Wrestling Is Real Wrestling Podcast

The 2025 Royal Rumble sent a clear message: Experience trumps hype. Charlotte Flair's triumphant return, two years in the making, culminated in a dominant Rumble victory, last eliminating Roxanne Perez. While Flair shone, a glaring weakness was exposed: NXT stars like Giulia, Vaquer, Legend, and Parker received a muted response, proving Triple H's developmental system isn't creating mainstream stars. The over-produced lower third scoreboard only amplified the problem, distracting from the action instead of enhancing it. Even Nia Jax's prolonged eliminations felt forced, highlighting the lack of credible threats.

The tag team scene sputtered with #DIY (Gargano & Ciampa) retaining against the Motor City Machine Guns in a lukewarm two-out-of-three falls match. The "hot potato" feud failed to ignite, and the re-introduction of the Street Profits suggests a creative reset is needed. Cody Rhodes' hard-fought ladder match victory over Kevin Owens for the Undisputed WWE Championship, while ultimately satisfying, was hampered by a convoluted build. Owens' unexplained heel turn and reliance on the Survivor Series Bloodline angle felt like a band-aid on a poorly conceived storyline.

The Men's Rumble offered a mix of nostalgia and novelty. A symbolic start with Penta and Rey Mysterio gave way to the spectacle of IShowSpeed's brief but memorable appearance, courtesy of a Bron Breakker spear. TNA Champion Joe Hendry's surprising entrance generated a genuine pop, demonstrating the power of a well-developed gimmick. Breakker's early elimination underscored the night's theme: the old guard reigns supreme. The Reigns/Fatu confrontation hinted at a deeper story, though Solo Sikoa's absence felt like a missed opportunity. Strowman's continued involvement despite a supposed injury further diluted the impact. The final stretch saw a clash of titans: Punk, Rollins, Reigns, and Cena. Jey Uso's shocking elimination of Cena, who was visibly stunned, set the stage for a dramatic conclusion. The final three were Cena, Logan Paul, and Jey Uso.

This year's WrestleMania season will heavily feature stars forged under Vince McMahon's watch. Triple H's NXT projects are taking a backseat. The only youthful exceptions making a splash are influencers like Kai Cenat and IShowSpeed, who streamed their Rumble experiences live, proving that while the in-ring landscape may be vintage, the audience is undeniably modern.

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