WWE Royal Rumble 2019 Predictions: Will It Be Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair, Or Both?

Source: WWE.com

SmackDown Women’s Championship: Asuka(c) vs. Becky Lynch

Kyle: I don’t even want to predict this match. I just want to sit back and enjoy what is sure to be an incredible bout between two of the WWE’s best. It really could go either way and just like in the Rousey/Banks match, it might come down to someone not even in the match. Before the shenanigans at the end, I think we’ll get an instant classic from these two, while stealing the show in the process. It’s a coin flip for me, but I’ll take Asuka to retain.

Prediction:  Asuka by pinfall

Joe: Asuka needs to have a long reign with the SmackDown Women’s Championship, and WWE needs to start seriously booking her like she’s the best in that ring. She has several different ways of submitting opponents, and her timing is impeccable. Becky Lynch seems poised to win the Rumble, while Asuka can become a star in her own right by showing the WWE Universe that she is indeed better than The Man one-on-one.

Prediction: Asuka

Chris: WWE has put themselves into a tough spot with this match. Obviously, a clean loss for Becky Lynch wouldn’t be optimal, though a Rumble win later in the evening — depending on match placement — would quickly wipe that away. Conversely, Asuka CANNOT LOSE THIS MATCH (yes, the last time I got this hyperbolic about Asuka, she lost two title matches to Carmella in a manner that made look like the dumbest person on Earth, but I stand by my picks). She basically won the title at TLC because Ronda Rousey had beef with her other two opponents, so losing the belt to Lynch would put her back at square one in regards to her spot on the card.

This one could steal the show, but WWE will need to be careful when booking the finish to this match. They have to craft a conclusion that protects both women’s finishers, keeps Becky looking strong and has Asuka retaining her title.

Prediction: Asuka by pinfall

Bryan: This past week’s SmackDown is sure hammering home the idea of a Rousey/Flair/Lynch triple threat main event at WrestleMania 35, huh? Part of me thinks Becky goes in as the champion, which would suggest a victory here. But part of me is convinced we’re getting a Rumble ’94 “tie” finish in the Women’s Rumble with Charlotte and Becky. Let’s say that, which means Asuka gets the win in the title match, perhaps again with Rowdy Ronda getting involved.

Prediction: Asuka

Patches: The outcome of this match hinges largely on what WWE’s overall plans for WrestleMania are, which makes both outcomes very possible. While I understand the frustration of some fans at the prospect of Asuka losing so early in her title reign, that problem doesn’t remove WWE’s likelihood of picking that outcome. That being said, I’m still picking Asuka. Becky is destined for the Rumble, and is unharmed by a loss here. I’m guessing we get a classic but Asuka makes Becky pass out to the Asuka Lock, picking up the win without Becky physically submitting.

Prediction: Asuka via KO/Submission

Joe Anthony Myrick: This is the hardest match to call. It could really go either way, but I’ll take a shot in the dark and say it goes Asuka’s way.

Prediction: Asuka

Jesse: I was convinced that Becky would win the Rumble and Charlotte Flair would wrestle Ronda Rousey for the RAW championship. In the meantime, Asuka has emerged as the champion on the blue brand in one of the more intense women’s wrestling matches you will ever see.

Let’s face facts, Becky Lynch is the most over wrestler in the WWE presently. Most stories like her’s end with a WrestleMania moment. All signs are pointing to a collision course with Ronda Rousey in what should main event the spectacle. The chase is easily the most thrilling part of watching someone who has an ascending trajectory like The Man. I expect there to be some shenanigans at ringside, whether it’s Rousey or Charlotte Flair interfering, Asuka will retain the title but it won’t be in clean fashion.

Prediction: Asuka