Tossing Salt Presents:
Wrestling Fact or Fiction
The Royal Rumble & More
DougMaynard.com
Doug Maynard

We’re back again with another edition of Wrestling Fact or Fiction. My thanks to Jake Chambers and the powers-that-be at 411mania.com for allowing to me play with their toys for a few minutes. Jake Chambers provides the format & statements. The opinions that follow, that’s all me, baby. Now, let’s get busy and separate the truth from the pretend. Let’s roll.

Statement #1: The booking of the 2024 men’s Royal Rumble match was very conservative.

FACT: It was strictly by the numbers, with no surprises, no true stand-out performances, and most of the favored wrestlers coming out towards the end. It was still entertaining to watch, but all the bells and whistles were missing.

Statement #2: Sending Jordynne Grace to the WWE Royal Rumble was a great move for TNA.

FACT: It put some eyes on the TNA product, which certainly can’t hurt. It put a TNA Champion into the spotlight and hopefully gained Grace some new fans while increasing her credibility with the WWE Universe. Lastly, it gave fans hope of a potential open-door relationship between the two companies that will allow more crossover promotions between WWE and TNA, thus setting up potential dream matches and opportunities for surprises and swerves. Anything that keeps the fans guessing, be it for WWE or TNA, is always a good thing.

Statement #3: Justice for Sami.

FACT: As Sami proved when he showed back up to confront Drew McIntyre, the fans are still hot for Sami and even though Sami lost the match to Drew, albeit by a low blow, it just takes one good promo and Sami will be near the top of the ladder in WWE again. Who wouldn’t pop or like to see Seth defend his title at Mania against Sami and Drew in a Triple Threat Match? It would be like Daniel Bryan all over again and the fans would blow the roof off of the arena if Sami was to win. The potential is there for so many things WWE could do with Sami as we lead into Mania, and hopefully, WWE and Triple H are taking notice.

Statement #4: Bayley was the wrong choice to win the 2024 women’s Royal Rumble match.

FICTION: Bayley winning the Rumble match was 100% the right call by WWE and now, she has her own story to tell and finish. It made sense and it checks all the boxes for a great match and Wrestlemania moment. She deserves the opportunity and moment and I’m looking forward to seeing her do her thing at Mania.

Statement #5: Bron Breakker is too small to be a main event-er on RAW or Smackdown.

FICTION: Bron is 6’0 and 230 lbs. That is not a small man. Others might be physically larger, but the differences are moot, especially when you consider the pedigree of Breakker. He’s a second-generation star who comes from a family of strong, dangerous, talented men. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree if you will. Breakker has the background, the power, the knowledge, the charisma, and most importantly, the “It” factor. He’s a big star just waiting to be cut loose and given his chance.

Statement #6: You are excited for Roman Reigns vs. The Rock to main event Wrestlemania.

FICTION: This statement was provided before the Wrestlemania XL Kickoff event, but even before the changes and swerve that event brought, I wasn’t thrilled about having The Rock main event against Roman. Look at the facts. The Rock is one of the best talkers in the business. That’s true. But he hasn’t wrestled a match in 11 years. He’s not going to be a full-time wrestler with WWE, as his other interests would never allow it. He owns a football league, makes movies, is involved in the production of several TV shows and movies, and serves on the Board of Directors for TKO. Do you think he has time to wrestle a weekend show in Charleston, WV, or even more than one match, two at the most any given year? The realities of his life would never allow him to win the title or defeat Roman. So the match becomes predictable and less important as a result. I liked all the swerves at the Kickoff because now, we’re wondering what will happen and get to speculate about all the possibilities. When it was presumed to be Roman versus The Rock, we didn’t get to do that.

And there you go. My thanks again to Jake Chambers for the format and statements. And thanks to you for reading. Comments, thoughts, and any questions are welcome and appreciated. Be sure to like, share, and subscribe to the site. Follow me on X/Twitter at @Doug28352. And I guess we’re wrapping things up now. I need some breakfast. Take care and be well and I’ll see you at the matches.

Ubuntu!