More names announced for the 2013 Royal Rumble, more matches added

Previously, I had let you know that three names had officially been announced for the Royal Rumble, that being former winners Randy Orton, John Cena and Sheamus. That left 27 spots for this year, and we can now add six more names to this year’s big match.

Dolph Ziggler

I originally predicted Ryback (who has not been officially announced yet, but will likely be made an entrant) to win the match, as the plans were for him to beat The Big Show for the World title at Wrestlemania 29. However, since Show has lost the championship to Alberto Del Rio, that could change the complexion of the match. It depends on who goes into ‘Mania as champion, but if ADR is on-track, Ziggler could be the big winner. Should Ziggler win and ADR retain his belt until ‘Mania, I potentially see Ziggler facing him for the title, losing, then immediately cashing in his MITB briefcase on an unsuspecting ADR. It would be the first time in history a man was both the Rumble and MITB winners simultaneously, and could make for a great beginning to Ziggler’s inevitable title run.

3MB (Jinder Mahal, Drew McIntyre and Heath Slater)

Honestly, these three are lame-duck entrants, more to fill out the 30-man match than anything. 3MB is a comedy act, and comedy acts don’t win big matches. Don’t be surprised if each guy lasts less than 2 minutes apiece.

Antonio Cesaro

The current US Champion will enter his first Rumble, and while I don’t expect him to win, you should expect a good showing from Cesaro. WWE is high on him, and a strong showing in the Rumble is only going to elevate him as the year goes on. I expect he’ll get a couple of eliminations and last in the Rumble for at least 15-20 minutes, if not longer.

Wade Barrett

Much like Cesaro, Barrett is in for a big 2013. The current IC Champion has been on a major roll since returning from injury, and he is expected to be a main event player by the end of the year. Barrett is my dark horse pick to win in this match.

In addition to these names, two more matches have been announced for the show. First off, The Big Show gets his rematch against ADR, and The Rhodes Scholars will get a rematch against Team Hell No! for the WWE Tag Team titles. Hard to say for sure who will win in the World title match, but I am fully expecting new Tag Team Champions on this night.