WWE Royal Rumble 2019: Full Confirmed Card and Match Predictions

Credit: WWE.com

United States Championship Match: Rusev (c) vs. Shinsuke Nakamura

On the final SmackDown Live of 2018, Rusev followed up a year of growing support by the WWE Universe with an opportunity to face Shinsuke Nakamura for the United States Championship. On Christmas Day, Rusev’s birthday, and Rusev Day itself, Rusev defeated Nakamura to become the new United States Champion.

It was a huge win and a spectacular way to close out 2018 for Rusev, but The Bulgarian Brute has had a rough few weeks since capturing the title. One week after capturing the title, it was former champion Shinsuke Nakamura who attacked while Rusev and Lana were in the ring celebrating the championship win.

Unfortunately, the brawl ended with Lana taking a hard fall that kept her out of competition for an entire week despite being a trained wrestler. Last week, Rusev got on the microphone and made it clear that he intends to break every bone in Nakamura’s “fragile” body as revenge for what happened to Lana.

Meanwhile, Nakamura argued that the fall was only because of a stray kick by Rusev, laying blame on The Bulgarian Brute for Lana’s fate. Regardless of whose “fault” the incident was, Nakamura has managed to get under the skin of Rusev and leverage himself a title shot at the Royal Rumble.

While Shinsuke Nakamura will be looking to take every advantage to leave the Royal Rumble once again the United States Champion, Rusev is just starting what promises to be a truly special run as champion. Add to that the motivation to avenge Lana, and there’s no stopping The Bulgarian Brute this time.

Prediction: Rusev