Ladies and gentlemen, we are well and truly on the road to the Royal Rumble and boy oh boy has it come around fast. It feels like only yesterday that the world was moaning and complaining about Triple H's title win in what was one of the better Rumbles of recent times.
Still, twelve months on from that fateful night we find ourselves in a similar scenario – Roman Reigns is on the verge of greatness once again.
But that's not the main thing people are focusing on this year. As a matter of fact, the 30-man over the top battle Royale feels as unpredictable as it has done in years. With the brand split once again taking centre stage, there's a whole host of Superstars in the running to win the big one.
Many fans consider the Rumble to be the most entertaining match of the year, and it's hard to disagree. The surprise returns, the fun eliminations and the fans counting down are all part of the fun.
Then again, over the last few years, we have been treated to a chorus of boos more often than not. So what has WWE's response been? That's right, put the event inside a 60,000-capacity stadium and throw as many stars on the card as possible. If that doesn't raise the eyebrows of even the most pessimistic fan then nothing will.
As we draw ever closer to the big night at the end of January, the spots in the match are starting to fill up nicely. With a handful of superstars having already been announced, it's time to take a swing at predicting all thirty entrants in what is sure to be an absolute slobber knocker.
Participants from the Red brand:
#1 Goldberg
The most devastating man in all of WWE has already been announced, and unsurprisingly the guy is one of the favourites.
Following a fascinating appearance on Monday Night Raw this past week, it seems as if the company is teasing a number of different possibilities for good old Bill, heading into WrestleMania season. One way or the other, though, everyone in the Rumble match is ‘next’.
#2 Brock Lesnar
The Beast Incarnate is out for blood. We haven’t seen Brock since he was dismantled at the hands of Goldberg, which makes his entry into this match very interesting. The obvious choice would be to plant the seeds for the Goldberg rematch, however, it seems as if WWE doesn’t want things to be all that obvious.
You can expect an absolute bloodbath in San Antonio.
#3 Big E
A sure fire hit with the crowd, Big E will likely provide a few fun spots and be eliminated by a more important Superstar, but if the WWE want him to have a run as a singles Superstar, we could see something from the big man this year.
As we know from his time down in NXT, Big E can certainly pull off a more serious character when called upon.
#4 Kofi Kingston
There's only one question on everybody's minds; how will Kofi avoid elimination this year?
The creative high flyer is always one of the highlights of the Royal Rumble match and long may it continue. Kofi has the potential to do a lot more than he already has with New Day, but for now keeping him in this spot isn’t too much of a problem. It’s always a good way to pop the crowd, at least.
#5 Xavier Woods
When used right, Woods can be quite the handful in the ring but that rarely comes to fruition. We can probably expect a rather quick elimination for the creator of UpUpDownDown, but it would be nice to see Woods go on a flurry, similar to how he did in the match against the Wyatt Family.
It’s not like he’ll last very long in the match or anything, but these small details are important.
#6 Chris Jericho
The owner of the List of Jericho will probably end up in the final four or five competitors: drink it in, man. Whilst his character doesn’t really suit the role that he’s used to playing in this match, Jericho rarely abides by the face/heel dynamics of the in-ring style.
He’s considered by many to be one of the outside favourites for the win, but considering what happened in 2012 we aren't holding our breath.
#7 Braun Strowman
Braun needs a big showing here. The new monster heel doesn't necessarily need to win it, but a runner-up spot or something along those lines would certainly be a smart move.
Nobody in his position has made an impact like this for a long time, and Braun really does have the potential to be a big player within WWE.
#8 Finn Balor
Here we have our personal favourite to win the whole thing: Mr Finn Balor.
Some think he may not be cleared in time, but it just feels right that Balor would make his long-awaited comeback on this of all nights. His shoulder injury appears to be all sorted, then again you never can be too sure with the king of internet trolling. One way or another, Balor will probably be at the Alamodome.
#9 Big Cass
Man, we're going to have some big fellas in there.
Big Cass can eliminate a few of the less important stars, before being toppled over by numerous wrestlers, which is a spot we’re all used to seeing by now. Enzo can provide support as a cheerleader of sorts from the outside because in reality there isn’t a spot for the Certified G in this. Cass has a big future, but it won't start here.
#10 Cesaro
The King of Swing can fling as many people around as he sees fit. This is the perfect kind of contest for Cesaro to show the casual fans what he’s all about, but for whatever reason, the guy has never had a truly great showing in the Rumble match.
Perhaps, we could see him break Roman Reigns’ record when it comes to eliminating the most people in a singular Rumble.
#11 Sheamus
No matter what the circumstances, Sheamus always seems to have an impressive showing in the January PPV. The Celtic Warrior is one of the most underappreciated stars WWE has had in years, with his supposed friendship with Triple H crippling him at times.
With his position on the card not as strong this time round, it’s likely that Sheamus will be eliminated early on.
#12 Karl Anderson
Poor old Karl hasn't had the best booking since arriving from Japan, and it'll likely continue here. Given that he and Gallows aren’t really all that important in the grand scheme of Monday Night Raw, Anderson could be used as fodder to make another Superstar look more dominant halfway through the match.
Then again, maybe a battle between the two tag partners will ensue.
#13 Luke Gallows
Speaking of which, that brings us to Luke Gallows.
WWE has missed the boat on this guy so many times that it almost feels pointless to predict his future. Gallows should be allowed to get a couple eliminations in, but trusting the booking team with that kind of idea is a dangerous job. In reality, a more established veteran will probably see to it that he is swiftly removed from the field of play.
#14 Sami Zayn
What a wonderful man Sami Zayn is. The underdog from the underground should enter at #1 and last all the way until the end because that kind of story fits his character down to a tee.
There’s room for some interesting chemistry with himself and the bigger Superstars in the match, and it’ll be fun to see what kind of near-misses we get from one of the most exciting men on the roster.
#15 Rusev
Rusev crush. That should be what happens when this man steps into the ring in San Antonio and nothing more. The Bulgarian Brute deserves a solid showing after months of unusual booking that has left the former United States Champion looking a bit worse for wear.
You can certainly pull it back and push him back to those lofty heights, but it needs to be as quick and effective as possible.
Participants from the Blue brand:
#16 The Undertaker
Get ready to hear that gong, folks. The Undertaker looks set to wreak havoc in what will likely be his final Rumble match.
The Deadman is a natural when it comes to in-ring psychology and that will be key here when he likely sets up his WrestleMania showdown in Orlando. Many believe ‘Taker will go on and win this match, and smart money says there’s a good chance it’ll happen.
#17 Dean Ambrose
Dean has lost a bit of steam in the last few months, but the Lunatic Fringe will always be up for a fight, especially now that he’s the Intercontinental Champion. It doesn't really feel like there’s much point in him being in this contest, but Ambrose is great at turning a crowd reaction from confused to excited in a matter of moments.
Just don't expect a sequel to last year’s runner-up performance.
#18 Bray Wyatt
The dynamic between Wyatt and Orton is going to be fascinating. This is probably where their partnership comes to an end, which wouldn't be the worst thing despite how entertaining it has been at times.
Wyatt needs to move on to bigger and better things following this saga, which will probably conclude with a fascinating WrestleMania match against The Apex Predator.
#19 Randy Orton
Randy's journey from Wyatt Family member to babyface will culminate at the Alamodome. The Viper will probably find himself in the final four once again, likely after eliminating his former leader Bray.
In terms of storyline progression, you aren’t going to find much better than this, as everything looks set to implode from within at the Rumble. Either way, you can always count on Randy for a good spot or two.
#20 Luke Harper
The third member of this clan to appear, and the one who could be the most unpredictable. Harper has earned the right to last a while in this match, given how impressive his performances have been since returning to SmackDown Live.
This is the best run Luke has had since joining WWE and the creative team needs to realise they have a potentially huge main eventer on their hands.
#21 Jason Jordan
What a powerhouse this kid is.
Jason Jordan, aka one of the hottest tags in wrestling, could make quite the Rumble debut. The fans are already big fans of American Alpha and there are always certain lulls in the Rumble that could use this guy’s energy. Jordan and Gable working together will be a great sight to see on a stage this big, especially now that they hold Tag Team gold.
#22 Chad Gable
If you're looking for fun in the Royal Rumble, Gable is your man. There could be some fun interactions with Kofi and other high-flying superstars, in addition to potentially seeing a sensational suplex or two.
Gable has certainly cooled off since arriving from NXT, but with 60,000 fans in attendance, this would be a great way for the former Olympian to introduce himself to the world.
#23 The Miz
The Miz is awesome, and that's a fact. Prior to SmackDown, it seemed as if he didn’t need a big run in this match, but now that he is no longer Intercontinental Champion the possibilities are endless for the Awesome One.
He’ll be desperate to make an impact and that kind of storytelling will shine through brilliantly before he is likely eliminated by a rising babyface. Maybe even Gable.
#24 Baron Corbin
There's a lot of potential here for a big showing from Baron Corbin. The Lone Wolf has been on a tear lately, and the Rumble is the perfect place to continue that. Whether he wrestles in a vest is irrelevant, as bizarre as it is, because the important thing is for Corbin to back up all the trash talk.
This could be one of the longest Rumbles ever, and Corbin should be a big part of it.
#25 Kane
You just can't have this match without Kane. Even when he's grey and old, the Big Red Machine needs to come out of retirement just to carry on his legacy. The all-time leader in eliminations can notch a few more names onto his tally, and this is perhaps the one match where defeating him feels more important than at any other point during the year.
What a true icon he is.
#26 Heath Slater
Twelve months ago Slater would've been a nailed on jobber in this match.
Now, he has the chance to go on a bit of a run before eventually being eliminated. Given the talent present this year the One Man Band may still be relegated to that position, however, if SmackDown has proved anything, it’s that you need to expect the unexpected when it comes to the former Nexus member.
#27 Shelton Benjamin
Surprise return time. After recovering from injury, this would be the perfect opportunity to re-introduce Benjamin to the WWE Universe. Not everyone will be familiar with his work but given the size of the crowd expected in San Antonio, it's likely the Gold Standard will receive a pretty impressive pop.
Just imagine the possibilities between the former Team Angle member and Kofi Kingston.
#28 Dolph Ziggler
Things just got interesting around here for Dolph Ziggler. It appears as if the Show Off is transitioning back into a heel role, which provides quite a few potential scenarios when it comes to future feuds.
Much like Jericho he will probably wrestle an exciting style regardless of his alignment, but there are more important names in the match this year, which leaves Dolph a likely contender for early elimination.
#29 Tyler Breeze
One-half of the fashion police could make for some entertaining comedy during the bout.
After all, it's an hour long, we need some comic relief at times. All joking aside, Breeze is an important member of the roster that has been shackled by a jokey gimmick. Unfortunately, it looks like it won’t be going away anytime soon, so we may as well embrace it for the time being.
#30 Kalisto
WWE's resident Lucha will probably put on a brave and impressive display here. He has received a lot of criticism for his promos and general lack of character over the last year or so, but that isn't all his fault.
Either way, the quality of his matches in-ring have been improving as time as gone on and being on SmackDown is great for the guy. Expect a highlight reel elimination here, too.
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