5 dark horse predictions who could win the Royal Rumble match 

Never say never!

There are always twists and turns on the Road to WrestleMania in the WWE. This year the men's Rumble match is set to be more unpredictable than ever. In this article, we rank five dark horses who one might not expect to, but may just pull off a shocking Rumble victory.

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#5 Jeff Hardy

Could Jeff Hardy be heading for singles run?

"The Charismatic Enigma" known as Jeff Hardy is expected to return from injury any time now. No matter what, his popularity is always at an all-time high. He is a superstar that the WWE universe is always ready to get behind. Imagine him winning the Rumble and later jumping ship to SmackDown, setting up a clash with AJ Styles for the WWE Championship.

Not only would this faceoff be a fresh matchup for the WWE Universe but it could also be a strong contender for the Match of the Year title.

#4 Baron Corbin

The Lone Wolf has been very quiet lately.

WWE is known for booking stars poorly before a big win. They have done it in the past with most Money in the Bank briefcase holders and Royal Rumble winners.

Last year nobody expected Randy Orton to win the Rumble match. If that indicates the beginning of a trend in which the WWE wants to shock its viewers, the "Lone Wolf" is a good option.

Since losing the United States Championship to Dolph Ziggler, Corbin has been missing in action on SmackDown.This would make Corbin winning the Rumble match even more shocking.

#3 Finn Balor

Can the Demon King get the job done?

In a way, it is hard to call the first-ever WWE Universal Champion Finn Balor a dark horse.

Balor has recently aligned himself with The Club and this should give him a significant run in the Rumble with the help of his 'Good Brothers'.

Also, the viewers love a good conspiracy theory and it could be that the story of Vince not believing Balor to be "over" was actually planted to help him gain some support. After all, the WWE fans love to support an underdog. Especially if the 'Authority' seems to be holding the superstar down.

Perhaps Balor's showdown against Brock Lesnar for the Universal Championship was never really cancelled but delayed for a bigger stage.

#2 Dolph Ziggler

Here to show the world?

The more I think about this one the more sense it makes. Dolph Ziggler could win the 2018 Royal Rumble match and add it to his long list of accomplishments.

Lots of people say that Ziggler will return and challenge the new U.S Champion, but would this really make sense? Why would Ziggler come back to fight for a title that he dumped in the ring? He clearly doesn't care about it and it would be very strange if all of a sudden he wanted it back.

What if Ziggler entered the Rumble match and won? It would prove that the WWE Universe was wrong in doubting him. He will be able to re-establish himself as a main eventer.

#1 Rusev

Every day is Rusev Day!

Not many people are aware, but the Royal Rumble match actually falls on Rusev Day. this may not be a coincidence.

Rusev, against all odds, with a gimmick alongside Aiden English that had no right to ever work, is massively over with the fans. No matter what the segment and who it features the chants of 'Rusev Day' ring from the rafters and he is greeted by massive pops whenever he appears.

A few months ago, this idea may be called crazy. But now is it really that hard to imagine? It would not be the first time that a superstar's overwhelming surge in popularity has caused creative to change its WrestleMania plans. The WWE Universe would be ecstatic if Rusev wins the Rumble.

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