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The 2022 Royal Rumble is officially in the books. It was an action-packed premium live event with twists, turns, surprise returns, and a title change. New storylines were established, and existing ones concluded. Many stars are in a prime position to go in a fresh direction as WWE begins to build the card for Wrestlemania 38.
Rumble winners are set to choose which champion to challenge, and new challengers will emerge for the remaining champion. In addition, multiple story threads established at the event need to be followed as WWE embarks on the road to the 38th annual edition of The Showcase of Immortals.
Let's dive into five questions WWE needs to answer post the 2022 Rumble. Be sure to leave your answers in the comments below.
#5. Who will Edge and Beth Phoenix face after their win at the Royal Rumble?
Edge & Beth Phoenix faced The Miz & Maryse at the Royal Rumble. The real-life couples had an entertaining match, which the former decisively won. It's unlikely that the two couples continue feuding on the road to WrestleMania, begging the question of who they will face at The Show of Shows.
The Rated R Superstar recently expressed his desire to face AJ Styles, and this dream match is WrestleMania-worthy. The Glamazon is a dream opponent for many young female superstars. A match against someone like Rhea Ripley, who doesn't seem to be in any title plans going forward, may happen at WrestleMania. As for Miz & Maryse, it remains to be seen whether they continue as a manager-wrestler duo or go their separate ways.
#4. Which Royal Rumble returns and eliminations will lead to WrestleMania storylines?
Both the Men's and Women's Rumble Matches had numerous interactions. There were team-ups, teases, and betrayals. These led to the conclusion of storylines, but many more possibilities opened up.
Some of these stories will be paid off at the upcoming Elimination Chamber, while the rest will run to WrestleMania 38. Will Lita challenge Charlotte Flair, or be confronted by Mickie James? It'll be interesting to find out what plans the company has for superstars such as Drew McIntyre and Shane McMahon going forward.
#3. What are the Intercontinental and US title plans after the Royal Rumble?
At Royal Rumble, neither the Intercontinental nor the United States Championship was defended. The IC title hasn't been defended on WWE TV in almost three months!
Sami Zayn has a pending title opportunity against Shinsuke Nakamura, so fans will be curious when the two will face off. US Champion Damian Priest is currently in a feud with Kevin Owens. The WWE Universe is waiting with bated breath to know what's next. In the coming days, WWE will blow off their rivalry at the Chamber or Wrestlemania, possibly adding more superstars to the feud.
#2. Who will challenge the champions not chosen by the Royal Rumble winners?
Three of WWE's four world championships were defended at the Royal Rumble. Universal Champion Roman Reigns barely retained his title, winning by disqualifying himself. He went on to cost Brock Lesnar the WWE Championship and revealed that he was in cahoots with Paul Heyman all along.
It looks likely that The Beast will be out for revenge, leaving the field wide open for RAW stars to step up and challenge WWE Champion, Bobby Lashley.
Similarly, both current women's champions were involved in Ronda Rousey's last match from her first WWE run: a Triple Threat Match at Wrestlemania 35. Therefore, either can be challenged by the former UFC Champion, leaving the other needing an opponent for the biggest event of the year.
These questions are likely to be answered at the Elimination Chamber on February 19.
1. Who will the Royal Rumble winners challenge at WrestleMania 38?
Brock Lesnar and Ronda Rousey won the men's and women's Royal Rumble matches, respectively. The former UFC stars have reason to challenge either champion, making their WrestleMania choices a very intriguing notion.
WWE could inject swerves and surprises such as putting Seth Rollins in the Universal title match as a repeat of WrestleMania 31 main event.
A WWE Hall of Famer called out AEW fans HERE
