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Judging by how good this week's Monday Night Raw and SmackDown Live were, serious emphasis on the Royal Rumble PPV has brought legitimate anticipation among the viewers.
Considering that the Royal Rumble is always acknowledged for its element of surprise, legions of WWE fans are expecting a riot at Chase Field, Arizona.
A lot of the stories have worked pretty well on both the brands with the company focussing on multiple stars like Seth Rollins, Drew McIntyre, Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair, A.J. Styles, and Sasha Banks.
Previous year's Royal Rumble delighted the crowd, with victories for Shinsuke Nakamura and Asuka bringing that element of joy and surprise among the WWE Universe.
With Roman Reigns - possibly the most pushed guy on the main roster today, out of action due to Leukaemia, the company could be looking to bring some new faces to the forefront in order to take this business forward.
Legitimate competition from All Elite Wrestling is also playing a pivotal role in coercing the company to bring the spotlight on some underutilised performers, and this might eventually lead to something shocking transpiring at the Royal Rumble.
While stars like Seth Rollins, Drew McIntyre, Becky Lynch, Charlotte, A.J. Styles, and Finn Balor stand as genuine favorites, this list features some of the most talented competitors who could shock the world at Chase Field, Arizona.
Who are they? Let's find out. Here are the 5 WWE Superstars who could shockingly win the Royal Rumble.
#1 Shayna Baszler
The popular opinion says that it would be either Becky Lynch or Charlotte Flair who would walk out of Chase Field as the winner of the Women's Royal Rumble.
While those two competitors are all set to be a part of history at the Show of Shows, the smart move would be to push the envelope with someone like Shayna Baszler.
The women's division on the main roster lacks depth and quality, and with some of the female superstars struggling to make an impression, Baszler's introduction could be gargantuan for the main roster.
Considering that she wins and shocks the entire world, she could go on to challenge Asuka for the SmackDown Women's Championship at WrestleMania 35 in New Jersey.
Personally speaking, I have always been a fan of something unexpected happening at the Royal Rumble, and Baszler's victory could just be icing on the cake for the viewers.
It would also solidify her position in history as the only one in history to debut on the main roster at the Royal Rumble and go on to punch her ticket to the Grandest Stage of Them All.
#2 Andrade
No words would be able to do justice based on what I saw last night when the man formerly known as Andrade 'Cien' Almas broke the internet with Rey Mysterio in a fantastic high paced bout.
The former NXT Champion has always earned high praises for his intensity and performances in the ring, and he stands as a legitimate contender to shock the world come January 27th.
Despite the fact that there were rumors of Andrade winning the Royal Rumble in 2018, the company never really pushed the Mexican Sensation for us to believe in those conjectures.
However, his current push on the main roster speaks volumes on what he can bring to the table and Vince McMahon genuinely recognises how marketable he could become, especially on international platforms.
His performance in the Royal Rumble last year was commendable and with the Luchador already getting the better off Rey Mysterio multiple times, he definitely has a chance to toss other opposition to punch his ticket to WrestleMania 35.
As far as his match is concerned, challenging Daniel Bryan for the WWE Championship would instantly highlight him as the real contender to win the most coveted prize in sports entertainment.
#3 Kevin Owens
While the fans might shut this prediction quickly, stranger things have happened in the past and those stranger things have always involved Kevin Owens.
The Prizefighter is widely regarded as one of the biggest stars in the business and he has claimed multiple titles in that time frame. He defeated John Cena on his very first night, catapulting him to the top of the industry.
There's no denying that the former Universal Champion was poorly booked on Monday Night Raw before he was unfortunately sidelined with an injury.
However, he is scheduled to return soon along with his best friend Sami Zayn. The company also showcased promos on Monday Night Raw to tell the audience that the duo would be returning soon to our screens.
With Kevin Owens being such a popular act, he could very well enter the Royal Rumble at the last minute and shock the world in style.
If shocking wins are anything to take into consideration, then the former Universal Champion is a master of it, with his Universal Championship victory possibly regarded as the most surprising of the New Era.
Kevin Owens vs. Brock Lesnar or Kevin Owens vs. Daniel Bryan could make sense and would make way for a genuine superstar in him to come out and steal the show.
#4 Nikki Cross
If character work and in-ring skills are anything to take into consideration, then it is Nikki Cross that fits the bill to shock the world at Chase Field, Arizona.
Cross has earned the reputation of being one of the most engaging female competitors on the planet and her rivalry with Asuka could be renewed if she manages to win the Royal Rumble.
Considering that Vince McMahon wants Ronda Rousey, Charlotte Flair, and Becky Lynch to headline the Show of Shows, this leaves Asuka without a legitimate opponent.
With the company continuing to push some new talent going forward into 2019, Nikki Cross could come as a fresh contender for the Empress of Tomorrow on the blue brand.
Both the performers know how to tear it out on the biggest stage possible and possess some fine intensity and madness to bring something exceptional to the table at WrestleMania 35.
#5 Samoa Joe
It's a shame that the company really never understands what they have in Samoa Joe considering how special he is and how compelling his heel work really is.
However, the tables have turned and with All Elite Wrestling garnering more focus day by day, the company could be looking to push something shocking at the Royal Rumble.
After viciously attacking Mustafa Ali last night, the Destroyer definitely has something to prove come January 27th, and a ticket to WrestleMania 35 could give us a feud for the ages between Joe and Bryan.
Both the competitors have known each other since a long, long time, and could very well bring something compelling on the table, especially if you consider how Bryan has turned into a solid smart heel.
The brawl between two fantastic egoistic heels is always a treat, and with Bryan working so well as the WWE Champion, it would be incredible if the Destroyer finally wins the Royal Rumble and punches his ticket to WrestleMania 35.
What makes Sting special? His first AEW opponent opens up RIGHT HERE.
