WWE Royal Rumble 2019 Predictions: Will It Be Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair, Or Both?
By Kyle Boris
Source: WWE.com
United States Championship: Rusev(c) vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
Kyle: The feud between Rusev and Shinsuke and Nakamura had the potential to became stale after the title switched hands, but the beef between both men got a jolt when Nakamura caused a minor injury to Lana. It was nice to see a fire lit under Rusev who showed passion and aggressiveness in his attempts to gain revenge.
As for their bout at the Rumble, it’s a tough one to predict because Nakamura will surely be looking to win back the gold, but Rusev’s reign just started. A part of me thinks we might get some interference from Aiden English, who’s been MIA on SmackDown Live since his split from Rusev Day. He recently joined the 205 Live announce team, but it’s time for him to return to SmackDown and I think he actually helps the Bulgarian Brute retain the title to shock and confuse everyone, as he keeps his ulterior motives to himself.
Prediction: Rusev by pinfall
Joe: Honestly, there’s only one answer here. Shinsuke Nakamura is an excellent heel and even better in the ring when the stars align. Nakamura and Rusev are only capable of having good matches against each other, and their Christmas Day bout was their bet yet. It’ll be hard for them to top what they did on Christmas at the Royal Rumble, but I think it’s going to happen, especially with how electric the Phoenix crowd will be on Rusev Day.
Prediction: Rusev
Chris: Last time these two faced one another on the main card of a Pay-Per-View, they put together a very good match at Fastlane last year. Of course, the roles are a bit reversed this time, as Rusev is now a beloved babyface and Nakamura is the popular cool heel. Even on a four-hour PPV, these two probably won’t receive a great deal of time to tell their story, but it should still be good. WWE probably doesn’t have huge plans for either guy heading into WrestleMania, so they will likely extend this feud out. With that in mind, I’ll pick Shinsuke Nakamura to win via DQ to set up a rematch at Elimination Chamber.
Prediction: Shinsuke Nakamura by DQ
Bryan: It’s a little depressing that Nakamura has gone from Royal Rumble winner to pre-show midcard title challenger in just one year, but it is what it is. Rusev is reaping the benefits of being one of the most charismatic superstars on the planet, and I don’t see his reign ending just yet.
Prediction: Rusev
Patches: It’s a shame this match got pushed to the pre-show and hasn’t really been properly promoted on SmackDown Live, but it’s still got the potential to be a great match. Rusev has been on fire since before being champion, and I don’t see that changing any time soon. Despite my love for Nakamura, he takes the loss here and another Rusev Day results in victory for The Bulgarian Brute.
Prediction: Rusev by pinfall
Joe Anthony Myrick: Rusev’s rivalry with Shinsuke Nakamura has heated up as of late, but it’s too soon for him to lose the title. Mark my words, Sunday will be RUSEV DAY!
Prediction: Rusev
Jesse: What do you know, the Royal Rumble falls on Rusev Day! The 2 men haven’t been on television much recently and they both should be near the WWE championship picture.
Why these 2 men are relegated to the pre show is still a mystery? The answer is probably that both Rumbles will require over half of the show’s time. I am hoping Rusev will get a main title push towards the end of the year. That being said, this match will be a solid contest. These guys have great chemistry and it should be a fun one.
Prediction: Rusev by pinfall