WWE Royal Rumble Match Predictions

This Sunday, all eyes will be on Philadelphia, unless you’re the kind of freak that watches the Pro Bowl, as The City of Brotherly Love plays host to the Royal Rumble Match.

It’s no secret that Roman Reigns has long been planned to win this year’s edition of the Royal Rumble, but with the recent return of Daniel Bryan, and the surging momentum of, both, Dean Ambrose and Dolph Ziggler, Reigns’ win has stopped being a certainty.

The dynamic this year is certainly different from last year. Last year, there was only one option to win the match, but WWE forced a second one in there and went that route. This year, there are multiple ways to go. Still, the resulting crowd reaction could be exactly the same.

Will WWE stick with the plan, or will they call an audible? Jack Jorgensen, Rob Wolkenbrod, Jordan Campbell, Brian Rzeppa, Callum Wiggins, Becca Cook, Carl Gac, Tim Sherry, Chris Schubert, and Mike Smith have some predictions:

More from Daily DDT

Jack’s Take: Now I said that WWE “usually” sticks to something when they have their minds set on it, however this might be one example of them going down a different road. The fact of the matter is that Roman Reigns is not over enough with the crowd, mainly through no fault of his own, to go main event a WrestleMania against Brock Lesnar, who in the last year has ended The Undertaker’s Streak and bitch slapped John Cena for 20 minutes at a SummerSlam event.

Now Reigns will be in the Final 4, along with Dolph Ziggler, Dean Ambrose and Daniel Bryan–they’re really going to mess with our heads and make us wonder who’s going to win. From that point, it’ll come down to Roman Reigns and Daniel Bryan, getting us all ready to get royally pissed off when Reigns ultimately eliminates Bryan.

HOWEVER, this is where the great swerve comes in, Bryan eliminates Reigns and he’ll go after the belt he never lost against Lesnar inside Levi’s Stadium.

Jack’s Prediction: Daniel Bryan

Rob’s Take: This should be a very fun one, better than last year’s match that was taken over by the Pittsburgh crowd.

I think Dean Ambrose is going to be the first one to come out. Entry #1 usually gets a long run in the Rumble and Ambrose could use this to get some much needed momentum back that he lost in the Bray Wyatt feud. Ambrose will also stay in the match the longest.

As for the final four, I suspect it will be Roman Reigns, Bray Wyatt, Randy Orton, and Big Show. With how long Orton has been out, he’ll be getting a big push in his return. Reigns’ heavy push will continue, just like Big Show’s will as well. Show has been getting a lot of booking protection since Survivor Series and arguably since his tag team with Mark Henry. Reigns will toss him over the top rope and end this feud, but not win the Rumble.

This leaves Bray Wyatt, who has been receiving a very large push from WWE. He won the TLC and Ambulance match against Dean Ambrose. He hasn’t lost a match since returning from his WWE-initiated hiatus.

For awhile, it was rumored that Wyatt would be facing The Undertaker at WrestleMania. When the WM Axxess list of stars came out, ‘Taker’s name was nowhere to be found. There is a TBA spot on there, but he has always had a confirmed spot on it. It makes me suspicious enough to believe that he will not be showing up at WrestleMania 31.

So why is Wyatt getting this big push then? My answer to that question is because he will win the Royal Rumble and go onto main event WrestleMania (he’ll throw Orton over the top rope). Wyatt won’t have a one-on-one, though. He’ll face Lesnar, Rollins, and Orton in the match for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.

Rob’s Prediction: Bray Wyatt

Jordan’s Take: There are so many angles that are in play for the Royal Rumble match. The return of Randy Orton, the return of Bo Dallas. Then, there are the usual highlight entertainers in Dolph Ziggler, Dean Ambrose, Bray Wyatt, Roman Reigns, and Daniel Bryan.

Also think that we will see the WWE return of Team 3D.

The guess here is that Ziggler will be the first entrant. Ziggler, The Show Stealer after all, will also be the Superstar that lasts the longest. I envision Ziggler being part of the final four along with Orton, Bryan, and Reigns.

At that point, I envision Big Show will make his way back down to the ring and take out Reigns. Much like Kane did to he who should not be named last year.

Bryan will be the next to be eliminated. Leaving Ziggler and Orton. The winner will be Orton as that sets up the feud between he and Rollins for Wrestlemania 31.

Though, my prediction changes if Lesnar is still the champion when the 30-man Royal Rumble starts. If Lesnar is still the champion, then Bryan will be the Royal Rumble winner.

Jordan’s Prediction: Randy Orton

Brian’s Take: Much like the match for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, this year’s Rumble definitely has a feeling of unpredictability surrounding it. While many claim that Roman Reigns is a lock to win it and headline WrestleMania, I think his faults both in the ring and on the mic may have caused WWE to shy away from giving him such a big opportunity so early on.

With the return of Bryan, it would only make sense that he gets the chance to regain the belt that he never lost. A potential Lesnar/Bryan or even Rollins/Bryan main event is the stuff that fantasy bookers dream of, and it would certainly be an enjoyable matchup for even casual viewers.

Aside from the winner, I think that we’ll see The Authority continue to punish Dolph Ziggler by putting him in the match at #1, but he’ll defy the odds and manage to last the longest of any competitor. I envision the Final 4 being a group of young superstars (and Bryan), with Reigns, Wyatt and Ambrose closing the match out. It’ll probably come down to Reigns and Bryan as the final two, just to make the finish even more of a toss-up.

Brian’s Prediction: Daniel Bryan

Callum’s Take: The Royal Rumble is the most important single match in the professional wrestling calendar, no question. No other match has the same degree of uncertainty, memorable moments and consequential results added into one package. However, in the past two years, fans have had a very dull experience, as clear favorites John Cena and Batista picked up the victories. The suspense was lost, and due to the negative live reaction at last year’s January spectacular, it holds a claim to the worst event in its 28-year history. This year is different – it could literally be one of a number of worthy claimants.

In my mind, there are four main contenders to win the 2015 Royal Rumble, and all of them are babyfaces. Daniel Bryan, the returning megastar that is one of the most popular superstars in recent history and likely to receive the biggest pop of the night. Dean Ambrose, The Lunatic Fringe who spits in the eyes of danger, gets beaten to the canvas and gets back up for more. Dolph Ziggler, the perennial underdog who’s waited so long for his opportunity, and has proven a major thorn in the side of The Authority. Finally Roman Reigns, the man who dominated last year’s event and has been groomed as the WWE’s next “man”.

So, let’s consider the most interesting facets of this celebrated match one step at a time. Either Bryan or Ziggler will be made the #1 entrant, a symbol of The Authority’s distaste for them. Whichever one carries that burden will be the Iron Man, whilst someone like Diego or a returning legend will be quickly dispatched by Rusev. Speaking of the Bulgarian, I believe he will get the most eliminations, but will eventually be eliminated by Ryback. The final four will be Bryan, Reigns, Randy Orton and Big Show in my opinion, with Reigns lastly eliminating Orton to get the monumental win.

Callum’s Prediction: Roman Reigns

Becca’s Take: The first two entrants in the match are arguably the most important, as they will set the tone for what should be a spectacular Rumble match. I can see The Authority pulling a trick forcing Daniel Bryan, Dolph Ziggler or Ryback to be the number 1 spot. Points to look out for will include Cody Rhodes being in the Rumble twice (once as himself, once as Stardust); the break-up of Goldust and Stardust; Damien Mizdow eliminating himself after The Miz is knocked out; Kofi Kingston being thrown over the top rope to be caught by the Rosebuds, and an upcoming star such as Rusev eliminating Big Show. The final four will be Roman Reigns, Dean Ambrose, Bray Wyatt and Daniel Bryan. A bitter heel eliminated earlier in the match (hopefully not Kane or Big Show) will take out Bryan. Reigns and Ambrose will team up temporarily to eliminate Wyatt before turning on each other and Reigns spearing Ambrose over the top rope to win. Reigns will then begin building to a ‘Mania feud with Lesnar and Bryan will take on whichever heel eliminated him from the Rumble.

Becca’s Prediction: Roman Reigns

Carl’s Take: This is the one match that every year I look forward to more than any other.

This year is the first in a while where you honestly think that only a couple of people will win it, it’s either Daniel Bryan or Roman Reigns. With the winner you’ll know what direction Vince McMahon wants to take the company in the coming year.

If it’s Bryan then he actually listens to the fans and cares what they think. If it’s Reigns then he couldn’t care less what they think and will do whatever he thinks is right.

For me the right thing to do would be give the win to Bryan and set up an indy fan’s dream WrestleMania main event of Daniel Bryan vs Seth Rollins (or Tyler Black vs Bryan Danielson, if you prefer).

I’ve previously said I’d have Bryan and Cesaro start as 1 and 2 in the match but I’m now thinking I’d have Reigns and Bryan in first and have them both go to the final 2. Keeping fans guessing right till the end. Last year Reigns broke the record for eliminations and I’d let him break that again but not by throwing out Bryan at the end.

With thoughts towards surprise entrants I’d go for Rob Van Dam and The Dudley Boys seeing as we’re in the home of ECW in Philadelphia. Put Sami Zayn, Adrian Neville and Kevin Owens in from NXT and have their brand mate Finn Balor make an appearance in his full body paint to make an impact and show the world what goes on down in Florida.

Rusev and Ryback collide, Orton returns, Bray Wyatt comes up against Harper and Rowan, Dean Ambrose squares off with Reigns for a short while, Bunny eliminates Adam Rose, maybe Rey Mysterio makes his anticipated return to a huge pop.

There’s so much I’d love to see happen, but I have a feeling none of it will.

Carl’s Prediction: Daniel Bryan

Tim’s Take: As much as most fans are starting to pull away from Roman Reigns, let’s be honest, he’s going to win this Rumble and headline WrestleMania. WWE has always had a thing for the bigger guys, and although there are a host of other competitors who are better in the ring, Reigns is the guy right now. Ambrose will enter first and last all the way to the final four. The final four will be Ambrose, Reigns, Rusev, and Wyatt with the final 2 being Rusev and Reigns. At some point, Dolph Ziggler will shock the world and turn on Daniel Bryan causing his elimination thus turning heel.

Tim’s Prediction: Roman Reigns

Chris’ Take: 6. That’s how many people could realistically win the Rumble. Daniel Bryan, Roman Reigns, Dean Ambrose, Bray Wyatt, a returning Randy Orton, Dolph Ziggler and possibly Seth Rollins. The WWE could go in any of those directions. Two have stood out as the most likely: Daniel Bryan and Roman Reigns.

It’s obvious that they want to push Reigns to the moon, but the Yes! Movement is too strong. I’m predicting Bryan to win the Rumble and go to WrestleMania, but I won’t be surprised if it’s Reigns.

Chris’ Prediction: Daniel Bryan

Mike’s Take: One year ago, this time, we were all talking about Batista, knowing he was the favorite to win the Rumble, but we all knew he shouldn’t, and it should be Daniel Bryan.

Though Bryan is my favorite wrestler, I’m not saying that he NEEDS to win the Rumble Match, because there are multiple good candidates, but Reigns just isn’t one of them…yet.

A year from now, I feel we will see Reigns in a different light. After he sets the world on fire in the Rumble, making it to the final four, along with Bryan, Dean Ambrose and Dolph Ziggler, before being eliminated by all three men. Then he could beat Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania (non-title, obviously), and go on to be the first man to beat Rusev, at SummerSlam.

As for that final three, I think Ambrose eliminates Ziggler, leaving him and Bryan in the final two, when Bryan eliminates Ambrose for the win. This would set up Bryan vs. Rollins (possibly vs. Orton) for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania.

Mike’s Prediction: Daniel Bryan

So five of us are picking Daniel Bryan, three are behind Roman Reigns, with Randy Orton and Bray Wyatt each getting picked once as well. Who do you think will win the Royal Rumble? Let us know in the comments section below.

For more on WWE and Royal Rumble, stick with Daily DDT. Follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Home/Royal Rumble