WWE Royal Rumble 2018: Predictions, breakdown of the field

Brian Fritz

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WWE Royal Rumble 2018: Predictions, breakdown of the field image

Wrestling fans love the Royal Rumble. Put me in that group as someone who looks forward to the annual event and has it circled on the calendar.

Not only is it the official kickoff to the “Road to WrestleMania,” but it also features the Royal Rumble match, a 30-man, over-the-top-rope contest with the last man standing then getting to point at the big WrestleMania sign overhead as confetti falls from the ceiling. There’s an actual point to the match, with the winner earning a championship match at wrestling’s annual extravaganza, WrestleMania, only a few months later.

MORE: WWE "RAW 25" results

It’s an entertaining match to watch, especially when you’re in a group with everyone wondering who’s coming out next. Could it be John Cena? Or maybe a surprise debut like AJ Styles made a few years ago that blew the roof of the Amway Center in Orlando and had hardcore wrestling fans crying tears of joy. Then once in the ring, it’s watching superstars clinging on for dear life in hopes of staving off elimination.

This year it’s double the fun with the women getting their own Royal Rumble match for the first time and deservingly so. While there are 30 participants in each match, only a few have a real chance of winning and moving on to that big WrestleMania showcase match. And that’s what we’re getting to here — the real contenders.

I’m breaking it down to four different categories. As of right now, only 17 men and 18 women have been officially announced for the Rumble leaving plenty of room for surprises and others wrestlers from earlier in the night.

(Yes, there are other matches including a Triple Threat match between Brock Lesnar, Braun Strowman, and Kane for the Universal Championship, AJ Styles against both Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn in a handicapped match for the WWE Championship, Seth Rollins and Jason Jordan putting up their “RAW” tag team titles against Sheamus and Cesaro along with The Usos versus Chad Gable and Shelton Benjamin for the “SmackDown” tag titles.)

(Almost forgot — men announced so far include John Cena, Finn Bálor, Randy Orton, Shinsuke Nakamura, The Miz, Elias, Baron Corbin, “Woken” Matt Hardy, Bray Wyatt, Aiden English, Rusev, Titus O'Neil, Apollo Crews; women announced are Asuka, Naomi, Ruby Riott, Natalya, Sasha Banks, Bayley, Mandy Rose, Sonya Deville, Carmella, Tamina, Lana, Liv Morgan, Sarah Morgan, Mickie James, Nia Jax, Becky Lynch, Alicia Fox, Dana Brooke.)

With so many slots still available, I’m throwing out a lot of names that could possibly (or in some cases, definitely won’t) be filling those spots.

Here are the rules for the Royal Rumble match:

— Two people start the match and then another person enters every two minutes (although the WWE plays with the timing based on how long the show is running).

— Someone is eliminated only after going over the top rope and both feet hitting the floor.

— The winner gets a championship match at WrestleMania 34 taking place on April 8 in New Orleans.

MORE: Royal Rumble date, start time, rumors

No chance in hell

CM Punk

He still hates the WWE and is much more interested in another UFC fight which he might actually get despite his first performance in the octagon.

Kenny Omega

Another dream guy but he’s just signed on for another year with New Japan Pro Wrestling. Maybe he’ll be in the 2020 Rumble.

Vince McMahon

Conor McGregor

Under UFC contract where he may or may not be the current lightweight champion. He may also be a bit concerned with the Irish mob.

Ric Flair

He’s not walking down the aisle one more time.

“Stone Cold” Steve Austin

What?! No, he’ll be enjoying the show from home enjoying some Steveweisers.

Xavier Woods

At least The New Day still rocks.

Titus O’Neil

Titus brand ain’t going that worldwide.

Apollo Crews

See Titus.

Aiden English

Consolation: always has a front row seat to Rusev Day.

Elias

You may want to walk with him, but he’s not walking out the Rumble winner.

Matt Hardy

Broken and woken and focused on Bray Wyatt feud.

Bray Wyatt

Pushed down the card and tied to Matt Hardy for now.

Tye Dillinger

He may be the “Perfect 10” but won’t be the perfect winner.

MORE: The most memorable Royal Rumble moments since 2000

Anything can happen in the WWE

Chris Jericho

He could be a nice surprise on Sunday but after that he’ll be touring with his band Fozzy and won’t be at Mania this year. He probably wrestle again for New Japan before he returns to WWE.

Neville

I still don’t know if he really walked out or simply is at an impasse with the company.

Mojo Rawley

He’s hyped but WWE isn’t hyped for him to win the Rumble.

Jason Jordan

He’s currently cast in a tough role as whiny Kurt Angle’s son while “RAW” tag team champion along with Seth Rollins. That partnership could be coming to an end soon. He’s talented and could be a future winner.

Sheamus

Did you know Sheamus is a former four-time world champion? And he won the Rumble in 2012? Regardless, he’s firmly in the tag team scene.

Cesaro

Hopefully, he gets a real chance someday at winning the Rumble and gets a championship run. Until then, he’s teaming with Sheamus and looking for tag team gold.

Kofi Kingston

He’s found some crazy ways to avoid elimination and make a moment over the years at the Rumble.

Big E

Big man is still booty though.


EC3

Done with Impact Wrestling and rumored to be training at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando. I think he’s headed to NXT and won’t be in the Rumble though.

Bobby Lashley

The former Impact champion also finished up there recently and could return to the WWE after ten years away. I could see the Rumble being his introduction back to the company but that’s it.

Adam Cole

Not happening but you’re still Adam Cole BAY BAY!!!!!!!!!

Andrade “Cien” Almas

There were rumors that he was headed to the main roster last year around this time. It didn’t happen and now he’s the NXT champion and has a big match on Saturday’s NXT TakeOver event against Johnny Gargano.

Rusev

Unfortunately no but at least it’s Rusev Day.

Samoa Joe

Joe has always been a star and was coming on strong before his recent foot injury. Now, he likely won’t even be in the Rumble.

Baron Corbin

He was on a lot of “will be world champion” prediction lists going into 2017. Now people wondering if it will happen in 2018.

Drew McIntyre

I’d have McIntyre in the next bracket up if he hadn’t torn his bicep at the last NXT TakeOver and was on the main roster. He’s out of action but could be back in time for Mania.

Kevin Owens

KO already has a big match at Rumble alongside his BFF Sami Zayn against AJ Styles in a handicapped match. Maybe he’ll be in the Rumble but he’s been nursing an injury. Unless WWE has big plans for him at Mania, I don’t see him being in the match.

Sami Zayn

Underutilized talent and one of my favorites but…no go for Sami winning the Rumble. Still, imagine Michael Cole screaming, “the underdog from the underground has just shocked the world and won the Royal Rumble! He’s going to main event WrestleMania!!!”. Um, probably not happening.

MORE: The worst Royal Rumble matches ever

Woo woo woo … You Know It: Still an outside chance

Dolph Ziggler

We haven’t seen “The Showoff” since he walked out of “SmackDown” on Dec 19 and left the United States Championship in the ring. Maybe it was a prelude to bigger things but it’s a safer bet that he’s square off against the new U.S. Champion Bobby Roode.

Randy Orton

Orton is a still a top player but he’s already done it all. At this point, WWE just plugs him in wherever they need a good, reliable player. No one thought he was really in the running for last year’s Rumble until the days leading up to and then he won. I don’t see it happening this year but I’m not sure right now where he fits come WrestleMania.

Bill Goldberg

Goldberg actually won the WWE Championship at last year’s event and he’s not retired yet. New Japan is supposedly interested in the 51-year-old and WWE may step up to keep him in the fold. But last year there was a storyline surrounding his triumphant return and he doesn’t need to be in the title picture any more if he comes back.

Kurt Angle

Speaking of triumphant returns, the “RAW” GM has never said that’s he not in the match. While he’s already had his first match back with the WWE, he hasn’t had his first singles match. It would be quite the feel-good story of him winning the Rumble and then challenging for a world championship? Eh, probably not but it’s got a little teeth to it.

Finn Balor

Balor sure has been showing off a big smile lately. A lot. Does he know he’s winning the Rumble and finally getting back in the world title mix? Imagine him winning and then challenging another former Bullet Club leader AJ Styles for the WWE Championship. That would be “Too Sweet”.

Seth Rollins

Here’s why I mention Rollins. He should be in the main event picture when it comes to WrestleMania but hasn’t been there in a few years after dealing with a knee injury, then a Shield reunion, and now being tag-team champion with Jason Jordan. But that partnership is already on the rocks and will probably end soon. Either way, I expect Rollins to be back in a big singles role sooner than later.

The Miz

Life is good for The Miz! He just beat Roman Reigns for the Intercontinental Championship at “RAW 25”, he’s about to become a father, is married to a beautiful woman, and is must-see TV. (That’s what he says it so I’ll go along.) If you think he has an ego now, imagine The Miz with the I-C title AND winning the Rumble AND getting a world championship match at WrestleMania. He’d basically be out of control and that would be a boatload of fun to watch.

Shane McMahon

He’s a McMahon so there’s always a chance. Maybe this is where he goes full-on heel, puts himself in the Rumble, and finds a way to win it infuriating Daniel Bryan along with fans everywhere.

Daniel Bryan

OK, time to delve into this hot rumor. A few weeks back, some gambling websites (and yes, believe it or not, you can gamble on pro wrestling) had Bryan at 66-1 before out of nowhere, the odds dramatically changed to 5-1. That means a bunch of money came in on him to win the Rumble. But from who? Maybe from people who would know. It’s not something new and seems to happen every month where odds undergo a massive change in the days or hours before a WWE event. You know, right after finishes are finalized and people there know who is going to win (wink, wink).

That started the “Daniel Bryan is going to win the Rumble” mega-rumblings that shook the wrestling internet. But as far as we know, he’s still not medically cleared and WWE won’t let him back in the ring until that happens. Could that have changed? My educated guess is no since Dr. Joseph Maroon is still the WWE medical director and is the one who made the decision that he shouldn’t wrestle following his concussion issues. I can’t imagine him reversing his decision and the WWE now saying they’ll take the risk of putting him back in the ring.

Bryan wants to wrestle again. He’s said it publicly multiple times. He’s done everything in his power to heal and visited with numerous doctors who would let him wrestle again. But it’s not Dr. Maroon and he and Vince McMahon are the only ones who matter.

I’m a huge Daniel Bryan and want to see him back in the ring if he’s medically cleared and it’s as safe as possible for him to return. I just don’t see that being in the WWE. As for all the rumors, those get out of control because of what fans want.  Many times, it’s nothing more than rumors and there’s a much simpler explanation.

So what happened with the betting lines? My guess is maybe a scenario was thrown around where he could somehow win it (think Shane McMahon puts himself in the Rumble, Bryan gets ticked and enters at No. 30 and wins without taking any bumps), and some people plopped down some money considering the long shot odds.

Time to Play The Game: The real contenders

Triple H

Sure, some fans are rolling their eyes right now and screaming “of course he could win! He’s Triple freaking H! He’s married to the bosses’ daughter and runs creative! He always puts himself over!” OK, breathe.

Hey, you can’t discount it since he is a big-time player and it’s WrestleMania season. I don’t think it’s going to happen but when you’re “The Game” and have the top tier of this post named after you, it has to be a consideration.

The Undertaker

Is he retired or not? What did he mean by that promo at “RAW 25”?

I don’t know anymore. I was one of the people who thought he was retired following his loss to Roman Reigns at last year event. Now, the rumor mill is swirling that he’s coming back for one more match at Mania against John Cena. I don’t know if Taker will even be in the match but if he is, he has to be one of the favorites.

John Cena

Say what you want but he’s still the WWE’s top star and one of the biggest in company history. While he’s transitioning to a part-time WWE schedule and shifting more into Hollywood work, this is WrestleMania season where the top stars get top spots. He’ll be in a prominent role come Mania probably against The Undertaker or someone else (my backup pick would be Samoa Joe) so Johnny Boots and Tights doesn’t need to rack up a third Rumble win.

Batista

The guy is going great in Hollywood but hasn’t been shy about wanting one more run in the WWE.  He came back in 2014 and won the Rumble but wasn’t thrilled about being a babyface and didn’t get to be in his more comfortable role of a heel until after that year’s WrestleMania.

He was a big WWE star in his wrestling heyday and is even a bigger deal now since playing Drax in “Guardians of the Galaxy” movies . And it just so happens that Drax and the Guardians” Universe will be a part of “Avengers: Infinity War” come early May which is going to do gangbusters at the box office. Maybe now is the time, if his schedule is open, for him to come back one more time? And if he does, he has to be in a top spot with “SmackDown” making a lot of sense.

And is there a better fit than Blue-tista being on the blue brand?

Braun Strowman

I know the “Monster Among Men” is already in the Triple Threat match for the Universal Championship but who says he can’t be in both? The thinking is that Brock Lesnar is going to win that match and Strowman would be quite angry. Why not get out that aggression against 29 others in the Rumble?

Just imagine him chucking out bodies left and right while screaming how everyone else is about to “get these hands!!!!!!”. Who is going to stop him? Strowman is already one of the focal points on “RAW” and it’s only a matter of time before he wins the Universal Championship or the WWE Championship if he gets switched over to “SmackDown”.

It’s probably not his time right now unless the main event of WrestleMania is another Triple Threat match (more on that next) but if gets inserted in the match, he’s someone to keep an eye on.

Roman Reigns

Remember three years ago when Reigns won the “Royal Rumble” in Philadelphia? Let’s say the fans were not too happy that the “Big Dog” won the big match. 

This year’s Rumble is at … you guessed it — Philadelphia. Could Reigns win it and again enrage the live audience? Part of me wants him to win just to see fans go berserk and freak out. Reigns is a real contender considering that the long-running belief is that he’ll square off with Brock Lesnar for the Universal Championship in the main event of WrestleMania whether you like it or not.

But that doesn’t mean he has to win the Rumble to get there. “RAW” has the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view event in February and the winner of that match could earn the shot against Lesnar come Mania.

I can’t stop thinking about Philly fans hating on Reigns if he wins the Rumble. C’mon Reigns!

Shinsuke Nakamura

He is my odds-on favorite for a couple of reasons, the biggest being I want to see him face AJ Styles at WrestleMania.

WWE has to fill so many hours of programming these days that the give away huge, first-time matches on ordinary episodes of their weekly TV shows. But Nakamura vs. Styles is one of the few matches they have stayed away from since the Japanese superstar joined the company.

When the two faced each other two years ago at New Japan “Wrestle Kingdom 10”, it was an instant classic and hardcore fans have been clamoring for a rematch since then. WrestleMania, the biggest stage of them all, would be the perfect setting for it.

Give these guys 20-30 minutes, take off the shackles and just let them do their thing. You know they’ll go all out at Mania and they’ve probably been dreaming about this match even more than fans have. It’s as close to a guaranteed great match as you can get these days in the WWE and it would likely steal the show.

Do it, WWE. Do it.

Women's Royal Rumble

So, this is going to be a condensed picks section for the women. And it’s not out of lack of respect of some deep seeded hatred of women’s wrestling. It’s simply because the overwhelming feeling is there are only a few ways this will go down.

First things first — I am hoping for a few cool surprise entrants. Who would want to see Hall of Famers like Trish Stratus, Lita, or Beth Phoenix in the match? And they would add some more gravitas to the first-ever women’s Rumble match.

I also expect to see some NXT talent in there like women’s champion Ember Moon, Peyton Royce, Billy Kaye, and/or Nikki Cross. Don’t discount Shayna Baszler either who would be a cool addition and a true fighting rebel in the match.

Here are the scenarios I see:

1) Asuka wins the Royal Rumble. She went undefeated during his NXT tenure and still hasn’t been topped since coming to the main roster a few months ago. She feels like a true, unbeatable force and WWE should continue to build that up. Have her win the “RAW” Women’s Champion and hold it for months, even a year where she defeats all comers until the moment comes where a real contender emerges leading to a mega-match and she is finally knocked off her perch.

2) Nia Jax wins the Royal Rumble. Did anyone else feel like the announcers were laying it on a bit too thick during “RAW 25” as Asuka was beating up every woman in sight? “Who could beat her in the Royal Rumble? She’s unstoppable!!!”

Well, maybe she is. Or maybe Nia Jax is the still the biggest and the baddest of the women. Considering her size and strength, she’s going to be tough to eliminate and this could set up a big match between the two at WrestleMania. Sure, they’ve squared off once already but Asuka won only when Nia couldn’t continue with the leg injury so a rematch has to be coming.

Nia eliminated Asuka to win the Rumble with Asuka finally taking a hit but remains unbeaten, she gets another match with Alexa Bliss — who she has already beat in a non-title match — to win the “RAW” women’s title, and then it’s Asuka vs. Nia come Mania.

3) Here’s the other scenario going through the rumor mill that has people buzzing: Ronda Rousey enters the Royal Rumble and wins.

Rousey has reportedly been training at the WWE Performance Center for months now. And even though WWE has been coy whether or not she’s signing with the company, it feels much more like it’s “when” and not “if” she’ll will and make her debut. Maybe that time is now.

Think about it – the former UFC champion who helped blaze a path for women in the octagon is now coming to the squared circle to make her impact and be a part of their women’s movement. Asuka looks to be on her way to winning the Rumble and then at No. 30, music hits that no one knows and then the on the TitanTron is says: RONDA ROUSEY. The crowd goes crazy, the announcers flip their lids (we may need to a GoFundMe to pay for surgery to repair Michael Cole’s vocal chords), and Asuka’s eyes go wide. After a quick stare down, Asuka throws a kick but Rousey catches it, give her a judo throw, and tosses her out of the ring.

Rousey gets a huge victory in her debut and gets WWE tons of headlines across sports and entertainment shows, websites and newspapers. It is a major story everywhere from Entertainment Tonight to Pardon The Interruption (Uncle Tony is talking WWE?!?!?!).

Rousey is now the big deal in the women’s division and Asuka wants revenge. So, she gets her rematch with Bliss, wins the title (sorry Alexa), and it’s the undefeated Asuka against her biggest threat Ronda Rousey at WrestleMania. It’s writes itself and garners tons of mainstream attention.

While it writes itself, I’m still in the camp of Nia Jax winning the Rumble and facing Asuka at Mania. Like I said before, most times the simplest ideas are the most likely to play out and not to overthink it. But we can all dream big and you never know when it comes to the WWE.

Brian Fritz can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @BrianFritz and listen to his Between The Ropes podcast on Blog Talk Radio.

Brian Fritz

Brian Fritz Photo

Brian Fritz is a contributor with The Sporting News covering the NBA and NFL who previously worked at BasketballNews. He is a 20-year veteran of sports talk radio in Orlando, Florida, after graduating from the University of Central Florida. He now resides in Durham, North Carolina.