WWE Royal Rumble 2018: Daily DDT Staff Makes Its Match Predictions

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Men’s Royal Rumble Match

Bryan Heaton: Woof, so many possible winners, and none of them seem super inspiring. Roman Reigns? Meh. John Cena? Ugh. Randy Orton? God, no. Daniel Bryan? HAHAHAHAHAHA please don’t believe that’s a possibility even for a second. So I’m thinking swerve: Brock Lesnar retains earlier in the night, Braun Strowman is super mad, and destroys Curtis Axel on the way to the ring to steal his spot. Strowman wins, and everyone in Philly is thrilled. (Where’s your crown, King Roman?)

Christopher Jeter: Just like last year, there doesn’t appear to be a clear favorite heading into the men’s Rumble. Roman Reigns seems destined to face Brock Lesnar for the Universal Championship at WrestleMania, but I don’t he gets there via the Rumble. WWE would be insane to have Reigns win in Philadelphia again after they serenaded him with boos three years prior. I think a SmackDown star wins the Rumble again this year. Dolph Ziggler has emerged as a darkhorse favorite, but he’s been booked too poorly to challenge for the WWE Title at Mania. Randy Orton induced groans when he won last year. I doubt WWE goes back to that well again. So I’ll pick Shinsuke Nakamura to win, setting up a dream match with AJ Styles at WrestleMania.

Daniel Wood: For the men’s I think the winner will be Shinsuke Nakamura or Dolph Ziggler. Brock Lesnar isn’t scheduled for the Elimination Chamber which means the Elimination Chamber Match is likely to be a #1 contendership match, which means Reigns doesn’t need to win the Rumble. If Cena is wrestling Undertaker as rumored then he doesn’t need to win the Rumble either so I have to give it to one of either of SmackDown Live’s two most underused Superstars. Let’s say Ziggler from out of left field.

Jack Clayton: With names like John Cena and Shinskue Nakamura in the Royal Rumble this year, there is no clear idea who could possibly win this year’s Rumble. It most likely won’t be Reigns, as hopefully they allow him to win the Elimination Chamber to set up his match with Lesnar. And while many want to see Nakamura win and face Styles, but the person who should win is current favorite, Dolph Ziggler. Ziggler, who hasn’t been seen since relinquishing the US Title, not only would be a pleasant surprise in the match, but would also put on a stellar match with Styles at Wrestlemania. With as great of performers as these two are, the outcome of Ziggler winning would be what’s best for business.

Joe Soriano: You know who’s going to win the Men’s Rumble? Oh, you think it’s Finn Balor? How cute! Shinsuke Nakamura? God, you are such a smark. It’s Roman Reigns. Believe that. And the sooner you come to the grips with it, the better you’ll feel. It’s not like the guy has had a single bad match in the calendar year, so, yeah, quite your petty complaining and just enjoy a Rumble match for once in your life.

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Josiah MacDonald: Shinsuke Nakamura is my choice here. The only reason why is that I want Nakamura to go on to face AJ at WrestleMania in a rematch from their Wrestle Kingdom 10 match.

Quinn Gammon: If you’re a gambler, the odds-on favorite for the Rumble is SmackDown Live superstar Shinsuke Nakamura. The Artist and AJ Styles teased a potential WrestleMania showdown at a house show a few months back. Predictably, the fans went nuts at the idea. Who could have imagined Styles and Nakamura tearing down the house at WrestleMania for the WWE Championship?

Sarah Hirsch: While most Royal Rumbles pose several potential winners, it’s been known that the company plays it safe versus thinking outside the box. No one will want a Roman Reigns or a John Cena win this year; it’s time for a fresh winner. While I would love a Nakamura win, this may be Finn Balor‘s Rumble. After the stamp of approval from DX, it’s more evident that the company just may be ready to put their faith in him once again.

Warren Hayes: I truly believe WWE wants to upstage Wrestle Kingdom as far as buzz goes. I am sure Vince and company want to get the same kind of extended noise and universal acclaim that New Japan has managed to do by putting on stellar, contemporary matches with guys who can go. And what better way to do that than put two guys at the top of their game who have wrestled NJPW style before. Shinsuke Nakamura wins the 2018 men’s Royal Rumble and goes on to fight AJ Styles at WrestleMania.

Next: WWE Royal Rumble 2018 Predictions: A Phenomenal Night?

Okay, readers: Who on the staff do you think has the best predictions?

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