WRESTLEMANIA SEASON B*TCHES! (Rumble Spoilers - be careful!)

The Royal Rumble last night proved two things. One: It's not above having TNA style screwy finishes to EVERY championship match, and two: they are not scared of taking chances.

First off, Championship matches. Nexus involvement, last minute title match changes, and an important World Championship match save from Kelly Kelly??? Not sure what WWE are trying to achieve here to the hardcore viewer, although it seems they want to rekindle the 'anything can happen' mentality. But not sure having 100% of the matches at the official start of Wrestlemania season (only 62 days to go!) ending in cheating/confusion is the best way to go about it.

Last night I witnessed what my friend described as 'the best Royal Rumble moment ever'. John Morrison was seemingly eliminated and clung onto dear life on the fan's barrier without touching the floor. He then regrouped and leaped back into the ring.

They brought back Booker T, albeit without his King Booker gimmick. In a Boston crowd which I would have imaged had moved from the Booker T era. He was well recieved and should be in line for a WWE return should all the stars be alighted.

Kevin Nash (not Deizel) made a shock return last night after a tenure with TNA wrestling. Nash made no secret of loving his WWE past during his time at Jeff Jerret's company, and it seems with HBK going into the hall of fame this year, Nash wants to be around to see it happen in person. I can see him inducting Shawn but I'm pushing the boat out for Bret Hart at this moment. Although the stare down with big show looked very, very staged. Wrestlemania match anyone?

Speaking of Wrestlemania matches; these are my predictions...

Rey VS Cody Roages (hopefully Cody displaying some of this new found attitude from Smackdown past)

Money in the bank (Evan Bourne as cert, some of Nexus/Corre, Daniel Bryan, Dolf Ziggler, Morrision)

Undertaker VS Wade Barrett (If taker is healthy)

Orton VS CM PUNK.

Miz VS Cena

annnnnnnnnd

Alberto Del Rio VS Edge for the Championship

Alberto winning the Rumble is a sign of great faith in the newbie who has not even won ANY form of championship since his interception in the higher mid card on Smackdown. He has had all of 2 or 3 pay per view matches and doesnt feel like a main eventier to me. This could change. From gazing upon the list of past winners, they have never elevated a new midcarder to the top via the Royal Rumble, it's always been an established superstar.

If WWE REALLY wanted to take a risk, they would have Awesome Kong Debut at number 40.

But the special mention of the night has to go to Santino Marrella...

Unbelievable scenes; just as Alberto celebrates his win, Santino emerges, still a legal contender, and prepares to strike for a Cobra. Hits it and begins to party like its 1999. Seemingly about to win. From reading this you may think "you never expected him to win did you?", but the thing is, I never expected Alberto to win. So given his new found popularity, Santino winning would have been the most amazing surprise. Of course, he didn't. But for those few minutes WWE managed to do something they have only managed to make me do once of twice in the last year. Thats leap up from my seat starry eyed in anticipation, like it's actually, a real sport.

It only happens once a year, but that's what Wrestlemania season does to you on a frequent basis. I am hereby stating that I will not miss a single moment of WWE leading up till April 3rd. Well, maybe Superstars.

Last year HBK cost Undertaker the championship, Bret Hart returned and hugged Shawn Michaels, Batista screwed Cena, Morrision grew as a performer inside a chamber, and a fresh faced Wade Barrett emerged from nowhere.

If they can give Alberto a WM main event rub, I'm watching with intent was to what else they are willing to do.