Roman Reigns
The Superstar-Cementing Option
Currently involved in the WWE’s only programme of substance, a feud with the McMahon family, the recently crowned champion has an extremely good chance of winning a rare second consecutive Rumble match and retaining the title. Despite concerns from a harem of legendary superstars from the past, and resistance from hardcore fans the WWE have been unwavering in their mission to push Reigns as the next huge babyface superstar. To some he might not be ready for the considerable spotlight he finds himself under, but it’s going to happen whether we like it or not. A Cena-esque world beating victory for Reigns is the most likely outcome if a good guy is to walk into WrestleMania with the title.
John Cena
The History-Making Option
It’s been a long time since John Cena last held the WWE’s top prize, but that could end in spectacular fashion should he win this year’s Royal Rumble match. Still the WWE’s primary go-to superstar for the big occasion Cena is one of the company’s best hopes of filling the 100,000+ capacity AT&T Stadium for WrestleMania. Cena as champion again may not be the most popular option with fans, but it would be a smart business decision. A victory for the Cenation superstar could also be an historic one, with the win not only resulting in a record-tying 16th world title, but also matching Stone Cold Steve Austin’s long-standing 3 Rumble wins. Cena doesn’t really need the title here, but the win would undoubtedly be one of the year’s biggest moments and might help reignite casual viewer interest just in time for WrestleMania season.
Brock Lesnar
The Big Time Option
Brock Lesnar may have lost the title in a shocking finale at last year’s WrestleMania, but the former champion has remained one of the strongest superstars in the company in terms of booking and that will likely remain the case should he compete in this year’s Rumble match. A former winner of the January classic, the notoriously seldom seen Lesnar’s last reign didn’t go down well with everyone but his considerable star power and reputation as a legitimate freak athlete almost always results in a big time vibe whether he’s competing or just appearing on weekly television. Another match between Lesnar and Reigns seems unlikely at this point, especially with the WWE so desperate for fans to back their new top star, but another Lesnar reign would definitely help shift tickets and boost sluggish Raw ratings.
Dean Ambrose
The Swerve Option
Everyone loves a good twist and a massive high-profile swerve is surely way overdue. Dean Ambrose, Roman Reigns’ best friend and former Shield brother has picked himself up since becoming Intercontinental champion in December, but despite a strong 2015 he still remains a shadow of the brilliant and maniacal superstar who captivated fans a couple of years ago. Fangirls (‘Sup Fakelyn) will undoubtedly hate it but a heel turn is coming for Ambrose, and could happen as early as January 24th when he turns against Reigns to finally capture the WWE title. It’s highly unlikely to happen of course, but an Ambrose/Reigns WrestleMania programme would write itself, and be a lovely change from the recent Authority driven angles as well.
Triple H
The Logical Heel Option
Contrary to what we’ve been lead to believe in the last few years everything you see on WWE programming is intentional, and the absence of Triple H following his prolonged beatdown at the hands of Reigns at the conclusion of last month’s Tables, Ladders and Chairs is almost certainly leading to something big. Essentially a modern take on Mr. McMahon, just much better in the ring, Triple H could use his powers to make a surprise late entry into the Rumble match, where he would screw Reigns to win his first world title in seven years. A feud between the two superstars has been teased for a couple of years now and is closer than ever to actually happening. If the WWE wants to ensure another unpopular, but this time controlled ending to the Royal Rumble, a surprise late-career title win for the COO would definitely be a solid option.
Seth Rollins
The Shocking Option
Let’s just clear something up: Seth Rollins definitely injured himself in November, and that injury undoubtedly required surgery...but what if the former champion’s recovery time was exaggerated?
It's something the WWE have actually done on more than one occasion at the Royal Rumble. Remember when John Cena was ruled out for anywhere from six months to forever when he suffered a pectoral tear, but returned to win the Rumble just a couple of months later? Remember Edge? He too suffered a debilitating injury, and while he was sidelined for a little longer than his former rival, he too returned at the event to triumph in it’s traditional match.
Shocking moments and returns have become commonplace for the Royal Rumble event and the sight of Rollins capturing the title following an unannounced comeback would rank high among some of the event’s greatest, and might even top his stunning WrestleMania Money in the Bank cash-in from last year.
Who do you think will win this year’s WWE World Heavyweight Championship Royal Rumble match? Leave your picks in the comments section below!
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