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The Road to Wrestle Mania kicks off with Royal Rumble which is widely regarded as, one of the most anticipated events in WWE history. The prestigious Royal Rumble match was originated in 1988 and, was created by the legend Pat Patterson. Began as an experimental thought, the idea turned into a massive phenomenon that still continues to capture the attention of millions of WWE fans.
This year, Royal Rumble heads back to the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The most notable thing about the event is that it will hold the First- Ever Woman's Royal Rumble Match. This year's Royal Rumble has created a lot of speculation and, with speculation comes a lot of expectations. The fans expect the event to entertain to the core and, remain unpredictable till the end.
So, here are the Top 10 favorites to walk out of Wells Fargo Center as the winner and book his ticket to the Super Dome.
#10 Randy Orton
Well, when it comes to predicting Royal Rumble winners, Randy Orton is always one of the favorites. 'The Viper' is a two-time Royal Rumble winner and, would definitely bring much-needed star power to the match. Since, it has been rumored that a SmackDown Superstar will win the Royal Rumble match and, go on to headline Wrestle Mania, then it seems likely that on January 28, 2018, 'the Apex Predator' could walk out as the Rumble winner.
There's no denying that, the previous Rumble events have disappointed the WWE Universe & critics as well. Orton won the match last year and, went on to face Bray Wyatt for the WWE Championship at Wrestle Mania 33 in a lackluster forgettable match. The win did not do anything for 'the Viper' and did all harm to Bray Wyatt who could be 'the next big thing'. Well, things have changed. He might not walk out as the winner this year but, he certainly will be booked in a prominent position in the match.
Expect 'The Legend Killer' to RKO everyone who comes in his way and, if the WWE keeps the match unpredictable and thrilling, then it might be possible that Orton walks out as the winner and, goes to Wrestle Mania to face the WWE Champion. A Randy Orton Vs A.J. Styles match could be truly phenomenal.
#9 Kevin Owens
Now, Kevin Owens may not be the early favorite to walk out of Philadelphia as the Royal Rumble winner but, with the way plans continue to change within the WWE, he just might surprise the world. Ever since K.O. has joined the blue brand, he has been on fire and, has been booked as a dominant heel who continues to question his Commissioner's morality and leadership skills on a weekly basis, with his best friend Sami Zayn.
He is currently scheduled to face A.J. Styles in a 2 on 1 Handicap Match with Zayn for the WWE Championship at the event.
If by some reason WWE decides to push the envelope with Sami & Kevin for a potential dream match at Wrestle Mania, then it makes all the sense in the world to have Kevin Owens win the Royal Rumble and, go on to face Sami Zayn for the WWE Championship. What makes this Rumble win exciting is the story that the duo share with each other.
Since A.J. Styles is currently scheduled to walk in the Super Dome as the WWE Champion, it is highly unlikely that 'the Prizefighter' would walk out as, the winner of the Royal Rumble which is why he is not our favorite to win the Royal Rumble match on January 28, 2018.
#8 Braun Strowman
If there is someone who has the most momentum going into the Royal Rumble, it is 'the Monster Among Men', Braun Strowman. The monster has been on fire lately and has produced some of the most entertaining moments in the WWE in 2017. His feud with Roman Reigns could very well be his best work till date. The superstar has improved between the ropes and, continues to put on dominant performances.
He is currently scheduled to face 'the Beast Incarnate' & the 'Big Red Machine' at the Royal Rumble for the Universal Championship. The feud's most entertaining part came this week on Monday Night Raw when the Monster tried to kill both Lesnar & Kane.
Despite being a potential main event superstar, the possibility of having 'the Monster Among Men' seems low & unexciting because of him already losing to Lesnar at No Mercy. Strowman has not officially entered the Royal Rumble match but, since his character is perceived as a monster, it wouldn't be a surprise if he shows up as a late entrant and, goes on to win it all. A potential match between Brock Lesnar Vs Roman Reigns Vs Braun Strowman could be exciting too.
#7 Samoa Joe
'The Samoan' has all the momentum on Monday Night Raw and, continues to produce solid results on a weekly basis. He has been booked like a dominant destroyer who likes beating people up and, taking a piece of them with him. He won the Fatal 5 way at Extreme Rules to become the No. 1 contender for the Universal Championship allowing him to get in a feud with Brock Lesnar, which was spellbinding to say the least and, despite the fact that he lost to 'the Beast Incarnate' at Great Balls of Fire, he still came out of the feud looking absolutely strong.
The prospect of the Samoan they call Joe winning the Royal Rumble is likable and, exhilarating as well. Unfortunately, there are rumors swirling around that 'the Destroyer' might be ruled out of the event because of a substantial foot injury. The man is in serious trouble of missing the pay-per-view despite being booked in a strong manner.
Since Samoa's availability for the Royal Rumble is still a doubt, he still has the odds in his favor. A win for Samoa Joe could see him headline Wrestle Mania and, go onto challenge 'the Beast Incarnate' at the Super Dome. Brock Lesnar Vs Samoa Joe needs a sequel and, could end up with ' the Destroyer' finally putting the Beast to sleep.
#6 Sami Zayn
There's no denying that Sami Zayn is a talented performer and fortunately, is getting the respect he deserves between the ropes. 'The Underdog from the Underground' turned heel after helping Kevin Owens beat Shane McMahon at Hell In A Cell. The man has teamed up with his best friend and, is constantly booked in a prominent position on Tuesday Nights. The duo is currently booked to face A.J. Styles, the WWE Champion at the Royal Rumble in a 2 on 1 Handicap Match.
The heel 'turn' has transformed Zayn into a top-tier performer and, he will enter the Royal Rumble for the 3rd time with a chip on his shoulder. However, the rumors are running rampant that the Handicap Match stipulation has been set to create tension between the duo and, could end up with 'the Prizefighter' turning on Sami again.
A possible betrayal by Kevin Owens could set the tone for this rivalry and, cause Zayn to instill a rage within him to get redemption on his best friend. Sami Zayn winning the Royal Rumble makes all the sense if WWE is planning to have Zayn Vs Owens at Wrestle Mania with, Kevin Owens heading to the Super Dome as the WWE Champion. This rivalry definitely needs a Wrestle Mania showdown and, letting Zayn win the Rumble could be monumental for his career and, will solidify his position as a top babyface in the company.
#5 Seth Rollins
'The Architect' may not be the top favorite to win the Royal Rumble this year but, he still remains a major star on Monday Night Raw. The man was originally scheduled to face his Shield counterpart, Dean at the Grandest stage of them all but with 'the Lunatic Fringe' ruled out for 9 months due to a bicep injury, Seth's dancing partner for Wrestle Mania remains a big question mark.
Currently involved in a storyline with Jason Jordan, the duo are set to defend their Raw Tag Team Titles against the Bar on January 28, 2018. Despite being booked prominently, Seth has not clicked as a babyface and, a Royal Rumble victory could not only bring some credibility back to 'the Architect' but would also push him back to the main event where he desperately deserves to be.
He missed the Royal Rumble last year after losing the opportunity to Sami Zayn, thanks to the mind game's played by 'the King of Kings'. A potential match with Brock Lesnar at Wrestle Mania could be a show stopper. Expect 'the Architect' to cause trouble to his opponents at the Rumble and possibly be 'the Iron Man' of the match.
#4 Finn Balor
'The First Ever Universal Champion', Finn Balor is a phenomenal wrestler but, has not been booked the same way. The man has struggled to find his footing on Monday Night's and, was directionless for most of 2017. He was currently scheduled to face 'the Beast Incarnate', Brock Lesnar for the Universal Championship at the Royal Rumble but, the match was unfortunately shelved due to Finn not considered popular according to the WWE management.
Well, things seem to have changed for the better for Balor as the Demon recently joined hands with his Bullet Club companions, Karl Anderson & Luke Gallows to form the Balor Club. Since it's formation, Finn has been able to bring himself to the main event again and despite his booking in 2017, 'the Demon' will head to Philadelphia in his first Royal Rumble with a lot of momentum.
Finn Balor's heel turn could be the best thing that has happened to him in a long time and, with him bringing back-up this year, it is likely that 'the Demon' might rise to the occasion and, win the Rumble. A win for Balor could see him face 'the Beast Incarnate' at the Show of Shows. A match of this caliber does need a Wrestle Mania showdown with an eventual victory for 'the Demon King'.
#3 Roman Reigns
The possibility of this man walking out of Philly as the Royal Rumble winner is too damn high. 'The Big Dog' has been booked dominantly in his previous four Rumble outings with a Rumble victory in 2015. He holds the record for the most number of eliminations in a single Royal Rumble with 12 in 2015. 'The Guy' has everything in his corner that makes him a possible threat to the other 29 superstars.
It is rather unfortunate that, the previous Royal Rumble's have not been booked efficiently and, seem to only focus on making Roman look strong. Despite the outcomes not being critically approved, we could experience the same result again this year as well.
The rumors are running rampant that Roman Reigns is scheduled to lock horns with 'the Beast Incarnate' at the Super Dome this year. While the superstars have faced each other in the past, it leaves us with an unanswered question on who is the most dominant? It seems likely that the question will be answered this year at the Show of Shows.
Whether we like it or not, Roman Reigns will head to Philadelphia with an unstoppable momentum and, is likely to be booked in prominent fashion. Win, lose or draw, the Big Dog will head to Wrestle Mania. Believe that!
#2 John Cena
This superstar is a '16-time World Champion', having accomplished almost everything there is in the WWE and, still continues to be as hungry and determined as he was in 2002. He still possesses the 'Ruthless Aggression' that catapulted him to superstardom. 'The Face that runs the place' had a phenomenal Royal Rumble last year where he defeated the WWE Champion, A.J. Styles to tie the historical record with the 'Nature Boy', Ric Flair for holding the most number of World Championships.
It has been rumored that 'Big Match' John would have a major role at the Super Dome this year which has begun the speculation of him possibly facing 'the Dead Man' in a dream match. This match still looks the ideal way to go for John but, if plans get scrapped again, then 'the Leader of Cenation' will most likely win the Royal Rumble and, go on to headline Wrestle Mania 34.
A victory for John would cement his legacy as the only man, besides Steve Austin to win the Royal Rumble 3 times and, would also allow him to challenge the champion of his choosing at 'the Grandest Stage of Them All'. John Cena would eventually break Ric Flair's record and, a win at the Royal Rumble could be another monumental chapter in his remarkable career.
#1 Shinsuke Nakamura
Give me a better Royal Rumble winner than this man and I'll wait. 'The King of Strong Style' is an unbelievable performer between the ropes and, his death defying offensive abilities make him a dominant force heading into the Royal Rumble. The Japanese sensation unfortunately had an unexciting main roster run so far, with Nakamura struggling to make a name for himself in the main event scene.
Despite a colorless booking, 'the King of Strong Style' has been well protected by the WWE Management on Tuesday Nights. He will enter his first Royal Rumble match this year and, is the favorite to walk out of Wells Fargo Center as the winner.
Nakamura's Royal Rumble victory would put him in a decisive position heading to the Super Dome to challenge the WWE Champion. A dream match is likely to take place at Wrestle Mania with possible speculation of a match between A.J. Styles & Shinsuke Nakamura. If booked right, then on January 28, 2018, the former NXT Champion will outshine all the other 29 superstars to punch his ticket to the main event of Wrestle Mania and, face 'the Phenomenal One' in what could be a show stopper. The whole world wants to see this bout come to life, and since the odds are in Nakamura's favor, we just might see this classic blow the roof off the place at the Super Dome.
