WWE Royal Rumble 2018 Match Card Predictions: US Title Finals On Show?

United States Championship Tournament Finals

After SmackDown General Manager Daniel Bryan stripped Dolph Ziggler of the U.S. Title on the Dec. 26 SmackDown Live, he announced an eight-person tournament to decide a new champion. In the proceeding weeks, Bobby Roode, Xavier Woods and Jinder Mahal have all advanced to the semifinals (Mojo Rawley vs. Zack Ryder will close out the quarterfinals).

Theoretically, WWE could book the semifinals matches on one of the three Tuesday’s before the Rumble and use the rest of the time to build up the match. It makes perfect sense for WWE to stage the finals of the tournament at the Royal Rumble.

Like the possible tag team title match, this contest could fall victim to time constraints, meaning a televised final could lead to a better match. Ultimately, the match quality depends on who reaches the finals. If Mahal makes it to the end (and I think he will), the match may not set the world on fire in regards to workrate.

If Mahal bogs the match down with his usual combination of lethargic offense and interference, fans might forget about this match with so many other matches taking precedence on the show. On the other hand, that means it won’t overshadow the bigger matches on the show. This match should make the pre-show at the very least.