WWE Royal Rumble 2016: 5 Best Options to Win After TLC

Photo Courtesy of WWE.com

Kevin Owens

Wouldn’t this be a nice surprise, right?

Kevin Owens came up to the WWE main roster in late May with a ton of momentum. His first feud was with then-WWE United States Champion John Cena and resulted in KO defeating him at WWE Elimination Chamber. It was shocking to see someone from NXT (given how they get portrayed on Raw and SmackDown) to go over so quickly.

However, Owens would eventually fit the profile of the typical NXT star that gets called up—he lost big matches. These came against Cena in their two rematches at WWE Money in the Bank and WWE Battleground, respectively.

It has taken time for WWE to rebuild the former ROH Champion, though. Since losing at Battleground, he has only taken pinfalls to Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose. Plus, Owens is the holder of the WWE Intercontinental Championship. Some of his luster is still there from all this, but not all the way. It’s safe to say the level it was at against Cena is long gone.

However, giving Owens a Royal Rumble victory would change things immediately.

WWE badly needs a top heel. With Seth Rollins out and Bray Wyatt’s push being flabbergasting, the Rumble would be the ideal time to give someone like Owens a push with a win. Despite WWE not booking him like a main-eventer, he has the talent that fits the profile. His in-ring skill is excellent and he can cut a promo like no one else. Sadly, WWE has limited his mic time since he draws a reaction, so you don’t see it. Putting him into the WrestleMania main event picture would change that.

The odds of Owens winning has increased now that he lost the IC title to Dean Ambrose at WWE TLC. It could be the beginning of the road to a main event run for KO, or nothing.

Next: No. 4