WWE Royal Rumble 2016: Full match card analysis and predictions

Hunter could be the surprise package2015 was not a great year for WWE, period. Bad booking decisions, injuries, flop shows, and some shallow storylines ruined the year for them and almost one month into 2016, it is not looking good either.All this, however, could change after January 24 when WWE will bring their first pay-per-view of the year. If this was not enough, WWE has the pressure of delivering the goods to set the tone for WrestleMania.In short, the 2016 edition of Royal Rumble will be path breaking for WWE. WWE has lined up an interesting card for the show and here is the full match card analysis and predictions.

#6 Darren Young and Damien Sandow vs. the Dudley Boyz vs. the Ascension vs. Mark Henry and Jack Swagger

The pre-show matches are barely taken as a serious matter by WWE – this one is no exception.

Four teams fighting it out for a place in the Royal Rumble sounds good on paper but only if it is in some weekly show. In fact, this match would have been an apt one for SmackDown or Raw.

Mark Henry was earlier in the Rumble match, but the company decided to remove him later. This could well be his last Rumble so having him in such a match is confusing. In addition, it is funny to see a legendary team like the Dudley Boyz in the pre-show.

They deserve better and if any teams should win here, it should be them.

Prediction: Dudley Boyz wins

#5 New Day vs. Usos (Tag Team Championship)

New Day vs. Usos is not something new for us. We have seen this match a zillion times and Royal Rumble will just serve the purpose of increasing that number. This match will be an exciting one for tag team lovers. New Day is entertaining even on their worst days and The Usos add that spark of craziness.

Having the tag team championship on the line raises the stakes. This is a hard one to call as both teams are worthy winners. But if it was up to me, I would choose New Day ahead of The Usos.

This is because New Day should go into WrestleMania as the Tag team champions due to a long list of reasons that are visible like the day.

Prediction: New Day wins.

#4 Alberto Del Rio vs. Kalisto (United States Championship)

Kalisto’s win over Alberto Del Rio was an interesting booking decision from WWE. Their decision to take the title away from Kalisto was more interesting. All these have led to a Kalisto vs. Del Rio showdown at Royal Rumble for the United States Championship.

These two delivering something new at Rumble is highly unlikely. It would be just an average match to fill in the schedule.

As far as the result is concerned, Del Rio is the favourite. Kalisto’s dream moment already happened and a repetition of the same at Royal Rumble is not a possible outcome, making Alberto Del Rio a clear favourite.

Prediction: Alberto Del Rio retains

#3 Charlotte vs. Becky Lynch (Divas Championship)

The Divas Championship match between Charlotte and Becky Lynch will be the lone representation of the Divas division at the Royal Rumble.

WWE has been building up the match for quite some time and the expectations are high for this one. The addition of Ric Flair is a great advantage for the women but at the same time, it could be a distraction.

Nevertheless, if provided with ample time to work with, these two could deliver a solid match. Now, the ending could go either way. Charlotte retaining could point her towards a new direction whereas Becky winning could add more flavour to the feud. WWE is likely to do the latter ahead of WrestleMania season.

Prediction: Becky Lynch wins

#2 Dean Ambrose vs. Kevin Owens (Intercontinental Championship)

This match has the potential to steal the show. Both Owens and Ambrose will be up for the challenge and the Last man standing stipulation gives them extra freedom. Ambrose had a reputation in the independent circuit in such matches whereas Owens was never far behind.

They will be limited due to WWE’s PG policies, but still, this match will be a treat for the fans. The WWE Universe is not going to complain about the winner. Both are popular among the fans, but from a booking point of view, Ambrose should win this one.

He needs to keep the Intercontinental championship with him if he is to have a good WrestleMania.

Prediction: Dean Ambrose wins.

#1 Royal Rumble Match

By far, this is the most unpredictable match in the Royal Rumble card.

A new WWE Champion could be crowned after the match and the list of potential winners is a long one. Brock Lesnar, Chris Jericho, Bray Wyatt, Triple H, or any other surprise entrant makes up the list apart from Roman Reigns.

Reigns could retain the championship, but it would only end up in another jeer fest for him. Instead, WWE could put the championship on someone else and let Reigns pull off a chase. Brock Lesnar is a prime candidate, but the wildcard here is Triple H.

Hunter winning the title will make more sense and WWE could put Lesnar in some other match for WrestleMania.

Prediction: Triple H wins.