Top 5 potential challengers to AJ Styles' WWE title at Royal Rumble 2018

Ever since joining the WWE, AJ Styles has proved why he was already considered the best in the world. Not only has he now conquered the top-flight in the wrestling industry, by becoming a two-time WWE World Champion in his first two years, but he's also established himself as an integral part of Smackdown and is one of the main reasons as to why Smackdown has frequently beaten RAW in the battle of the ratings.

His next challenger, Jinder Mahal, had an impressive run with the WWE Championship, holding it for a total of 170 days, which is longer than many legends in the business have managed.

After wins over top superstars such as Randy Orton and Shinsuke Nakamura, the reign of 'The Modern Day Maharajah' finally came to an end last month, as AJ Styles defeated him for the WWE Championship whilst touring in Manchester, England.

Jinder Mahal has an opportunity to reclaim the top prize in a few weeks time. In case AJ Styles defends his championship at Clash of Champions, I have compiled a list of stars who could be his next challenger, at Royal Rumble 2018:

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#5 Rusev

Will the 'Bulgarian Brute' crush the 'Phenomenal One' at the Rumble?

Rusev has been a dominant force ever since making his debut on the main roster, coincidentally, at the Royal Rumble event back in 2014.

'The Bulgarian Brute' struck up an impressive winning streak, during which time, he defeated Sheamus to capture his first United States championship. His first pinfall loss didn't come until Wrestlemania 31, losing to John Cena, which also marked the end of his 146-day reign as United States champion.

Since then, after having his momentum stalled by 'The Franchise Player', his quest for dominance has been somewhat intermittent. He did manage to win back the United States Championship in May 2016 and hold it for 126 days, before losing it to Roman Reigns at Clash of Champions 2016.

This year has been very underwhelming for the Bulgarian, after suffering an injury and then failing to make the same impact he did in 2014.

However, could we see a new rise for Rusev in 2018? If he did battle AJ Styles for the WWE Title at Royal Rumble, the WWE Universe could be treated to the beautiful, angelic voice of his manager.

Unfortunately, I'm not on about his Russian bride, Lana. Aaron English wants to melt our hearts, with a new song that not only commemorates Rusev Day, but also Rusev's first WWE World Championship reign.

Or, is it more likely that English will be singing to Rusev 'You Don't Want None' of AJ Styles?

#4 Sami Zayn

Could the house that AJ Styles built offer a land of opportunity for Sami Zayn

With the talent that Sami Zayn possesses, it's shocking how he hasn't won championship gold since being on the main roster in WWE. Sami has a thoroughly decorated background, stemming from his debut in 2002.

Wrestling back then, under the alias 'El Generico', throughout his 13-year tenure in the independent circuit, he became a two-time PWG World champion, a two-time IWS World champion, an ROH World Television champion, a wXw Unified World Wrestling champion, a KO-D Openweight champion and a five-time World Tag Team champion.

Yes, his list of accomplishments are commendable, however, since winning the NXT championship in December 2014, his success in the WWE has been limited. That's not to say, he hasn't had some of the most entertaining matches in the past couple of years, because he truly has.

Now, after a heel turn that was probably way past due, aligning himself with his fellow compatriot, Kevin Owens, Zayn is really beginning to pick a lot of heat. Although he's not exactly on the right side of Smackdown Commissioner, Shane McMahon, hopefully, that storyline won't stop him from fulfilling his potential and earning a shot at the WWE Championship.

I'm sure I'm not the only fan who would be delighted to see Sami Zayn vs. AJ Styles at the Rumble.

#3 Randy Orton

Can the venom of the Viper be enough to dethrone the Phenomenal One at the Rumble

The third-generation superstar has built up quite a legacy in the WWE. Having had a quick rise through the ranks of developmental company Ohio Valley Wrestling, he made his first official televised appearance for WWE in April 2002.

The following year, Orton aligned with the likes of Ric Flair, Triple H and Batista, joining the heavily decorated stable named Evolution. In 2004, he became the youngest ever World Champion in WWE history at just 24 years of age.

Since then he's gone on to hold 13 World championships, an accomplishment which only Ric Flair, John Cena and Triple H have eclipsed.

'The Viper' may be able to strike his RKO outta nowhere, however, some feel his character is going nowhere currently, having grown stale and, quite frankly, dull.

After an underwhelming feud with Bray Wyatt earlier this year, followed by his multiple defeats to Jinder Mahal, Orton is currently taking part in a tepid feud with Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn. But surely, with a resume like Orton has, it can't be long before he's back on top again.

Randy Orton still has time to surpass even the achievements of his former Evolution mentors, but I think a revival is needed soon. Maybe turning heel, which he excels at, given his cold character traits, and challenging AJ Styles for the WWE Title at the Royal Rumble next month might just be on the cards.

#2 Dolph Ziggler

Will the 'Showoff' have something to show off about after the Royal Rumble?

Clearly, Dolph Ziggler is one of the most talented performers to ever step foot inside the squared circle. The resident 'Showoff' really knows how to put in the performance of the night.

And his accomplishments underline this, having been a World champion on two separate occasions, in addition to being a five-time Intercontinental champion, one-time United States champion and former holder of a Money in the Bank briefcase.

However, after being in WWE now for over 12 years, and given the talent and charisma he has, Dolph, and fans alike, can't help but feel unsatisfied with his career. Fans feel he should have held the World title on more occasions, or at least for lengthier reigns.

Though his frustrations have recently been just a part of his gimmick, it's apparent he feels underutilised after multiple rumours surfaced that he's undecided on whether to stay with the WWE, or move onto the independent circuit once his contract is up in 2018.

Can a further rehash of his character invigorate his career and grant him a chance once again at World championship glory.

His current feud seems to involve the United States championship, however, Bobby Roode is the likely next challenger to Corbin's title. Does that mean Dolph might be in with a shot at AJ Styles' WWE Title at the Royal Rumble? They would certainly put on quite the show.

#1 Kevin Owens

Will 'KO' bring the 'Fight Owens Fight' to AJ Styles at the Royal Rumble?

Kevin Owens has been a breath of fresh air for the WWE, in my opinion, since joining the company. Though he's only 33-years-old, he's been in the wrestling business for nearly two decades.

He began wrestling in the independent circuit in 2003, under his real name Kevin Steen, joining his fellow countryman Sami Zayn in IWS. Since then, 'The Prize Fighter' has accumulated multiple World championships in ROH, PWG, IWS and AAW.

Kevin Owens made his debut in WWE in May 2015, whilst holding the NXT title. The Canadian had a successful feud with John Cena, beating the 16-time World champion cleanly on his first Pay-Per-View appearance at Elimination Chamber.

Owens then went on to become a two-time Intercontinental champion, a three-time United States champion and the second ever Universal champion in history.

Owens has been astounding when it comes to mic work, putting on promos that really resonate with the audience, giving fans a glimpse back to the old attitude days. And his in-ring performances have been just as good.

If Owens doesn't get booked to fight for the top prize again soon, it would be a travesty. The Owens and Styles feud for the United States championship was strong, but imagine what these two could do as they grapple for the WWE championship at the Royal Rumble.