Why Did Jey Uso Win The Royal Rumble?
Saturday night's Royal Rumble produced one of the biggest surprises in recent years. The Rumble did seem somewhat predictable heading into the event, however, the outcome was something that nobody called in the buildup.
John Cena and CM Punk were the major favourites to win this year's Royal Rumble and there didn’t seem to be many other avenues for the company. Triple H has decided to once again change the course of everyone's thoughts.
Why Jey Uso? There may be some major glaring signs, but last night’s result has left us with more questions than answers.
Jey Uso Deserved His Moment
This piece will not be one of any ill notions towards Jey Uso. It’s more than deserving he received this big moment having turned into a top tier singles competitor over the last year.
Having attended live shows and PLE’s myself in the last year, Uso has become a huge crowd draw. His merchandise is everywhere and he is someone that has the ability to sell tickets just by his name being advertised.
Uso is one of the top merchandise sellers in the company. From his t shirts to sunglasses, everyone - young and old are joining the ‘YEET’ movement and it really is hard for those in the company to ignore it.
Throughout his singles run so far, he’s fallen short but also achieved. Winning the Intercontinental Championship was a huge moment but last night was the pinnacle, a crowning moment of reward to the work rate and success of the last 12 months.
What's The Plan For Jey Uso At WrestleMania?
Just last weekend Jey Uso was pinned by Gunther as the Austrian retained his World Heavyweight Championship. Now, just a week later, Uso seemed to set his sights back on the ‘Ring General’ ahead of the spectacle in Las Vegas.
‘Main Event’ Jey Uso will Main Event WrestleMania. It seemed destined to happen but having him challenge for the World Title again doesn’t really seem to make sense, having had a number of time feuding with Gunther already.
Neither title seems to make sense for Uso to chase at Mania. He has too much respect for Cody Rhodes and he has failed to beat Gunther as recently as one week ago.
It would seem unlikely they have Uso go to Mania and lose, considering last night's crowning moment - it’s clear they see him as someone who can headline the company as a major champion.
Jey Uso will seemingly go on to Mania and defeat Gunther for the World Title. However, does this then bring Gunther down a peg or two and are you hurting another big star in the process? Only time will tell.
A Possible Twist In The Tale…
The best thing about WWE is theorising, speculating and almost writing your own script when diving into your own thoughts. One thing everyone likes to do is imagine their own fun twists and turns and that’s exactly what you’re about to read.
Could cousin Roman Reigns convince Jey to challenge Cody and then set up his own rematch with his family? One of a number of theories I may have found online today but something that elevates the Bloodline Story once again and isn’t too far-fetched and possibly quite a simple scenario.
Paul Heyman owes CM Punk a favour and could this involve Jey Uso? One of the least likely scenarios but it almost makes you think back to when Cody was due to give The Rock his spot at Mania 40.
Again, not the most far-fetched and could create incredible fan movements, something I think WWE came to love when ‘We Want Cody’ became its extraordinary spectacle last year.
CM Punk could get Heyman to either include him in the match for the world title, something that Punk has set his sights on since his return to the company.
Cody Rhodes won’t be the WWE Champion come Mania, opening the door for Jey to challenge someone new? The most far-fetched option out of the three and can even be considered as totally unrealistic, but…
What if Rhodes’ sustained a legitimate injury during his match with Kevin Owens at last nights Rumble event and must now relinquish the title?
Of course it’s not something anyone would want to see happen, injuries are a horrible thing - but Cody’s condition was mentioned as a ‘question mark’ over in ring status following the show last night.
If Cody isn’t the one holding the WWE title then I believe its something that Jey would chase. It’s the title Reigns dominated and one that he would cement himself in the family legacy as a singles competitor by holding.
To conclude, Jey Uso most definitely deserves this moment and to be elevated to new heights. However, it is also valid to feel like you have to ask more questions in regards to where this is all going on the Road to WrestleMania.
Triple H has produced some fantastic and unexpected angles since becoming the head of creative and this road will undoubtedly be filled with twists and turns too.
It falls on us as fans to trust the process in the business whilst also having fun with our aspirations and hopes for matches and feuds in the future. Strap yourselves in, this will be a fun road to Las Vegas.