Seems like the wrestling world is abuzz over the news that WWE will be adding an additional ten superstars to the traditional 30 man Royal Rumble to bring its grand total to 40! Breaking tradition is good, it means a longer match, with more potential for continuing and/or creating feuds and storylines and I for one think this is a great idea!
From WWE.com:
40-Man Royal Rumble Match
January 30, 2011Almost three decades ago, the dream of modern-day WWE Chairman Mr. McMahon was made manifest with the birth of the squared circle’s most celebrated spectacle, WrestleMania. More than a quarter of a century later, an unprecedented 40 Superstars will have the ultimate opportunity to realize their dream of performing in the World Championship main event match on this now aggrandized stage for the most brilliant competitors.
They can dance on The Grandest Stage of Them All at WrestleMania XXVII. But first, one man will need to surpass the efforts of 39 opposing competitors with the same aspiration in the 2011 Royal Rumble Match.
A celebrated tradition in WWE, the Rumble has boasted 30 men since 1989. Now, in 2011, the competition gets fiercer with an additional 10 gladiators, forging the biggest Rumble in history and guaranteeing not just a longer joust, but also more eliminations and over-the-top action.
A test of endurance, athleticism and survival at all costs, the Rumble Match is the definitive Battle Royal, where each Superstar’s prime objective is to propel their opponents over the top rope, with both feet touching the floor. Every 90 seconds, one of 40 elite ring warriors with randomly drawn Rumble entry numbers joins the fray. Though luck of the draw can be a critical factor in such a high-stakes situation (ideally, entering last like 2007 winner Undertaker and 2008 victor John Cena, both at No. 30), past Rumble winners have included Superstars who kicked off the Battle Royal at No. 1 (as seen in 1995 with Shawn Michaels).
But, with bodies being tossed out every moment and fresh competitors coming in at such a rapid pace, it’s really anyone’s match. (Watch a special look at the Rumble Match)
In the end, the last Superstar standing can officially punch a gold-embossed ticket to Atlanta’s Georgia Dome, where they will contend for a World Title of their choosing at WrestleMania.
However, as the saying goes, “You have to be in it to win it.†Tune into WWE programming and stay logged on to WWE.com as entrants are named for the 24th annual Royal Rumble Match. Then be sure to witness this epic event live on pay-per-view on Sunday, Jan. 30, as the 2011 Royal Rumble defines the course of WWE’s new year.
