WWE Royal Rumble Card Preview And Predictions

The Road to Wrestlemania is officially underway, with its first stop being the Royal Rumble. Three championships are set to be defended, along with the men and women’s over-the-top battle royals taking place.

The Royal Rumble will leave more questions than answers

This year’s Rumble has more mystique than previous years. Despite the company’s every effort used to announce every detail about participants, clear-cut winners are tough to decipher. There will certainly be more surprises during the show, but the Wrestlemania picture won’t be any clearer by the night’s end.

Miz & Maryse vs. Edge & Beth Phoenix

The “It Couple” versus the “Grit Couple” presents a chance to see two legends of the women’s division in the ring with their spouses. Since Edge and Miz returned from lengthy absences, both have been in each other’s crosshairs. It was only a matter of time before this became a family affair. This rivalry has been treated with a big fight feel and was recently in the main event of Raw. Miz and Maryse have been here before if you recall their feud with John Cena and Nikki Bella. This matchup certainly has the same nostalgia, and there’s a chance all four pull double duty and enter in the Rumble later in the night. As for this mixed tag, the mind games are over and the Copeland’s are about action. The Ultimate Opportunist and the Glamazon pick up a win in their first outing as a tag team.

Prediction: Edge and Beth Phoenix win

Raw Women’s Championship – Becky Lynch (c) vs. Doudrop

A surprise new challenger steps up to the big time. Doudrop was victorious in a triple threat to become the number one contender, with an assist from Becky Lynch. The self-proclaimed Vincent Van Goat may have her stiffest test yet with a powerhouse like Doudrop. Putting aside all logic in Doudrop getting a shot at the champ, this clash in styles is refreshing for fans. Big time Becks will build another star in the division while retaining the title.

Prediction: Becky Lynch retains

Universal Championship – Roman Reigns (c) vs. Seth Rollins

The former Shield brothers square off in a rare occurrence where brands are obsolete. Roman Reigns was seemingly without a challenger until Seth Rollins came knocking at the door of the Tribal Chief. The war of words between these two has been jaw-dropping, if this wasn’t the Royal Rumble pay per view this could easily be the match of the night. With the stipulation added that the Usos are barred from ringside, this will definitely be a one on one contest. Even with that, Rollins is the original Day 1 favorite before changes were made. It’s hard to bet against the head of the table this early into Wrestlemania season. Reigns figures a way to pick up a W.

Prediction: Roman Reigns retains 

WWE Championship – Brock Lesnar (c) vs. Bobby Lashley

A matchup between two titans, more than a decade in the making. There’s great anticipation for the All-Mighty and the Beast Incarnate and yet the buildup has been quiet. On Lashley’s side, there has been confidence and respect of his opponent, while Lesnar is completely dismissive of the challenger. This match could go one of two ways, either Lashley upsets Lesnar and gives him the shortest title reign of his career. Or Lesnar gives the All-Mighty the “Kofi treatment” and this match doesn’t last long and validates the Beast’s narcissism. Brock has been on a roll since returning, but the rumors of him going back to Smackdown are too loud. Lashley conquers Lesnar via Hurt Lock.

Prediction: Bobby Lashley wins the WWE title

Women’s Royal Rumble match

(Announced participants: Carmella, Dana Brooke, Nikki A.S.H., Queen Zelina, Rhea Ripley, Tamina, Aliyah, Charlotte Flair, Naomi, Natalya, Shayna Baszler, Shotzi, Brie Bella, Lita, Nikki Bella, Kelly Kelly, Michelle McCool, Mickie James, Summer Rae, Bianca Belair, Liv Morgan)

WWE threw the Universe for a loop when they announced women’s division legends earlier this month. Currently, there are 21 competitors announced for the match, which means nine names remain unanswered. The main storyline surrounding the Women’s Rumble is Charlotte entering as Smackdown Women’s champion in an effort to handpick her opponent for Wrestlemania.

While that certainly could happen, the possibility of returning superstars is more enticing. Names such as Asuka, Bayley, Trish Stratus, and even Ronda Rousey are being floated around. There’s also a likelihood of NXT Superstars Io Shirai, Dakota Kai, and Raquel Gonzalez making an appearance in this year’s Rumble. Before an untimely injury, Sasha Banks was a runaway favorite to win this year’s event. Without speculating on the surprise entrants, I’ll roll with last year’s runner-up, Rhea Ripley.

Prediction: Rhea Ripley wins the Royal Rumble

Men’s Royal Rumble match

(Announced Participants: Johnny Knoxville, Montez Ford, Angelo Dawkins, Rey Mysterio, Dominik Mysterio, Austin Theory, Sheamus, Damian Priest, AJ Styles, Big E, Happy Corbin, Madcap Moss, Sami Zayn, Kofi Kingston, Kevin Owens, Omos, Randy Orton, Riddle, Chad Gable, Otis, Dolph Ziggler, Robert Roode)

Similar to the Women’s Royal Rumble, participants were announced far in advance. There are currently 22 names announced with just eight possible surprises. There’s one aspect that stands out about the Men’s Royal Rumble however, the field is very tag-team heavy. There are currently six tag-teams in the field which makes the field look lackluster at first glance.

The celebrity wing of the battle royal is headline by Jackass star Johnny Knoxville, who almost certainly will be eliminated by Omos in painful fashion. As for surprises, there are NXT superstars considered to be a lock with Tommaso Ciampa, Pete Dunne, GUNTHER, Bron Breakker, Roderick Strong, and LA Knight. In fact, Strong and Knight recently had a run-in with Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode after Raw. All have been working dark matches and Superstars as of late. It’s also within the realm of possibility Edge, The Miz, and Seth Rollins pull double duty and enter the Rumble as well. Returns could see Drew Mcintyre, Elias showing up, or finally the debut of Veer Mahan. Without looking too deep into the crystal ball, I’ll pick from the established field and select Big E to start his redemption tour.

Prediction: Big E wins the Royal Rumble