both Sasha and Becky to be in the match. That brings the total to 25.

Carmella won the #30 spot back at TLC so she's set. WWE did a great job last year with #1 Becky and #2 Sasha so it's going to be hard to top that this year. If I had to pick two women to start, it would be Ember Moon and Naomi. I've been craving for some type of interaction between these two highly athletic superstars, so them being the first two would be great. Charlotte gets to compete in her first Rumble and I think it would be cool if she entered at #3, since her father won from that number in 1992. With 5(or more) spots open, it's a given we're getting some surprises. WWE's Twitter account basically asked which NXT woman you'd like to see in the match. Kairi and Ember got the nod last year much to my delight. This year, Shayna Baszler is a must. I could see her making it to the Final Four. Bianca Belair is another good one. Ember was champion when she answered the call last year so it's possible. Rhea Ripley is a huge chick so if Nia is alone in the ring at any time, she could play a good foil to her. Toni Storm is one of my favorite female wrestlers going and I'd love to see her compete. Io Shirai, like Storm, competed at Evolution so an appearance in the match is possible as well. As for legends from the past, the only one I could see is Kaitlin making an appearance. With the massive amount of past stars last year, I don't think WWE is going to do a repeat this year. Last year it was about showcasing the entire women's division, past and present. This year should be about the women who are there. Anyway, I could see this going a few ways:

1. Becky doesn't enter the match, much to the chagrin of the crowd, and Charlotte wins.
2. Becky enters the match, either by getting a number or by taking Carmella's spot  by force and wins.
3. Becky and Charlotte both win the match ala Royal Rumble 1994, both challenging Rousey at Wrestlemania 35.

This match is centered around how Becky and Charlotte, Smackdown stars, can challenge  Raw Women's Champion Ronda Rousey. This is the only way.  It may be a little obvious but just how we get there is going to be fun to see. Final four should look like Charlotte, Becky Lynch, Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler but it will come down to Charlotte and Becky as the winner. Charlotte will be the iron woman of the match, lasting the longest.

This is always a fun and surreal sentence to type; Daniel Bryan will defend the WWE Championship against AJ Styles at the Royal Rumble. Can you believe that AJ Styles has been in WWE for three years now? Can you also believe AJ Styles will be competing in his fourth straight WWE Title match at the Royal Rumble? That's a record. Anyway, this two will tear the roof (no roof, it's a baseball stadium) off of the Chase Field. They have not disappointed yet and it won't happen here. Styles is showing a new aggression, one that has been brought up by Vince McMahon himself. This is another Smackdown storyline that I don't know where it's headed and I love that unpredictably back in WWE. It would be a real crime to turn Bryan heel and give him such a short reign with the title but Bryan being champion might not work with one of the names I have in mind to win the Royal Rumble. Regardless, I don't think it time for Styles to win the title back just yet and I think Styles might be finally heading to Raw after Wrestlemania. After a grueling and amazing technical contest, Daniel Bryan will submit AJ Styles to retain the WWE Championship. This will probably be the best match on the show and 2nd best of the weekend.

WWE did a great thing and changed what was going to be the low point of the night of Brock Lesnar going over Braun Strowman for the third time to a first time ever match. Lesnar will now defend his Universal Championship against the newly pushed Finn Balor. I just want to say this first; Balor ain't winning. This is a roadblock in the way to set up the Lesnar/Seth Rollins match at Wrestlemania 35. While the winner is predictable, I'm looking forward to the match. It's no secret that Lesnar has put on his best matches with guys of a smaller frame. CM Punk, AJ Styles and Daniel Bryan have gotten the best matches out of The Beast. Balor will be no different. It will be interesting to see if they unleash Demon Balor here, to give the allusion that Balor can actually beat Lesnar in a match that was made two weeks before the event. Hey, anything is possible in WWE but come on. Lesnar not walking into Wrestlemania as champion? That doesn't sound likely at all. Balor will give The Beast a fight but Brock Lesnar will retain the Universal Championship.

The men's Royal Rumble is up for grabs this year. Of the 30 entrants, we only have 20 confirmed. There are a lot of stars haven't announced their entry yet, such as either brand's tag team champions, Bray Wyatt, Tyler Breeze, Aiden English, Big Show, The Usos, Sainty, Gallows and Anderson, Rusev, Nakamura, etc. Now, we know that obviously all those guys won't be in as WWE will definitely want to use a few spots for either NXT stars or legends but I'm going to go with 6 of the stars I mentioned getting a spot, leaving 6 for other stars. Of the 6, they could use EC3 and Lars Sullivan. I don't know what legends are around to be used  so I can't even fathom a guess. NXT starts though, let's guess away! The Velveteen Dream has to be at the top of the list. Major fan favorite and it would be interesting to see if he got to interact with John Cena, if Cena's 'ankle injury' won't prevent him from competing. Ricochet would be another one for a quick appearance to flip and jump around. Either member of #DIY would be nice to see as well.

R-Truth won the #30 spot back at TLC but we all know he's not coming out at that number. It's unfortunate that All Elite Wrestling has basically crushed any hope of it being Kenny Omega. Not to mention his contract is up on the 31st anyway. I don't know if WWE has any other major contract signings we don't know about but the number has to be for someone you won't see coming. Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if Roman Reigns got it. Hear me out on this one. Don't you think it's weird that they haven't given any update on his condition, despite him being one of their biggest stars? I know they usually don't give updates for injuries but this is a special situation don't you think? Updates on a life threatening disease are warranted. It would be something wouldn't it? It's a pipe dream I realize that but would make for an amazing comeback story.

I originally did a post on who needed the Rumble victory the most and I narrowed it down to Seth Rollins, Drew McIntyre and The Miz. With Miz losing all momentum from his Daniel Bryan feud, I have replaced him with Andrade. Rollins/Lesnar is the most likely Universal Title match at Wrestlemania so Rollins winning the Rumble is a way to get there. Plus he would join Edge, Randy Orton, John Cena, Alberto Del Rio, Sheamus and Edge as the only stars who've won both the Royal Rumble and Money in the Bank. McIntrye has what Vince wants out of a star. He's massive, has the look and can actually go in the ring. An ascension match on the biggest stage of them all against Brock Lesnar would be fitting. Andrade is a dark horse pick that has come out of nowhere, following a few pinfall victories over Rey Mysterio. Momentum is the most important thing going into the Rumble and out of everyone else in the match, Andrade has it the most. Will it translate to a win? We'll see. The Final Four will be Seth Rollins, Drew McIntyre, Andrade and John Cena, again, if his injury isn't too bad. If it is, I'll go with Randy Orton. Andrade will most likely be the iron man of this match, lasting the longest.

If I have to pick just one person, it would be Seth Rollins. The little shots to Lesnar on TV for the past two months have not gone unnoticed and will definitely lead Rollins back to the main event picture. They could always just go with Andrade and have Rollins win an Elimination Chamber match ala Reigns last year. McIntyre has looked strong in each of his defeats, usually losing to luck or outside interference so there's a chance he'll win as well. This is really up for grabs but if I HAD to pick just one, it would be Seth Rollins.

This is going to be a big weekend for sure. The Road to Wrestlemania is become a little clearer following these events. I'm shaking with anticipation. Come back for my reaction post, probably late Monday night after Raw!

Fatman's Gaming Week 1/6-1/12

Here's a new (hopefully) weekly post on the blog; the Fatman's Gaming week. While I don't buy new games EVERY week (usually), I play games every week of the year. This week wasn't a big week but because of my addiction, I made it a big week.

I took part in GameStop's usual Buy 2 Get 1 Free during the first week of the year. I've been on a Switch kick lately, mostly in part to Smash Bros, and I've gone in great lengths to increase my library, both physically and digitally. Before December started, I only owned The End Is Nigh and The World Ends With You physically and a few digital titles. I now own way too many titles to play. Anyway, I bought Runner 3, Sushi Striker and Moonlighter, which I also bought on PS4 when it first came out.

Sushi Striker is a fun hybrid but I can see myself forgetting about it in the weeks to come. Puzzle games aren't really my jam but the RPGness of it and a good sale made me bite. I got three hours in this week alone. Runner 3 is the first in the series that I've played. I just wanted a simple platformer to play in short bursts when I don't have hours and hours to game. I got through the first world and the first three impossible levels. This is good practice for whenever Super Meat Boy Forever releases in April. Moonlighter was one of my favorite games in 2018. The maintenance of your shop mixed with rouge lite action RPG gameplay made for a fun and addictive loop of gameplay. There were plenty of times with the PS4 version where I would say, let's do one more dungeon trek and be done for the day, then I would find amazing new expensive loot, sell it and have enough money for upgrades to my shop or new weapons or armor. The cycle would continue and I would lose hours upon hours in the game. I never finished the PS4 version and since I haven't played the game is months, I thought it would be time to give it a go again. I was right. It fits in perfectly with the Switch's library and even better on the go. I've stayed up way too late a few times this week due to the addictive cycle, playing while watching Games Done Quick.

Thursday night, I realized that the next week of gaming is jampacked with releases, including the Onimusha remaster, a new indie RPG based with a battle system similar to Shadow Hearts called YIIK: A Post Modern RPG and the next game in the No More Heroes series but don't call it No More Heroes 3. I had to make the decision to trade some games in to cover all the releases, especially with the back to back combo of Resident Evil 2 and Kingdom Hearts III coming Royal Rumble weekend. That included trading in some games I didn't finish like Shadow of the Tomb Raider. I was able to get $151 in credit from Amazon, which I used $100 of that for eShop credit, which I used to pay for No More Heroes, Onimusha and Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom, because why not add another Switch game to my incredible backlog? I basically had enough coins to buy YIIK, only using 63 cents of my remaining balance to pay for it. That's all next week though!

There was still one major game to be released on January 11th and I'm not talking about New Super Mario Bros U Deluxe. Tales of Vesperia finally got a remaster version 10 years after its original release. I got it in the summer of 2009 so I haven't played it since then. Vesperia is easily my favorite Tales game of all time. It's the one I've given the most time to. Though playing nearly all the Tales games that have released in the US, Vesperia is the one I feel most attached to throughout the whole series. The great main character, the amazing battle system, all the extra content, it's a RPG fan's dream. I put 4 hours into it on Friday night into Saturday morning and I fell in love all over again. I don't think I'll be able to beat it before KH3 releases but I will definitely go back to finish it.

Next week, I juggle Tales, Onimusha, YIIK and No More Heroes. Onimusha and NMH won't be long games. Onimusha should only last 8 hours, NMH, 10, if that. YIIK's an indie RPG so I'm guessing 20 hours. Vesperia already got me for 80+ hours a decade ago and with the new content, it will get me for more a decade later. Join me next Saturday to see how I handle it all. Spoilers; it probably won't end well. Good news is that I'll be able to play them all at midnight as they're all pre-installed on the system. Gotta love digital games! See you next week!

Escape Room Review

When I first saw the trailer for Escape Room, I didn't even think to compare it to Saw. I more or so likened it to my favorite visual novel series Zero Escape. You know, the trilogy of games started with 999, ending with Zero Time Dilemma? OK, it's a niche series but the premise of strangers coming together and exit various puzzle filled rooms with death consequences screams Zero Escape. Upon watching it, I see the similarities I originally thought were right but it does have more in common with Saw than anything else.

The film is centered around six people; Zoey, Ben, Amanda, Mike, Jason and Danny as they travel to the mystery Minos Escape Room Facility at a chance to win $10,000 for doing an escape room simulation. Upon arriving, security takes their phones as to not give away answers to the puzzles to potential clients. Resident escape room master Danny sneaks in a 2nd phone anyway. While in the waiting room together, Ben gets antsy and goes to take a smoke break. When he reaches for the handle, it breaks off and they realize they're trapped in, with Danny guessing this is apart of the simulation. As they keep finding more and more clues, the room starts to heat up. They eventually get out of the room, just as the room erupts into flames. I'll keep this part spoiler free, but it continues to ramp up from there.

It's hard to talk further about the film without spoiling it, so I'm going to cover the spoiler text so those who do want to see the film can do so and try to guess what's going on for themselves. If you want to read for yourself, please highlight the text below.

We find out that all six of them weren't voluntarily chosen at random; they were all the sole survivors of some tragic incident. Zoey survived a plane crash that took her mother's life, Ben was the drunk driver in a car that killed his friends, Amanda survived an IED blast in Iraq, Mike survived a cave in and heard his brother's final breath, Jason was stranded in the middle of the ocean with his friend on a boat and killed him to survive and Danny survived carbon monoxide poisoning while his family didn't. All the rooms have something designed from their individuals traumas as well. 

The film actually opens with Ben trying to escape from what is the final room (as all 5 others died trying to escape) and while the opening depicts him dying, he actually survives and meets The Gamemaster. He reveals that this isn't the first game they've done and that they usually do connecting themes, such as lone survivors of traumas like they experienced. Ben asks if he can leave but the Gamemaster tries to kill him to keep the secret of the games. Zoey ends up surviving in a previous room and returns to help Ben kill the Gamemaster. As they go to the police and bring them to the building, they realize it was too late and the evidence has already been wiped clean. Six months past and Zoey learns the location of the Minos HQ and invites Ben to go and take them down once and for all. The film cuts to the facility and shows them preparing for a new simulation with a new Gamemaster, who says a familiar 'let the games begin' line. 

They desperately want to make this film into a franchise. The final moments basically setting up a sequel was pretty ballsy. The Gamemaster basically saying Jigsaw's line about games and not revealing the identity of the new Gamemaster leads me to believe this; Tobin Bell will be cast in the sequel. I will accept nothing less. Then the twist in the sequel will be that it's all a prequel to the Saw series and this is how Jigsaw got his start. Calling it now. 

All jokes aside, I enjoyed the movie. The characters are all obvious tropes though. Zoey's the leader, Jason the jock/jerk, Mike is the comic relief, Danny is the nerd, Ben is the burnout and Amanda is tough female. They played their tropes perfectly. Jason never becomes a redeemable character and I hated him as soon as his pompous self came on screen. Mike was one of my favorites, mainly because he's played by Tyler Labine, who I've loved since Reaper on CW. Even when situations seemed dark, he was always there to say some type of one liner. When the movie revealed all of the tragic pasts of the characters, I felt for everyone, except Jason. Mainly because I hate him and he sucks but everyone else had a reason for being the way that they are and it shined through. This was my first time seeing Taylor Russell is an acting role as I still haven't watched Lost in Space on Netflix but I couldn't help but to fall in love with her portrayal of Zoey. Smart, shy and ambitious, she was a bright light in the movie. I'd love to see more of her so I think Lost in Space just shot up my list.

I don't have too many negative things to say about the film other than that it's a bit familiar. Again, I've already compared it to Saw and while these people weren't kidnapped like in that movie, they still have to solve puzzles to avoid death. I'm also not a big fan of PG-13 horror/thriller movies. Lights Out and Happy Death Day were fantastic movies that didn't suffer from the rating but as you can see, it's once in a blue moon where it's a successful PG-13 horror movie. I think the movie could have used a little more blood to drive the intense scenes up a bit more. Also, the ending, while ballsy as I said, will be stupid down the line if they don't do a sequel. 

Escape Room is a fun film. It has its jokes, it's dark points and it's thrilling moments. The film has performed higher than expected and I think it's because of its premise. Escape rooms are a thrilling adventure and the thought of getting trapped in one is a frightening thought, especially if you don't know the puzzles to get out. It's my first film of 2019 and while it's not perfect or even better than Saw, it's still a good time spent in theaters. If you're looking for a suspense filled trip to start off your new year, I highly recommend Escape Room.

7.5/10

The first movie of the year was pretty good. It got the job done effectively and was thrilling from start to finish. Next up, Happy Death Day 2U! I'm so excited after the surprisingly good original. See you again with another movie review come Valentine's weekend!

2019 Gaming

The new year is here, which means that Kingdom Hearts III is only a few short weeks away! Yes, one of the redeeming qualities of starting a brand new year is a video game I've been waiting 13 years for. Sue me. While we're getting such a major release so early in the year, 2019 is full of quality titles, especially the first half of the year. Let's look through a few shall we?

Now, I'll also talk about games that currently don't have a release date. Hopefully, they'll be released in 2019 but if not, it's fine. And since we're dealing with over 20 games here, I'll try to keep each one short, for your sake and mine.

Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition

Yay! If you're going to keep releasing remasters, I'm glad they're releasing a remaster of a game I really love. Tales of Vesperia is my favorite Tales game of all time and one of my favorite JRPGs ever. The combat system, the side quests and the music make for a great adventure. The story is normal cliche Tales-esque but it's still a great adventure. Releasing on January 11th, TOV will have the honor of being the first new game purchase of 2019. I'm looking forward to delving back into this world, as I haven't played this game since I graduated high school. Crap, it's been 10 years? Where is the time going? Thanks for this Bandai Namco. Is it time for a brand new Tales game yet?

Travis Strikes Again: No More Heroes

When a new No More Heroes games was announced, I was pumped. NMH is one of the best Wii series out. Both games are a blast to play as they mix comedy and gore very well. Once they started talking about this new game though, I got less and less pumped. This isn't a full fledged No More Heroes experience like the original or Desperate Struggle. It's a top down hack n slash, featuring work from other indie studios. There's nothing wrong with but I was definitely expecting something a little different. Regardless, I love the series and will show support. Gameplay differences aside, as long as they can keep the same zaniness of the first two, it should be fine. And since it's bound to be short and releasing on January 18th, it's a nice prelude for the two longer games coming after it.

Resident Evil 2

In 2017, Capcom released Resident Evil 7 at the end of January to modest acclaim. It returned the series back to its survival horror origins. Two years later, instead of making a brand new entry, they decided to listen to their fans and remake one of their most popular entries. RE2 released in 1998. If you do the math, I was 7 when it released. I wasn't ready for this type of game so I never really experienced the original for myself. Sure, I've seen it played in front of me as a child but I never got to control the tank controls. Thankfully, they're giving it the RE4 behind the camera control scheme so it's easily accessible to all players. They're also prioritizing horror over action so while it may look and play like RE4, the scares and general atmosphere will feel much like RE2. As one who hasn't experienced it yet, I'm excited. Coming out on January 25th (a few days after its 21st anniversary and on Royal Rumble weekend no less), Resident Evil 2 looks to scare in the new year. If it plays as well as the trailers and hands on videos look, we should be in for a thrilling time come the 25th.

Kingdom Hearts III

There are moments in life where time stands still. Hulk Hogan meeting Andre the Giant at Wrestlemania III, Thor staring into Thanos eyes before he snaps his fingers and on January 29th 2019, where I will finally hold Kingdom Hearts III in my hands. Why am I and many other fans this excited? Little history lesson for you. The last numbered Kingdom Hearts game released in the US on March 28th, 2006. 2006. 2006!!! That's 13 years ago. Sure, there were plenty of Kingdom Hearts games released between 2 and 3 but no new numbered entries. This is a game I've been waiting my entire life for. A sequel so many years in the making, Disney has become a major conglomerate during the time between the games. Let's see, Disney bought Pixar, Lucasfilm, Marvel and Fox since the game was released (the Pixar deal was actually done in early 2006, before the US release of KH2 but after the Japanese release. It was finalized on in May the same year). While Marvel and Star Wars won't have a presence in Kingdom Hearts III, Pixar's movies will, as there are worlds based on Toy Story and Monsters Inc. My favorite Disney movie, Wreck It Ralph, will also be featured in the game as a summon while popular titles such as Big Hero 6, Tangled and of course Frozen will have their own worlds. Other than that, I don't know much else. I want to enter this game as clueless as possible. I just know it takes place directly after Dream Drop Distance, which I DID NOT FINISH. Disclaimer; the only side KH game I completed was Chain of Memories, and that was thanks to Game Shark! Anyway, I can't wait for this game. To wrap up this whole Xehanort saga and see what's next is going to be an absolute pleasure. The first game released in March 2002, when I was only 11 years old. 17 years, as a married 28 year old man, I'm ready for whatever Square Enix throws at us.

February 15th - Far Cry: New Dawn, Crackdown 3, Jump Force, Dead or Alive 6 and Metro Exodus

Last year at E3, it was announced that February 22nd was going to be a stacked day of gaming. Well, it wasn't formally announced but that was the time the games being released on that date were given that date. Those games were Crackdown 3, Anthem, Metro Exodus and Days Gone. As 2018 started to wind down, various games started to move from that date. Crackdown 3 moved up to the 15th, Days Gone was pushed back two months to April and Metro Exodus was completed earlier than expected and got pushed up to February 15th as well. That leaves BioWare's Anthem as the only game that kept its original release date announced at E3.

Now, focusing on February 15th. 5 MASSIVE games will release on one day. If you were to purchase all five games on the 15th, you would be crazy to think you could juggle 5 games, two which are fighting games and the other three action adventure, two of those being sandbox experiences. You'd also have to spend $280. Far Cry New Dawn is the only game not $60. Thanks Ubisoft! Each game is bound to have its fans clamoring for it.

Far Cry: New Dawn is a stand alone adventure based off of Far Cry 5. I haven't played through a Far Cry to completion since Far Cry 3 so I think I'll wait for a sale on this one. Jump Force is pitting together many popular Shonen Jump characters together in one massive fighting game. While I haven't watched all of the series, I'm definitely familiar with many of them. One Piece, Naruto, Ruroruni Kenshin, Saint Seiya, Yu Yu Hakusho and Yu-Gi-Oh are all series I'm familiar with. Dragon Ball, Bleach, Fist of the North Star and my new jam, My Hero Academia are the ones I've actually watched in my life. To have Goku face off against Kenshiro is going to be legendary and to see Ichigo face Kenshin? This is an anime fan's dream come true. I'm not even the biggest anime fan but for the chance to see all these characters together, I might have to consider this as a purchase. Used, not new. DOA6 is the next entry in the long running fighting game series. Surprising, it's only on #6, even though it was first released in 1996. I don't know too much about the upcoming sequel but I did enjoy DOA5 a lot when I played it. It's not a buy from me but I will play it sometime in 2019. Metro Exodus is the third game in the Metro series. Despite playing the two games before it, I've never completed either one. I have played the original two and the updated versions on the newer consoles, still, not finished either. Metro Exodus will be another one I'll try but will most likely not finish. The big release for me is Crackdown 3. CD3 is one of the reasons I purchased a Xbox One back in 2014. The amount of delays though, has seriously killed my vibe for the game. It was to be released in 2016, got pushed back to late 2017 to release with the Xbox One X. It was delayed again to sometime in 2018 and then finally delayed to February 22nd before getting pushed up a week. Crackdown 3 will be apart of Xbox Game Pass, which means I'll only have to subscribe and pay $10 to play it, which is fair considering how long the fans have been waiting. I haven't played an Xbox exclusive since Cuphead back in 2017 so I'm looking to dusting off the ole Xbone to play this.

The only type of game missing on February 15th is a RPG. There's still time for an indie game to get squeezed in there. Regardless, this is going to be a fun day for gamers. Sucks it happens to collide with Valentine's Day weekend (and the release of Happy Death Day 2U) so please plan accordingly. I would hate for you gamers to be without your significant others because you wanted to pit Izuku versus Gon. It can wait a day or so.

Devil May Cry 5

Real talk; the only two Devil May Cry games that I got deep into and actually completed were the original PS2 classic and the much hated for stupid reasons DmC by Ninja Theory. Both are excellent hack n slash games but DmC is just my jam. Sorry haters. Devil May Cry 5 is the first game in series to be developed and released by Capcom since 2008. What's up with 2019 releasing games people have been waiting over a decade for? While not the biggest DMC fan, I'm a huge fan of over the top hack n slash action and it's definitely been awhile since I've been able to scratch that itch. With my craving to finally pick up and finish Bayonetta 2 on Switch, I'm jonesing (not a real word) to pick this up and slash some demons away. I just hope I can follow the story. I'm sure Capcom realizes a lot of newcomers will be coming in so I should be good.....

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

So much for Bloodborne 2! Apparently this is the game that was teased by FromSoftware from The Game Awards in 2018. I'm a Souls head and anytime FromSoftware releases a game, I'm on it. While I'm on board any Souls-like games coming from them, I also realize it may be time to try another genre. They've mastered the action RPG, so much so, they've basically made a genre out of it. It's time to try something else. My first thought has always been horror because playing through those games always gives me a fright, especially Bloodborne. Apparently, they've heard me and are trying their hands at a straight up action adventure game. No leveling up, no character creation, no multiplayer element. It has more in common with the series Tenchu then Dark Souls. I learned that this was suppose to be a new Tenchu game but changed in development. That makes a lot of sense. Anyway, I don't know too much about the game besides that. I saw the E3 gameplay footage and was sold. March looks like it will be the hack n slash month with this and DMC5 and with FromSoftware's track record this past decade, I'm looking forward to slashing through demons, humans or whatever is put in front of me. I wonder how long this game will be...

Mortal Kombat 11

I'm always surprised more and more when AAA games get announced and we're not waiting 10 years to play it. Mortal Kombat 11 was just announced in December and it will be releasing in April. That's only 5 months from announcement to gameplay. That's pretty good. The trailer, though obviously all CGI and not gameplay, looked vicious and gory. Many have pointed out the use of weapons in the trailer, leading many to think the weapon system from Deadly Alliance will make a comeback. Now admittedly, I'm not the biggest MK fan there is but I loved MKX. I also loved the fact that Netherrealm Studios was essentially trying to make it the horror movie fighting game we never knew we wanted. Adding Jason, Alien, Predator and Leatherface to the mix. Freddy Kruger was included in Mortal Kombat 9 on the PS3 and Xbox 360 and the mobile version of this game. It's time to go all out for this one. We need them all. Bring back all the past ones like Freddy, Jason, Leatherface, Alien and Predator and then add some new ones. We need Michael Myers y'all. I heard Spawn has been teased. Put him in. The new Child's Play will be out in June, can we get Chucky? Or Leprechaun? Hellraiser? Victor Crowley?!?! Sorry...anyway, it should be another banner and bloody title. You can tell I don't really care about the lore or story of it all, I just want guest characters and gore.

Days Gone

Man, no major PS4 exclusives until April!?!? For shame Sony! I kid but it's certainly weird that it will take until April for a big PS4 exclusive as the last two years have shown that they like to get them out quick. 2017 has Yakuza 0, Horizon, Nier and Persona 5 all in the first four months. 2018 had the Shadow of Colossus remaster, Ni No Kuni II and God of War in the first four. We just got Days Gone in 2019 and that's not a bad thing, it's just a realization that PS4 will soon be a thing of the past. Anyway, back to Days Gone! It seems like all of the first party developers for PS4 have a hit. Naughty Dog with Uncharted 4, Insomniac with Spider-Man, Guerrilla Games with Horizon: Zero Dawn and Santa Monica Studios has the best PS4 game of all time in God of War. SIE Bend Studio is probably a developer you don't hear too much from anymore and I wouldn't blame you. While working on the great Syphon Filter series back in the Playstation 1 era, they've been pretty silent, only working on other Sony exclusives for portable platforms, like Resistance and Uncharted. Days Gone is their grand return to consoles and it's an ambitious one; an open world post apocalyptic survival horror video game. This has been done before plenty of times but I feel like Sony is banking on this to be a huge hit this year. Gameplay looks fun and it looks to use crafting systems found in other great PS4 exclusives. I'm all for developers trying a new genre. Guerrilla Games knocked it out of the park with Horizon. Santa Monica did the same when they reinvented God of War from a simple hack n slash to an action RPG classic. I think SIE Bend Studios can do the same. Just...no more delays.

Rage 2

This is a shocker. When Rage first released, it wasn't on my radar at all. I ended up getting it for dirt cheap during one of my gaming binges and I found a gem. It was a great little action FPS that shouldn't have been as good as it was. Now, 8 years later (there's really a trend starting to build here), ID Software is going bigger and bolder with Rage 2. It definitely has a more vibrant look than the original and looks to focus more on the open world aspect. Also, vehicle combat is back and more focused. The original used it lightly but it seems they're turning it up a notch. There's not much else to say about Rage 2. It's a sequel that probably shouldn't exist but we're getting it anyway. ID Software (I realize that Avalanche Studios, developer behind the Just Cause series, is helping) has a great track record lately with the newer Doom title so they know what gamers want from their FPSs. I'm intrigued.

Shenmue III

Ah Shenmue. The game that changed my childhood. The game that made me want an Xbox. The game that made me ask customers if they wanted to try a game of Lucky Hit. For years, fans have begged for a sequel to the series. Shenmue II ends on such a major cliffhanger that a sequel was all but guaranteed to happen. Ryo quest to avenge his father's death went uncompleted and Shenmue received the Skies of Arcadia treatment. Mentions and appearances in other games but never again to star in his own adventure. Shenmue II was released in October 2002. It wouldn't be until E3 2015, nearly 13 years later, that we would finally be shown Shenmue III and even still, Sega wasn't making it. They licensed Shenmue to Yu Suzuki's company and they weren't even making the game with being crowdfunded first. The internet exploded, I exploded and the $2 million goal set was broken the next day. After multiple delays, Shenmue III will be released on August 27th, 2019. That's almost 17 years between releases. Someone born when Shenmue II first came out is almost eligible to vote. That's pure insanity. Anyway, upon looking at it from trailers, it does look a little dated and weird and I haven't seen any gameplay battles or anything but honestly, as long as it plays like a modern day version of Shenmue II, I won't care. I've been waiting WAY too long to be super judgmental and pessimistic about the game. The fact that we're getting this and another beloved Sega franchise this year is mind blowing. I've been waiting my whole life to play this game, I can't wait to finally finish Ryo's story.

Code Vein

Code Vein was one of my most anticipated games to play in September last year but of course, it was delayed. The delay was a blessing in disguise as September 2018 was jam packed with releases. Dragon Quest XI, Spider-Man and Tomb Raider all released within 10 days of each. With no Souls or Bloodborne sequel on the horizon, Code Vein will look to scratch the itch it leaves. While the game does look very anime, the gameplay looks familiar enough for me to sink my teeth into. Even with no solid release date, I'm confidant that Code Vein will see a release in 2019.

Control

This was a major shocker when it was announced last year. Control is the next epic action adventure thriller from the people at Remedy Entertainment, who have a great history with games. These are the people responsible for Max Payne, Alan Wake and Quantum Break. Is it me or do the game titles sound alike? Anyway, Control looks to continue the weird sci fi time travelly vibe from Quantum Break. Gunplay and the behind the shoulder camera seem to return from Quantum Break as well. The main character Jesse Faden also has supernatural powers. I wonder if this game will end up taking place in the same universe as Quantum Break. QB featured a few Easter Eggs from AW so it's not completely out of the question. Control has no release date yet but it the ever cryptic 2019 window. This would make for a great late summer game before the major IPs start to drop and whenever it is released, I'll be sure to dive in.

Indivisible

Hard to believe that Indivisible first released its prototype for its crowdfunding campaign back at the end of 2015. It's been through multiple delays but it looks like the indie RPG will finally release this year. Indivisible is an indie RPG in the same style as Valkyrie Profile, so not only will there be amazing action based combat, there will also be light platforming and Metroidvania like aspects. Turn based RPG + platforming + Metroidvania? This sounds like the exact type of game I need in my life. Not only does it promise to have their own zany characters, the game will feature many guest characters from other amazing indie titles as well. I'm talking about The Drifter from Hyper Light Drifter, Shovel Knight from...well Shovel Knight, Juan from Guccamelee and many others. This has hit written all over it and you can bet this is a day one buy for me.

Streets of Rage 4

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS! Prayer really works ladies and gentlemen! I've been craving for a new Streets of Rage game for my entire life. Streets of Rage 3 was released back in April 1994 and there has been nothing since then. That beats out both Shenmue III and Kingdom Hearts III. With other beat em up titles receiving love in the past decade, like a 3D action adventure game for Final Fight and Golden Axe and a newer version of Double Dragon, the king of beat em ups never got any official new release. There's always been the Streets of Rage Remake, a fan game, which plays better than all three of the titles, but it's not a Sega produced title. Thanks to the people who did Wonder Boy: The Dragon's Trap (publisher DotEmu and developer LizardCube), Streets of Rage will live again. Not much is known about it but they've shown a few seconds of gameplay and it looks great. You can't really mess up a beat em up can you? It's slated for 2019 but who knows if it will see release this year. Just as long as it does come out, I'll be fine. Lastly, Sega please get Yuzo Koshiro to do the soundtrack please. I need those funky club beats playing in the background as I destroy people with my fists.

Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night

I love Metroidvania games. Next to turn based RPGs, they're my favorite game series. We've been blessed lately with a quality amount of titles in the genre, such as A Robot Named Fight, Guccamelee and my favorite, Hollow Knight. Castlevania 2D games have all but died, with the last release of a true Castlevania Metroidvania coming in 2008 for the DS. That's a long time. Koji Igarashi, one of the great minds behind my favorite game of all time Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, left Capcom and used crowdfunding to help produce this game, a spiritual successor to SOTN. That alone makes me insanely interested. This is another game that has suffered massive delays. This was fully funded back in 2015. I'll wait as long as it takes because I'm dying for a new game from Iga, especially since it's so similar to SOTN. Time will tell if it will live up to the hype as crowdfunded games are usually hit or miss (MIGHTY NO 9!!!) but I'm excited and I can't wait to play this, unlock double jump and get to places I couldn't when I first start this game.

There are still PLENTY of other games 2019 has to offer, like Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3 (the Nintendo Switch exclusive sequel to the hit action RPG series), MediEvil (remake of the Playstation classic), Judgment (a new game from the Yakuza studio), Ori and the Will of the Wisps (sequel to one of the best Xbox One games), Ys IX (next entry in the always amazing Ys), Doom Eternal (the next gorey FPS), Ghosts of Tsushima (a new IP from Sucker Punch, developers of Sly Copper and Infamous), Shin Megami Tensei V (the next entry in my favorite RPG series, ONLY for Switch), The Last of Us Part II (Ha! Releasing in 2019; I'm a riot) and Death Stranding (HA HA HA HA HA! I crack myself up) just to name a few. There's sure to be plenty of indie titles I missed, (Like YIIK: A Postmodern RPG, looking to appeal to the Earthbound crowd) rereleases of other classics (like Onimusha, one of my favorite Capcom series growing up) and other surprises to come from all the big gaming events in the world. 2019 will be a banner year for games and my wallet hates that. I love it though!

Thanks for reading!

Will NJPW survive?

New Japan Pro Wrestling always starts the year off with its major Tokyo Dome show Wrestle Kingdom and this year, it entered its 13th iteration. Even with the major time difference between Tokyo and the East Coast, I usually try to watch the last few matches as they air. This year, I made the bold move to watch the entire show from start to finish, which meant coming in from work at midnight, forcing myself to get a power nap and then wake up at 3AM to watch the show. Sorry pre show. I don't regret the decision but I will say this; I felt the show was lacking.

Before you exit this page and never read this blog again, hear me out. Every match, besides the main event, felt short. Even Tetsuya Naito VS Chris Jericho felt a bit short, compared to the Kenny Omega/Jericho match from Wrestle Kingdom 12. NJPW is known for their long main event matches, so tell me why such a heated and deep storytelling match like Jay White and Kazuchika Okaka only got 14 minutes on the biggest card of the year? 14 minutes. Is this WWE? While it was a good match and the ending finisher sequence was great, the length didn't live up to the feud. The Ibushi/Ospreay match was great as expected and hella violent but even still, it could have used 5-10 more minutes to have been an Tokyo Dome classic. Another issue was the involvement of The Elite and its affiliates. With All Elite Wrestling being announced by Cody Rhodes and The Young Bucks and with them signing contracts, it was all but confirmed they would be losing their respective matches and of course, they all did. That killed suspense for those matches, which didn't help as they were already some of the weaker matches. Did anyone really want to see Juice Robinson VS Cody? At Wrestle Kingdom at that? For the 2nd time? It didn't have an effect on the quality of the main event pitting Hiroshi Tanahashi against Kenny Omega (which was the match of the night) but it did have a predictable outcome. And the finish was weak. One High Fly Flow? Even Okada had to do about four Rainmakers to put Omega down. It was a good show overall, thanks to many of the singles title matches (Ibushi/Ospreay, Sabre Jr/Ishii Kushida/Ishimori, Naito/Jericho and Tanahashi/Omega) but there was something off. Maybe it was because my expectations were so high after the last few Wrestle Kingdoms but I can't shake the feeling that something was off.

As usual, following Wrestle Kingdom, NJPW put on New Year Dash, a show where the card is only announced right when the show comes on. This event sets the pace for the whole year and usually jump starts storylines for the whole year. Last year, it started the ascension of Jay White and featured Jericho's brutal attack on Tetsuya Naito. This year? It was a let down. I never watch this show for match quality. It's all about set up. It's the Raw after Wrestlemania. NJPW just didn't do enough to get me excited for the future. Yes, Ishii and Nagata will be a violent affair in the coming months, Taichi taking out Naito was shocking and White's ascension to top heel in NJPW is fun to watch. It just didn't shock and awe as it has in the past years. Yujiro and Chase Owens going back to The Bullet Club was ok. It doesn't do anything for me unfortunately. Also, it didn't feature many stars. Ibushi suffered a concussion in his match with Ospreay so he was a no go. Cody and The Bucks didn't compete as again, AEW is now a thing. It didn't even feature Kenny freaking Omega. You know, the guy who defended his title in the main event? This will only fuel speculation that Omega is on his way out of the company. They really could have put Omega in the main event. Could you imagine the dream team of Okada, Omega and Tanahashi? Instead, we got a returning Yoshi-Hashi and he took the pinfall loss. White pinning Omega would have put White in elite (no pun intended) company, confirming his status as a major player in 2019. New Year Dash was fun and that six man tag of Ospreay/Goto/Ishii VS Kushida/Nagata/Cobb was the show stealer for sure but it's a missable event.

NJPW put on two entertaining days of pro wrestling. Did everything meet what my expectations? Of course not but it was still sleep I don't regret missing. If that was Omega's final match in NJPW, it was a barn burner of an exit. Omega's next step will be heavily talked about in the coming months. Let's talk about all his options, shall we?

Omega staying in Japan could lead to his redemption over Tanahashi in a future main event. It could also lead to another epic clash with Okada. Other than that, there's really nothing left for him. He's already been Junior Heavyweight, Intercontinental, United States and Heavyweight champion. He's only short the Never Openweight Title but is that really worth sticking around for? Omega, as proven in his two Wrestle Kingdom main events, will never be the guy of the company. NJPW is clearly sticking with their two aces in Tanahashi and Okada. He had his moment but with his reign being less interesting than his chase, it might be time for a change of scenery.

It's no secret that WWE wanted The Elite. Cody and The Young Bucks turned them down so they could open their own company but Kenny Omega hasn't signed with AEW just yet, meaning a WWE run isn't completely out of the question. Rumors are circulating that WWE offered Omega a 'fantastic' deal. Omega in WWE could lead to him finally feuding with former Bullet Club leaders in Finn Balor and AJ Styles. It could also lead to a major match with Shinsuke Nakamura and probably the biggest dream match of them all; against Seth Freaking Rollins. There are many positives with an Omega signing but there's plenty of negatives as well. Not everyone can turn out to be an AJ Styles, just remember that.

The obvious thing would be for Kenny Omega to sign with All Elite Wrestling and be with his brethren. Omega wants to change the world with his wrestling and it might be easier to change it by competing in this up and coming brand where he'll most likely have control over his character. Of all the offers, staying with The Elite would please everyone, but sometimes pleasing everyone is not the right answer.

Omega's decision will change the game in 2019. Staying with New Japan will please the wrestling purists, going with AEW with please the marks and going with WWE will give Omega far more exposure than he's every had in his life. It would also lead to working more dates, traveling and toning down his style. If it worked for AJ, I think it could work for Omega. He's 35 and could still go to AEW one day or even vice versa. This is a delicate situation. While I'm totally against Omega staying with NJPW, I'm torn between choosing loyalty with AEW or choosing a new venture with WWE. Competition is a good thing and with Omega as the face of AEW, it would force WWE to approach things differently.

It's not my job to stress though. I'm just looking forward to whatever is next for him. Just...don't choose NJPW. You've done all you could do there.

January should be very interesting....

Royal Rumble Fun Facts: 2019 Hyper Edition

I did a post back in 2016 featuring some fun facts about my favorite match type; the Royal Rumble match. This will be the exact same post but updated to include stats from the 2017 Rumble and all three Rumbles in 2018, including the men, the women and the Greatest from Saudi. Think of it as the remastered version. Hey, it's the hip thing to do nowadays.

-The first three spots in the Royal Rumble have the worst odds, as you have to basically to last the whole match to reach the end. In a surprising number, the first three numbers have produced almost the same amount of winners as the last three numbers. Shawn Michaels and Chris Benoit won from the #1 entry in 1995 and 2004 respectively, Vince McMahon and Rey Mysterio won from the #2 entry in 1999 and 2006 respectively and Ric Flair won the match and the WWE Title from the #3 entry in 1992. The number 28 has been very good to Batista as he won the Royal Rumble in 2005 and 2014. Brock Lensar and Edge won from #29 in 2003 and 2010 respectively. The Undertaker was the first man to win from the coveted #30 spot in 2007, John Cena followed up in 2008 and Triple H shocked no one when he did it in 2016. 5 winners from the first three compared to 7 winners from the last three. Odds are good with those numbers!

-#27 gets a lot of credit as being the luckiest number to draw as the most number of winners have come from it. Big John Studd in 1989, Yokozuna in 1993, Bret Hart in 1994 and Stone Cold in 2001 have all won from that entry. Have you ever wondered what's the next best number? There's now two answers. That would be #24 as that number has produced 3 different winners in the 33 Royal Rumbles and they are an elite list of superstars. Hogan did it first in 1991 followed by Stone Cold's win in 1998 and then The Rock in 2000. The Mt. Rushmore of professional wrestling! How is Stone Cold's name associated with TWO of the best numbers to draw? Will another elite star enter 24 and win in 2019? #30 has crept up and tied this record in 2016 as described in the paragraph above. Speaking of #30, did you know The Undertaker is the only man to have entered #30 three different times? That was in 1997, 2003, and 2007.

-The 14th entrant has long thought to have been cursed in WWE. It was usually given to stars with not much direction or tragically, to stars who passed from us way too young. When 2018 Rumble favorite Shinsuke Nakamura made his way out to the ring, it looked like the curse was finally broken and indeed it was as Nakamura was able to punch his ticket by winning from the cursed number. It's the first winner from a new number since Orton won from #8 in 2009. Granted, you can make an argument for Del Rio, who won from #38 in 2011 and Braun Strowman, who won from #41 in 2018's Greatest RR but since the 40 and 50 man Rumbles aren't the norm, I'm sticking to my guns.

-History shows that the person who controls the match the most usually doesn't win. Look at some of the great performances in the last couple years as proof. Kane eliminated 11 guys in 2001, only to be the runner up. Likewise, Reigns took out 12 men in 2014, only to lose to Batista. CM Punk had impressive Rumbles in 2010 and 2011, eliminating over 10 stars between the both of them but couldn't win either one. Wyatt had a breakout performance in the Rumble in 2015 but couldn't turn it into a win. If you want to win, be a surprise entrant or don't do too much work. Braun Strowman proved my stat wrong when he eliminated 13 men in the Greatest Royal Rumble and won. 50 guys, but still, impressive. Strowman's 13 eliminations is now the record, beating Reigns by 1. Those two will never stop will they?

-The 2010 Royal Rumble is currently the only one in history where the #30 entrant came out and was automatically apart of the Final Four. Edge, Cena and HBK were already in the ring when Batista came in at #30. That has to be one of the best Final Four in history, in terms of star power. 2018's Men's Final Four was pretty awesome as well, featuring Finn Balor, Shinsuke Nakamura, John Cena and Roman Reigns. Amazing.

-All but five of the men's Rumble winners have been World Champions. The only five that haven't won a World Title are Lex Luger, John Studd, Jim Duggan, Shinsuke Nakamura and Braun Strowman. Nakamura and Strowman have plenty of time though.

-Big Show, Triple H, John Cena and Roman Reigns are the only men to be the runner up at multiple Royal Rumbles. Big Show in 2000 and 2004, Triple H did it BACK TO BACK years in 2008 and 2009 while Cena did it five years apart, once in 2005 the other in 2010. Roman Reigns stands alone in this category, being a runner up three times! That happened in 2014, 2017 and 2018. He was apart of the Final Three in 2016 as well. I said this before but it really should be called the Reigns Rumble.

-Starting in 2005, the final four/three/two reflected what the main events or World Title matches were going to be for Wrestlemania. 2005, Batista won by eliminating Cena. They both went on to win titles at Wrestlemania 21. In 2006, Rey Mysterio won by eliminating Triple H and Randy Orton. Mysterio and Orton were involved in a Triple Threat for the title while Triple H went onto main event against John Cena. In 2007, Undertaker won by eliminating HBK. At Wrestlemania 23, HBK and Taker would face their respective brand champions. In 2008, John Cena shocked the world and won the Rumble match by last eliminating Triple H. The two were apart of the WWE Title match at Wrestlemania. In 2009, Orton won by eliminating Triple H last. They WERE the main event at Wrestlemania 25. In 2010, the final four of Edge, HBK, Cena and Batista were all in main event matches at Wrestlemania 26; Edge against Jericho, Cena against Batista and HBK VS Taker. It happened also in 2012 when Sheamus won by eliminating Jericho. Sheamus faced Daniel Bryan and then Jericho would face CM Punk at Wrestlemania 28 in both brand's respective World title matches. 2016's Final Three were Roman Reigns, Triple H and Dean Ambrose. Ambrose was featured in a big match with Brock Lesnar while Reigns and HHH were the main event. 2017's Final Three were Randy Orton, Bray Wyatt and Roman Reigns. Wyatt and Orton faced each other in the WWE Title match while Reigns main evented against The Undertaker. 2018's final two in the men's Royal Rumble, Shinsuke Nakamura and Roman Reigns, both challenged their respective brand's champions....and lost. Regardless, it fits my criteria.

-With the women's Royal Rumble now being a yearly tradition, there's even more stats! Per usual, the first two entrants lasted the longest. Becky at #2 lasted a little over a half hour while #1 Sasha Banks lasted almost 55 minutes, being apart of the Final Four with The Bellas and eventual winner Asuka. No longer cursed #14, Michelle McCool, who happened to be a surprise but not unexpected entrant, eliminated 5 stars in her 8 minutes in the Rumble. Nikki Bella and Nia Jax weren't far behind with 4, while Trish, Sasha Banks, Natalya and winner Asuka had 3. Finally, Asuka won at #25, making her the 2nd winner from this number, joining Hulk Hogan. Looking forward to more stats to come!

-Here's a strange one. You would think that the longer you stay in the match, the more stars you would eliminate right? Well only 13 times out of 33 Rumble matches has the person who's lasted the longest also eliminated the most stars in the match. That's about 39%. Here's who did it: Finn Balor (2018), Roman Reigns (2016), Bray Wyatt (2015), CM Punk and John Cena (2011), Triple H (2009), Rey Mysterio (2006), Chris Benoit (2004), Chris Jericho (2003), Stone Cold Steve Austin actually did it three times (1997, 1999 and 2002), Kane (2001), and HBK (1995).

-Daniel Bryan destroyed a 12 year old record at the Greatest Royal Rumble back in April 2018. Bryan lasted 76 minutes, that's an hour and 16 minutes, in the match. Did I mention that he was the #1 entrant? He broke Mysterio's record by nearly 14 minutes. Now, again, this was a longer match with 20 more entrants than Mysterio's Rumble in 2006 but it's still impressive nonetheless. Speaking of time spent in the Rumble, Chris Jericho holds the record for cumulative time spent in the match. Currently in his 11 appearances in the match (I say currently because you know, Jericho is Jericho), Jericho has lasted 5 hours, 1 minute and 30 seconds. That includes the 51 minutes from 2016, nearly 48 minutes from 2013, the near 39 minutes from 2003 and his best time; 1 hour and and 13 seconds from 2017. He's the one hour man baby!

-Kane, one of the best Royal Rumble performers in history, currently holds two records for the event. We all know Reigns broke his most eliminated in a single Rumble record back in 2014 (Kane held that title for 13 long years) but he still holds the most Royal Rumble appearances and the most cumulative eliminations. He has 44 eliminations in 19 Royal Rumble matches. Quite impressive. The closest currently active superstars who could top his eliminations are Triple H with 33, Big Show with 31 and Randy Orton, John Cena and Braun Strowman with 25 each. Roman Reigns has 30 himself and Lord willing that he comes back after spearing leukemia, he has the best chance at taking another record from Kane. While we're on eliminations, let's look at some more eliminations numbers.

-Austin competed in 6 Rumbles in his career and eliminated 36 SUPERSTARS total. That's an impressive average of 6 stars each match. That's insane, especially considering Shawn Michaels, who's been in double the amount of Rumbles than Austin at 12, only has 40 eliminations. Triple H has an impressive 33 eliminations in 9 Rumble matches. As I said with Roman, he's sitting at 30 eliminations in 5 appearances. He's averaging Austin numbers right now with 6 eliminations per match. Mr. Braun Strowman is not far behind. The guy has 25 eliminations in 3 appearances. That's basically 8 eliminations per Rumble. Lord, help the other competitors if Strowman loses to Lesnar and enters the 2019 Rumble.

-As far as appearances, Kane's 19 is crazy impressive. 13 of those he did in a row. Ironically, Goldust is the only one close to Kane and he sits at 13 appearances. Depending on how long Kofi Kingston, Dolph Ziggler and The Miz all stay in WWE, (they're all in their late 30s) one of them could break the record. They all sit at 11 appearances. It also depends if WWE does anymore Royal Rumbles in Saudi Arabia or around the world. If the GRR becomes a tradition and Kingston, Miz and Ziggler compete in both yearly, the record could be shattered. Goldust is in the same boat. Time will tell.

1/6/19 UPDATE

-Final Four stats! Here's a unique one; the 2005 Final Four, consisting of John Cena, Edge, Rey Mysterio and 2005 winner Batista, showed the future of the company. It also would showcase the four winners of the event for the next half decade. Batista won in 2005, Mysterio the following year in 2006, Cena two years later in 2008 and Edge in 2010. There isn't another final four with this unique stat. There's never been a Final Four where all the competitors were former Rumble winners.  It's been close a few times. 2010's Final Four of Edge, Batista, HBK and Cena featured three former winners and the actual winner of that year's Rumble and 2016 featured Roman Reigns, Triple H, Sheamus and Ambrose, another three former winners and maybe a future one in Ambrose. 2019 could finally feature a Final Four of all past winners, if some combination of Mysterio, Sheamus, Orton, Cena, Shinsuke Nakamura or Braun Strowman survive. Not likely, but it is possible.

1/7/19 UPDATE

-Which number is the most likely to be eliminated first each year? Based off of the 33 Rumbles, if you enter #3, you have a 45% chance of being the first one out of the match. 15 Royal Rumbles in history have had the #3 entry eliminated first. The #2 entry is next with 9 overall first eliminations which is followed by  #5 with 5 overall first eliminations. If you get #1 or #4, chances are you won't be eliminated first, as only 3 times has the #1 entry gone out first and only ONE TIME has the #4 entry left the Rumble first. The #1 entry being eliminated first was first done in 2003 (Shawn Michaels) then again in 2007 (Ric Flair) and lastly in 2015 (The Miz). The only time the #4 entrant was eliminated first was in 2018 in the women's Royal Rumble and that was none other than Mandy Rose.

-Speaking of runner ups, did you know the #30 has been a runner up 7 times in Rumble history? It happened five times alone before Undertaker finally won from #30 in 2007. The #30 was also apart of the final two three years in a row from 2006-2008, with a 2-1. Sorry Randy Orton. Overall, the #30 was apart of the final two 10 out of 33 Royal Rumbles. If you take out the 2011 and 2018's Greatest, since they were 40 and 50 men respectively, it's 10/31, which is a 32.25% that being the #30 will get you close to winning to event. Only three have converted though.

-Did you know that before the 2018 Women's Royal Rumble, if you drew #27 and made it to the Final Two, you had a 100% chance of winning the match? When Big John Studd, Yokozuna, Bret Hart and Stone Cold drew #27, they were the only superstars to make it to the final two from that number. Between 2002-2017, there were no #27s apart of the Final Two. That changed in 2018 when Nikki Bella entered at the coveted number. She wasn't able to continue on the streak. Still, if you #27 and make it to the Final Two, you have an 80% chance of winning the match.

-Did you know #1 and #2 have only been the Final Two in the Royal Rumble match twice? And it happened in the same decade as well. Shawn Michaels and The British Bulldog first did it in 1995 followed by Stone Cold Steve Austin and Vince McMahon in 1999. #1 eliminated #2 in 95 while #2 beat #1 in 99. Also, never in the 33 Rumbles have the Final Two been the #1 entrant and the #30 entrant. It came close in 2006, when Rey Mysterio from #2 lasted to the end with #30 Randy Orton. What about the last two entrants, #29 and #30 being the last two? That's happened twice. It first happened in 2003 with #29 Brock Lesnar eliminating #30 Undertaker and again in 2008 with #30 John Cena eliminating #29 Triple H. In fact, the Final Two being numbers that follow each other in numerical order has only happened a total of 6 times. The four times mentioned already and two more times; 2009 and 2011. #8 Randy Orton eliminating #7 Triple H in 09 and #38 Alberto Del Rio eliminating #37 Santino Marella.

-The only numbers without winners as of 2019 in a traditional 30 superstar Royal Rumble are as followed; 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21 and 26. Only 4, 6, 7, 15 and 26 have even been apart of the Final Two. #15 did it back to back years in 2014 and 2015. Ironically, Roman Reigns drew #15 in 2014 and was the runner up, then had to eliminate #15 last in 2015 to win his only Rumble.  #26 did it twice as well, in 2000 and 2002 with Big Show and Kurt Angle unable to win from those years respectively. The others may have gotten to the Final Four (haven't checked that stat) but never a runner up or a winning berth. The only winning numbers with sole winners as of 2019 in a traditional 30 superstar Royal Rumble are as followed: 3, 5, 8, 13, 14, and 18. All winners above 22 (as 20 and 21 don't have winners yet), have multiple winners. In the 31 traditional 30 superstar Rumbles, 20 winners have come from #22 and up. Adding 2011's 40 man Rumble and 2018's Greatest Rumble with 50 stars, it goes to 22.

And that's all I got for you this time! I'm currently doing my yearly watching of all the Royal Rumbles (I'm on the 2008 edition) so if any other weird or interesting stats or facts come to my mind, I will post and update.

2019 Movies

If you're a normal person, you might not realize what a jam packed year of movies we have in store. See me, I'm not normal and as I sit here and look at the movies we have coming in 2019, I realize one thing; for the first time in my life, I will be in a movie theater EVERY month of the year. I thought 2018 was heavy on releases but 2019 looks to ruin my free time and wallet at the same time. I'm not exaggerating at all either. December may be the only month I don't watch a movie but if I finally get into Star Wars like I've been planning to for a decade now, you can add that to the list. Let's go through all the movies I'll be paying for in 2019.

Escape Room

2019 starts off strong with a movie I don't think will get a lot of traction but I'm really looking forward to. Firstly, it's a PG-13 horror movie. I cannot stand PG-13 horror movies. Happy Death Day is the only one that comes to mind that I really enjoyed in the past 5 years or so. I like the concept of a deadly Escape Room because it reminds me a lot of the Zero Escape series. If you know anything about me or have read any of the posts on this blog, you'll know that Zero Escape is easily my favorite visual novel series of all time and it has a similar idea. If Escape Room can do what Zero Escape does in 2 hours, then it should be a fun movie to start my year off right.

Happy Death Day 2U

Happy Death Day was a surprise hit when it released in 2017. A horror take of one of my favorite movies Groundhog Day, the story of Tree dying over and over again, trying to find her killer and become a better person in the process made for a very fun film. Not only was it suspenseful, it was filled with great jokes and nods to the movies that inspired it. The sequel will hopefully do the same. The trailer shows that not only Tree but her friends are now in the time loop as well. It also shows that original killer Lori is killed in the new loop. Who's the killer? Why are Tree's friends involved? Why is the loop happening in the first place? Hopefully, all of these questions and more will be answered Valentine's Day 2019.

Captain Marvel

Here we go. The first of many superhero movies that will grace this list. The first superhero movie (not counting Glass) of the year and it's a major one. It's the first solo female MCU film and it releases on International Women's Day. Coincidence? I think not. CM is a prequel set in the 1990s and while it may not continue the storyline set in Infinity War, it will definitely introduce us to one of the power players featured in Avengers Endgame. I'm excited. I don't know too much about Captain Marvel but I'm looking forward to getting the Skrulls in the MCU and learning more about her character and exactly why it took Thanos killing half the population before she makes her presence felt. Marvel knows they have to go all out on their first solo female superhero movie so I expect CM to not only impress but break records when it releases in March.

Us

Are you ready for this next statement? Jordan Peele's Us is my most anticipated movie release of 2019. In a year where two of my favorite Disney movies are getting the live action treatment, where Marvel will be 'ending' an 11 year saga with Endgame and where my favorite superhero will get his 2nd solo MCU movie, Us is the movie I'm most intrigued to see. Get Out was my movie of the year in 2017. The roller coaster ride of emotions it took, the excellent job done by Lil Rel and it's satisfying conclusion made for a movie I was talking about LONG after the credits rolled. Now I will say this about Get Out VS Us; Get Out had the suspense of what was actually at play. What I mean is, no one in their right mind could tell you Get Out's twist based on the trailers. Us clearly shows us that the family will be apparently going up against versions of themselves. Doppelgangers. There is suspense on WHY this is all happening. Again, based off of Peele's last success, Us is a movie I have to see ASAP.

Shazam!

I feel like this movie was suppose to come out ages ago. I remember hearing so many things about this and Black Adam but in April, on Wrestlemania weekend, Shazam will finally release. I'm a huge fan of Zachary Levi and have been since Chuck so to see him in a starring role for a superhero movie is pretty surreal. The DCEU has been lacking the fun and campiness (not a word) of the MCU. Suicide Squad tried to desperately to be light hearted and it succeeds in some aspects but there is still nothing that compares to the fun like Thor Raganork. Hopefully, DC has a hit on their hands with Shazam.

Avengers: Endgame

This is it. The direct sequel to Infinity War. I really don't have to explain why this is many people's most anticipated movie for 2019 or why it will be the top grossing movie of 2019 (sorry Star Wars IX). It's the current 'end' of the 11 year saga, first started with Iron Man in 2008. This movie will hopefully answer many of the questions presented in its predecessors such as will everyone who was snapped away come back, how Ant Man got out of the Quantum Realm and if Thanos will really be the big bad for this movie. Regardless of how it goes down, people, including myself, will flock to the theaters to see how it will all go down. More importantly, I'm looking forward to post credit scenes. Kevin Feige said they could start working on Fox owned Marvel properties as early the start of 2019. Why couldn't they then film a quick scene featuring a Fox owned Marvel character finally making their way to the MCU? Maybe even the next big bad. Time will tell. All eyes will be on the big screen come April 26th.

Aladdin

ARABIAN NIIIIIGGGGGHHHHTTTSSS, like ARABIAN DAAAAYYYYSSSS!! More often than not, Are hotter than hot, in a lot of good WAAAYYYYSSS!!!!! Can we take a minute to appreciate how amazing Disney TV show theme songs were? Anyway, Aladdin is my jam but I'm more or so attached to the animated TV series than the 1992 classic that's getting the reboot. I'm all for it. Once they started doing all these live action Disney classics, Aladdin was right at the top of the list in movies I wanted to see. I also love that the cast isn't whitewashed. The Princess Jasmine they got? She's gorgeous. I loved Naomi Scott in Power Rangers so I'm excited to see her play the powerful Jasmine. Will Smith as Genie is casting done right. Smith is probably my favorite actor due to his ability to play a variety of different roles. Playing Genie harkens back to his Fresh Prince goofy days and I hope he'll bring the character to life. Disney has been undefeated in their live action attempts so here's hoping Aladdin will be another billion dollar success.

Dark Phoenix

After numerous delays, the next movie in Fox's X-Men franchise will release. With Disney's purchase of 20th Century Fox, this movie is very intriguing. Will they find a way to tie it into the MCU or will it just be a stand alone movie? Regardless, I'm interested. I'm a fan of the X-Men movies and after the love it or hate it X-Men: Apocalypse, I'm very excited to see where the saga goes next. It will be a bit bittersweet if this is the end. The franchise has been going on for 19 years. That's longer than the MCU if you're counting. Hugh Jackman leaving the poster of Wolverine was a tough pill to swallow in 2017, especially after the Disney-Fox news. Anyway, I want to see how they'll handle the Phoenix Force saga and the introduction of the villain played by Jessica Chastain. Even if this is the end, I can't wait until June to see what they do.

Men in Black: International

Men in Black is back. It's been long rumored that a fourth entry in the MiB series would coming and even a movie that crossed over with the fantastic 21 Jump Street series. Well, this is neither of those films. This is a new spin off, featuring Chris Hemsworth and Tessa Thompson. You know, two stars of Thor Ragnarok, the best of the Thor trilogy. They had great chemistry so this should be fun for them to do something in a different element. There hasn't been any reports on whether Will Smith or Tommy Lee Jones will at least make a cameo but come on, please guys? Something real quick would do. MiB is one of the first series I fell in love with growing up and I hope they can do the series justice. Now, where is the next 21 Jump Street movie?!?

Toy Story 4 and Child's Play

We need to talk about this one guys. Does no one see how hilarious it is that two very different movies about toys is releasing on the SAME day in 2019? The highly anticipated fourth entry in the beloved Disney Pixar series and the reboot to one of the most iconic slasher villains in history releases on June 21st. This is a promotional gold mine. I can't wait to see the commercials for Child's Play. Anyway, both series are close to my heart. Toy Story is my favorite animated movie series of all time, with Toy Story 3's ending being so real and so easy to relate to, I almost cried while watching it. Child's Play always scared me as a child. I have a vivid memory going up of walking into the room as my mother was watching Child's Play 2. Remember the scene when Chucky is killing the teacher with the yard stick? I never will forget it. Child's Play, unlike Toy Story 4, is a reboot. While they're keeping the same characters, such as Chucky and Andy Barclay, they're completing doing away with the Good Guys name. They are now referred to as Buddi, with the I looking like a wi-fi signal. What could be worst than a Chucky with wi-fi access?!? That should be terrifying. Toy Story 4 will likely conclude the adventures of Woody, Buzz and friends. It looks to ask some important questions, like what counts being a toy? There's a new character named Forky, who's just a fork with some things added to look like a toy. He's suffering from a crisis, claiming he's not a toy. The issues it looks to deal with are as adult as the audience that looks to see the film. The best thing about Toy Story 4? Key and Peele are doing voices along with Keanu Reeves. Whatever your tastes, June 21st looks to scratch that need. You want your toys homicidal or do you want your toys to teach you a valuable life lesson? Well, I want both (as I'm selfish) and my wife and I are already discussing the double feature date day that is to come.

Spider-Man: Far From Home

I have a lot of questions. Come July, we'll know many of them but currently, the biggest question is just when this movie takes place in the MCU timeline. Spider-Man, along with many of Earth's Mightiest Heroes, are gone, snapped away thanks to Thanos's Decimation. Putting a Spider Man movie on the calendar basically spoils that he'll be back. That is, unless the film is taking place during a different time period. Maybe it doesn't and it's a continuation of the events of Endgame? This is certainly a major talking point when the movie releases. (I did some research and it does take place AFTER Endgame, so there's that.) Peter Parker's main villains in the movie will be Mysterio and the Elementals. With Mysterio able to do mystical things and the Elementals able to um...control the elements, Spider Man gets no break in his next adventure. As the first movie post Endgame, I'm expecting Spider-Man to bring back some joy that has sure to have been lost in the aftermath of Thanos and whatever happens in Endgame. If anyone can do it, it's Spider Man. Hoping for another successful solo outing from my favorite superhero.

The Lion King

Disney just wants ALL the money in 2019. Like the other remakes before it, The Lion King will be a mix of live action and computer animation. The remake is very welcome as Lion King will be celebrating its 25th birthday in 2019. Disney went all out with the voice cast too. Simba voiced by Donald Glover? Yes please. Troy from Community is one of my favorite TV characters and I love him in Atlanta as well. Nala his love interest? Voiced by none other than Beyonce. Have you guys ever heard of her? Apparently, she's super famous. Timon and Pumbaa? Billy Eichner and Seth Rogen respectively. I don't like to say this the word perfect but this is perfect casting. Rogen as Pumbaa just freaking fits. I never knew how much I needed that in my life until it was announced. While the story will remain the same, I'm interested in what ways this new direction will take to get there. If the cast is anything to go by, Disney has ANOTHER billion dollar movie in 2019.

The New Mutants

We all should have seen this movie by now. This was originally set to be released in April 2018, before getting a 10 month delay to February 2019. It was THEN delayed again 6 more months to its current August 2019 release date. TNM coming out in August may hurt it. By then, we should have a clearer answer of how they plan to integrate Fox owned Marvel characters into the MCU, whether it be clues in Endgame or Far From Home or hints from the team at Comic Con. Will people want to see a pointless movie with characters that Disney may or may not use in the future? What makes this movie unique is that it's a horror based movie, something that hasn't been attempted in any superhero cinematic universe yet. I'm very intrigued with a horror movie where the victims have supernatural abilities. How do you invite fear to them? I guess we'll see in August, if it even releases...


It: Chapter Two

I really didn't expect It to be as amazing it was back in 2017. The story had been adapted before in 1990 and it was a well respected version of a classic novel. Well, until the end. Of course though, Hollywood is always out to remake or reboot a franchise and It was one of the major successes of 2017. Managing to be scary, funny and a thrill ride from start to finish, the kids of Derry turned out to be better this time around then in the 90s. As with the original, it's been split into two parts; childhood and adulthood. Chapter Two will focus on adulthood with some flashbacks going back to their youth. As with the first one, I'm not going to set my standards so high and disappoint myself but with this great cast that includes Young Professor Charles Xavier and the guy from the Old Spice commercials (I know their names!), this should be fun. Also, they should be able to kill one of them off and show it. I mean, really show it. Pennywise can't be the only one getting maimed in this one.

Although there are many other movies to cover, such Joker, Zombieland Too, Are you Afraid of the Dark, Terminator 6, Charlie's Angels, Sonic the Hedgehog (it's going to suck, I just KNOW IT!), Kingsman: The Great Game, and Star Wars IX, I'd figured I'll leave to speaking about those when I actually see them. Plus, 2019 has crept up on me and I haven't gotten this post out yet and Escape Room releases on Friday! So, for time's sake, let's stop here.

2019 has just about everything covered. Superhero, action, nostalgia, gore, comedy, it's all going down. 2019 might be the biggest payday for Hollywood ever, with Disney movies almost assuredly going to rake in billions upon billions. Look at it; Captain Marvel, Avengers Endgame, Spider Man: Far From Home from Marvel; Star Wars Episode IX for Lucasfilm, and Dumbo, Aladdin, Lion King, Toy Story 4 and Frozen 2 from Disney studios and Pixar. Avengers is $2 billion alone, Star Wars $1.5 billion, Toy Story and Frozen $1 billion each, the others will definitely all get close. I don't think $10 billion isn't out of reach for them in 2019.

Time will tell but it's going to be an epic year for movies.