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The Road to WrestleMania will kick off this Sunday with the most anticipated show of the year, the Royal Rumble. Just like every year, the fans and the critics alike are expecting a stacked rumble match coalesced with tons of surprises and unpredictable moments.
The hype behind the possibility of outcomes this year has escalated the overall buzz and stock of the pay-per-view, with WWE hosting the first ever Women's Royal Rumble Match.
Here are the 5 blockbuster ways that could guarantee a sensational Royal Rumble 2018.
#5 Braun Strowman wins the Universal Championship & retires Kane
If WWE wants to make a statement this Sunday and create a star who could be remembered for ages, then they need to give a monstrous push to Braun Strowman and have him not only beat Brock Lesnar and Kane, but annihilate them to the extent of forcing retirement on Kane. 'The Monster Among Men' has taken Raw by storm with his vicious, malicious antics and has been booked like a legitimate threat to Brock Lesnar's Universal Title.
The inclusion of 'The Big Red Machine', a two-time Intercontinental champion, to this triple threat affair is definitely to take the pin, considering that it could be his final outing as far as the main event picture is concerned. What better way to have a legend retire from the business than by having a Monster extinguish him to expulsion.
Despite the fact that Lesnar is still the heavy favorite to retain the title, a surprising yet exuberant victory for Braun Strowman would definitely spice things up on Monday Night Raw and would definitely solidify Strowman as the most destructive guy in the WWE. Here's to a monstrous title reign, hopefully starting this Sunday.
#4 Kevin Owens turns on Sami Zayn to reignite a classic rivalry
If there is one rivalry in WWE that has all the ingredients to become one of the greatest feuds of all time, then it is surely Sami Zayn vs Kevin Owens. These two have been the hottest thing on SmackDown Live in 2017 and still continue to engage the crowd with their versatility in and outside the ring. The duo has always had a love-hate relationship and that is what makes this rivalry beautiful and emotional.
They are scheduled to face AJ Styles in a 2-on-1 Handicap Match this Sunday and while the outcome may be predictable considering WWE is rumoured to push the envelope with Styles & Nakamura at WrestleMania 34, it would be an ideal way to set another bout that can define the tone of SmackDown Live and overcome Monday Night Raw with its powerful and hard hitting story telling.
Imagining a possibility where Sami Zayn would be close to pinning 'the Phenomenal One', a spark of arrogance by the Prizefighter could turn things around and change the whole complexion of the match. An eventual turn by Kevin Owens at the Royal Rumble seems a bit early but these two definitely need to set a major one-on-one match at WrestleMania.
There's no denying that Sami Zayn brings out the best in KO & the latter can ignite a fire within 'the Underdog' that no other superstar on the blue brand has been able to do. Book this right and you have a match for the ages.
#3 Ronda Rousey debuts and eliminates Asuka to win the Royal Rumble
The fact that WWE will host the First-Ever Women's Royal Rumble Match is historic to say the least but an addition of 'the Arm Collector' could certainly bring the Women's Division to the driver's seat and change the landscape of the wrestling business forever. Though, Ronda Rousey has been rumoured to join the WWE for years, it makes all the sense in the world to bring her into the Royal Rumble and set the stage on fire this Sunday.
The talented women will persuade each other to produce a classic but a sensational debut from 'the Rowdy One' could bring the house down and increase the stock of the division and match in general. With WWE trying to sell this Royal Rumble match in splendid fashion, like the recent addition of Stephanie McMahon as the announcer for this historic match, it would be an ideal way to bring out Ronda to a loud reception.
'The Arm Collector' has the odds in her favor and with talented names like Asuka, Becky, Bayley, Sasha Banks and Nia Jax already in the mix, the inclusion of 'the Rowdy One' would definitely bring a lot of attention to this talented yet overlooked division.
#2 The Undertaker enters the Rumble and decimates John Cena
The Undertaker is the most decorated superstar in the history of this business and has entertained us with his supernatural character for more than two decades. 'The Phenom' was involved in a disappointing affair at WrestleMania 33 where he lost to the Big Dog hinting at an end to a monumental career. But things have changed since then and it has been rumoured that the Undertaker is willing to have another match at the 'Grandest Stage of 'em All'. What better to have a farewell match than to have him collide with the 16-time World Champion.
'The Phenom' made a spine chilling return on the 25th Anniversary of Monday Night Raw and cut a very puzzling promo which can neither be accepted as a retirement speech nor denied as a potential return to the ring. But the Deadman does things on his own terms and if he decides to show up this Sunday at the Royal Rumble, then it would definitely be a gigantic statement amalgamated with a warning to every superstar in the back, most importantly to 'Big Match John'.
Imagining a possibility where Cena is pulling out all the stops to win the Rumble match and is interrupted by a spine chilling 'gong'. The crowd in Philadelphia will erupt like a storm and it would definitely be the most ideal platform to set this dream feud. Undertaker could eliminate John this Sunday and set the stage for an epic battle at WM 34.
#1 Daniel Bryan and Shinsuke Nakamura are the final two men in the Royal Rumble
The stakes will be higher than ever this Sunday with fans anticipating some shocks and surprises so, it would be an absolute cracker if Daniel Bryan makes a shocking return and blows the roof off the place. It has been heavily rumoured that Shinsuke Nakamura will win the Royal Rumble this year but with the unexpected inclusion of Bryan into the match, there's a definite possibility that we could see 'the Leader of the Yes Movement' collide with 'the King of Strong Style' in the final moments of the match.
These two talented superstars can tear the house down with their offense which would not only end the Royal Rumble in a great manner but also give these two the respect and admiration they deserve in the ring.
Imagining a possibility of these two being the final competitors in the Royal Rumble. A collision of such magnitude could also end with both men falling off the top at the same time, to set up a monumental triple threat match for the WWE Championship with AJ Styles as the Champion. These two men as the final competitors will go down in ages as the most iconic moment of the modern era.
