Jim Cornette On The Royal Rumble
Hey wrestling fans! Today, we're diving deep into a topic that always gets the conversation buzzing: Jim Cornette's thoughts on the Royal Rumble. You know Cornette, the legendary wrestling booker and personality, isn't shy about sharing his opinions, and when it comes to the spectacle that is the Royal Rumble, he's definitely got a lot to say. Whether you agree with him or not, his takes are always entertaining and often provide a fascinating insight into the mind of someone who's been in the wrestling business for decades.
We're going to break down some of his most notable comments, discuss why the Royal Rumble is such a unique event in professional wrestling, and explore how Cornette's perspective shapes our understanding of it. So grab your favorite wrestling merch, settle in, and let's get into it!
Why the Royal Rumble is a Big Deal
First off, guys, let's talk about why the Royal Rumble is such a big deal in the first place. It's not just another match; it's a tradition, a spectacle, and often a turning point in the wrestling calendar. The concept itself is brilliant: 30 (or sometimes more!) wrestlers entering at timed intervals, with the last one standing being the winner and usually earning a championship opportunity at WrestleMania. This format creates incredible drama, unexpected moments, and allows for a wide range of storytelling.
You get the high-stakes eliminations, the surprise returns of legends, the showcases for up-and-coming talent, and the sheer endurance test for the competitors. It's a match that can truly make or break careers. Think about it – how many times have we seen a surprise entrant steal the show, or a long-shot winner shock the world? The Royal Rumble is a melting pot of possibilities, and that's why fans eagerly anticipate it every single year. It’s the ultimate "anything can happen" scenario in WWE, and that unpredictability is pure gold.
Cornette's Take on Rumble Entrants and Booking
Now, let's get to the main event: Jim Cornette's take on Rumble entrants and booking. Cornette is known for his old-school sensibilities and his emphasis on strong storytelling and believable characters. When he talks about the Rumble, he often focuses on the logic behind the match. He's been critical of scenarios where he feels the booking doesn't make sense, or where the participants don't serve a purpose in the overall narrative. For instance, he might question why certain wrestlers are included if they aren't being built up for anything significant, or if their eliminations are booked in a way that undermines their credibility.
He often stresses the importance of giving wrestlers meaningful moments within the Rumble, even if they aren't the eventual winner. This could be a dominant showing, a memorable feud-igniting interaction, or a surprising elimination of a top star. Cornette believes that every participant should have a role, contributing to the overall story of the match and the individuals involved. He's a big proponent of making sure the match means something, not just for the winner, but for everyone who steps through that curtain. He'll often point to historical Rumbles where the booking was, in his eyes, near-perfect, citing how each entrant played their part in building towards a satisfying conclusion. He's not afraid to call out what he perceives as lazy booking or missed opportunities, which is why his analysis, while sometimes controversial, is always worth listening to for wrestling purists. He wants the match to be a showcase of talent and storytelling, not just a random assortment of wrestlers.
Memorable Royal Rumble Moments According to Cornette
When Jim Cornette reminisces about memorable Royal Rumble moments, he often gravitates towards instances that highlight classic wrestling storytelling and character work. He's a huge fan of moments that feel earned and that have a clear narrative purpose. For example, he might point to a Rumble where a wrestler overcame the odds, or where a heated rivalry spilled over into the match in a dramatic fashion. He values the psychological aspect of wrestling, and in the Rumble, that translates to seeing wrestlers adapt, strategize, and express their desperation within the chaotic environment.
He's also been known to appreciate surprise entrants that make sense within the context of WWE's history or current storylines. A returning legend who gets a massive pop, or a surprise debut that sends shockwaves through the audience – these are the kinds of moments Cornette often lauds. However, he's equally quick to critique moments that feel contrived or that don't serve the performers or the overall narrative. He might criticize a surprise entrant who doesn't have a significant impact or whose appearance feels like a desperate attempt to generate buzz without a follow-up plan. For Cornette, a truly memorable Rumble moment is one that resonates because it’s rooted in character, conflict, and consequence. It’s about the journey within the match, not just the destination. He often emphasizes how the booking should facilitate these moments, giving wrestlers the opportunity to shine and create lasting memories for the audience. He believes that the best Rumble moments aren't just about who wins, but about the stories told along the way, the rivalries reignited, and the individual performances that stand out. These are the elements that, in his view, separate a good Royal Rumble from a great one, and it’s why he’s so passionate about analyzing them.
Cornette's Criticisms of Modern Royal Rumbles
Let's be real, guys, Cornette's criticisms of modern Royal Rumbles are often the most talked-about parts of his analysis. He's not afraid to voice his displeasure when he feels the event has strayed from what made it special. One of his frequent points of contention is the sheer number of participants and the lack of meaningful booking for many of them. In his view, having 30+ wrestlers in the match can dilute the impact of each individual's performance if they aren't given a specific role or storyline.
He often laments the perceived lack of focus on traditional wrestling psychology, preferring matches where the story is told through the actual in-ring action and the competitors' interactions, rather than relying solely on surprise entrants or pre-planned comedic spots. Cornette is a big believer in building characters and telling coherent stories, and he feels that sometimes the modern Rumbles can become a series of disjointed segments rather than a cohesive narrative. He might criticize booking decisions that he believes undermine the credibility of certain wrestlers or that prioritize shock value over long-term storytelling. For instance, he might question the booking of a dominant wrestler being eliminated by someone perceived as less credible, or the overuse of predictable surprise entrants that no longer generate genuine excitement. He often argues that the focus should be on making the eliminations matter and building momentum for the eventual winner, rather than just filling the ring with bodies. He’s also been critical of the influence of "internet darlings" or wrestlers who he feels don't fit his traditional mold of what makes a star, sometimes leading to booking choices he disagrees with. It’s this dedication to what he considers the art of professional wrestling that drives his critiques, and while some find his views rigid, many appreciate his unwavering commitment to his vision of how wrestling should be presented.
The Importance of Storytelling in the Rumble
For Jim Cornette, the importance of storytelling in the Rumble cannot be overstated. He firmly believes that a wrestling match, especially one as high-profile as the Royal Rumble, is incomplete without a compelling narrative. He argues that simply having a large number of participants and a chaotic free-for-all isn't enough to create a truly memorable event. Instead, he emphasizes the need for each participant to have a purpose, contributing to the overarching story of the match, the winner's journey, and the feuds that are being built.
Cornette often talks about how the Rumble should be a microcosm of the larger wrestling world, showcasing rivalries, establishing new stars, and providing opportunities for wrestlers to prove themselves. He might point to specific Rumbles where the booking allowed for dramatic confrontations, unexpected alliances, or heroic comebacks, all of which serve the storytelling aspect. He's a firm believer that the eliminations themselves should tell a story – who eliminates whom, and under what circumstances, can significantly impact a wrestler's momentum and credibility. He often laments when he sees wrestlers booked to be eliminated in ways that diminish their character or make them look weak, arguing that this is a missed opportunity to build heat or establish a compelling underdog. He feels that the best Rumbles are those where the audience is invested in the outcome not just because of the championship implications, but because they've been taken on an emotional journey with the competitors. This involves setting up mini-stories within the match, like a wrestler trying to exact revenge on someone who wronged them, or a star trying to prove their dominance against a field of challengers. For Cornette, the Rumble isn't just about who wins; it's about the stories that unfold during the 60+ minutes of action, and how those stories contribute to the larger tapestry of professional wrestling.
Cornette's Ideal Royal Rumble Winner
When we talk about Cornette's ideal Royal Rumble winner, it’s clear he has a specific type of performer in mind. He typically favors wrestlers who possess a strong combination of charisma, in-ring ability, and a believable presence. For Cornette, the winner of the Royal Rumble should be someone who the audience can genuinely get behind, someone whose victory feels earned and significant. He often emphasizes the importance of a wrestler having a strong connection with the crowd, being able to command attention and elicit a strong emotional response, whether it's cheers or boos.
He's a proponent of booking the Rumble to elevate a deserving star, someone who can credibly carry the company forward. This often means a wrestler who has proven themselves through consistent performances and strong character work. Cornette might criticize a Rumble winner who he feels wasn't ready for the spotlight or whose victory doesn't align with the long-term direction of the company. He often looks for winners who have a clear path to success at WrestleMania and who can deliver a compelling championship match. He's not necessarily against surprise winners, but he believes those surprises should be booked strategically, perhaps to set up a future major storyline or to capitalize on a wrestler's undeniable popularity. Ultimately, Cornette's ideal Rumble winner is someone who embodies the traditional virtues of a professional wrestling star: they are a good worker, a compelling character, and someone who can draw money. He believes the Rumble winner should be a beacon of the company’s future, a star who elevates the championship and the promotion as a whole. It's about finding that perfect blend of talent, timing, and booking that culminates in a victory that satisfies the fans and propels the winner to superstardom.
The Future of the Royal Rumble Through Cornette's Eyes
Peering into the future of the Royal Rumble through Cornette's eyes often involves a blend of hope and concern. He remains a staunch advocate for the core principles that he believes made the Rumble a legendary event: strong booking, meaningful participation, and compelling storytelling. He often expresses a desire to see a return to a focus on the wrestling aspect, where the match itself is the primary driver of excitement, rather than relying too heavily on gimmicks or fleeting trends.
Cornette likely hopes that future Rumbles will feature more wrestlers being given defined roles and memorable moments, contributing to a cohesive narrative. He'd probably advocate for the booking to prioritize building credible challengers and establishing clear paths to WrestleMania glory. He might also express a desire for more surprise entrants that feel organic and impactful, rather than predictable or nonsensical inclusions. For Cornette, the ideal future Rumble is one that respects its own history while embracing opportunities to create new, lasting legacies. He believes that the event has the potential to be the ultimate showcase for wrestling talent and storytelling if booked correctly. However, he also harbors concerns that the pursuit of short-term pop or catering to niche fanbases might detract from the event's overall integrity. He'd likely encourage bookers to think long-term, focusing on developing characters and storylines that resonate beyond a single night. In his view, the Rumble is a powerful tool that, when wielded with skill and a deep understanding of wrestling tradition, can solidify stars and create unforgettable moments that stand the test of time. It’s his hope that the event continues to evolve while staying true to the fundamental elements that make professional wrestling great.
Conclusion: Cornette's Lasting Impact on Rumble Discussion
In conclusion, Cornette's lasting impact on Rumble discussion is undeniable. Even if you don't always agree with his takes, his analysis brings a level of depth and historical perspective that few others can match. He forces fans and critics alike to think critically about why certain things happen in the Rumble and whether they serve the greater good of the show and the business.
His emphasis on storytelling, character development, and logical booking continues to resonate with a significant portion of the wrestling audience. Whether he's praising a perfectly executed Rumble or dissecting what he sees as its flaws, Cornette provides a unique and often insightful lens through which to view this iconic event. He reminds us that the Royal Rumble is more than just a match; it's an opportunity for storytelling, for creating stars, and for delivering moments that fans will talk about for years to come. His passion for professional wrestling, and his dedication to what he considers its highest art form, ensures that his voice will continue to be a significant part of the Royal Rumble conversation for the foreseeable future. He’s a purist, and his views, while sometimes polarizing, offer a valuable counterpoint in the ever-evolving landscape of professional wrestling. Thanks for tuning in, guys!
