WWE Royal Rumble 2019 Predictions: Will It Be Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair, Or Both?
By Kyle Boris
Source: WWE.com
Universal Championship: Brock Lesnar(c) vs. Finn Balor
Kyle: I had been trying to find a reason so that I could pick Finn Balor in this match. The heart he shows in the ring just makes you want to root for him over anyone he’s up against, but Brock Lesnar is a different animal. Balor will be trying to do what so many other greats failed to do which is conquer the Beast.
I think Braun Strowman is an interesting part of this showdown and if I were him, I’d try to help Balor win because theoretically it would be easier for him to take the title from Balor than Lesnar down the road. Ultimately, I think Balor falls just short, but Lesnar shows the former Universal Champion respect after the bout.
Prediction: Lesnar by pinfall
Joe: Take a look at the Raw and SmackDown rosters. Is there anyone you’d rather see winning the Universal Championship off of Brock Lesnar than Finn Balor? Seth already had his WrestleMania 31 cash-in during Brock vs. Roman Reigns. And does Seth winning tell a better underdog story than “The Demon” doing what Daniel Bryan and AJ Styles just barely failed to do? With the way Vince McMahon has built up this feud by being openly skeptical of Finn’s chances, I am willing to “believe”. So much has been built into this match that I’m willing to make a “foolish” pick by backing Finn, whose treatment as Braun’s replacement may just be a clever red herring.
Prediction: Finn Balor
Chris: This match will likely resemble Brock Lesnar’s previous matches against Daniel Bryan and A.J. Styles. The finish will follow the same formula as well; Finn Balor will get his share of hope spots and nearfalls, but Lesnar will ultimately retain.
Prediction: Brock Lesnar by pinfall
Bryan: Remember Bryan vs. Lesnar at Survivor Series? OR Styles vs. Lesnar the year before? That’s what we’re getting here: a smaller competitor holding his own against The Beast, looking like he’s close to picking up a shocking win, but ultimately falling short. I’m intrigued that Brock allegedly requested Bálor get this spot, so my hopes are pretty high for an inspired performance.
Prediction: Brock Lesnar
Patches: Let’s be honest for a moment, Finn Balor has a very slim chance of picking up a victory here. The most likely outcome is a competitive match where Brock Lesnar eventually plants Finn with an F5 and that’s the end of things. My preferred outcome is Finn Balor brings “The Demon,” despite public comments otherwise, and shocks the world. Just for the sake of hope, I’m saying “The Demon” hits a 1916, Reverse 1916, and Coup de Grace all in succession to become the new Universal Champion.
Prediction: Finn Balor via pinfall
Joe Anthony Myrick: Although Balor has taken full reigns as the ultimate underdog going into this, I think Brock retains. I also don’t see Brock losing the title until WrestleMania.
Prediction: Bryan
Jesse: In somewhat of a surprise, we’re getting a bout that is quite unexpected. Balor all of the sudden emerged on WWE NXTUK Takeover to challenge his pupil Jordan Devlin. He looked like the New Japan version of Finn Balor, more intense and dominant. He took to Twitter saying that he wants an opportunity and this is the “The real” Finn Balor.
Braun Strowman was unceremoniously booted from the original title match with Brock Lesnar by Vince McMahon. A fatal 4 way was declared between Balor, John Cena, Drew McIntyre and Baron Corbin to determine Lesnar’s opponent. Balor defeated Jinder Mahal earlier in the evening and then rang John Cena’s bell with the Coup De Grace on his way to this unexpected title shot.
Will we see The Demon King in he match? If we do, will said Demon King fail in his attempt? I say no to the King coming out and yes to the failing. Most of Lesnar’s matches versus small opponents look like this.
Lesnar dominates, hits and F5. Opponent kicks out, said opponent finds a way to claw back into the match. Lesnar makes Balor look like a credible opponent for about 8 minutes before Lesnar hits him with another F5 to retain the Universal title. I expect to see a carbon copy of that formula in this match with Balor gaining more respect with the WWE Universe.
Prediction: Brock Lesnar by pinfall