The Royal Rumble is one of those standout events on the WWE schedule where surprises can happen at any moment.
Last year, fans were treated to Jey Uso’s victory in the men’s Royal Rumble, which earned him a shot at WrestleMania 41. He ultimately claimed the World Heavyweight Championship after a tough battle with Gunther. On the women’s side, Charlotte Flair took home the Women’s Royal Rumble but narrowly missed out on the WWE Women’s World Championship after facing Tiffany Stratton.
Both male and female competitors this year are set to vie for glory. The challenge? Outmaneuver the other 29 wrestlers and avoid being tossed over the top rope.
Matches kick off with two entrants, with new faces joining the fray approximately every 90 seconds. Elimination happens when someone is thrown over the top rope and both feet touch the ground.
The beauty of the Royal Rumble lies in its unpredictability; anyone has a shot at winning, and fans are always excited when legends or returning stars reappear unexpectedly.
The path to WrestleMania 42 is being paved, and it feels like almost anyone could walk away victorious.
Aside from the Rumble match, there are other intriguing matchups lined up, such as Sami Zayn going against Drew McIntyre for the Undisputed WWE Championship. Gunther, who has a reputation as a “career killer,” will be looking to put an end to AJ Styles’ time in WWE.
This year’s Royal Rumble will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and it will air on ESPN at 2 PM ET.
1. Gunther Steps Up as a “Career Killer”
Gunther is riding a wave of momentum after a solid return since losing to Jey Uso at WrestleMania 41. He’s reclaimed the World Heavyweight Championship but recently lost it to CM Punk. With his victories over legends like Goldberg and John Cena under his belt, Gunther’s eyes are now on AJ Styles. It could be a massive moment for him if he secures another win.
2. Drew McIntyre Holds the Line
After securing a victory in a cage match against Cody Rhodes with some help from Jacob Fatu, McIntyre looks poised to retain his championship against Zayn. Zayn, who has been performing well, earned his spot after triumphing in a fatal four-way match. Still, McIntyre seems to have the upper hand heading into the Rumble.
3. Potential Returns Among Women Competitors
Last year’s Women’s Royal Rumble saw the return of stars like Alexa Bliss and Trish Stratus. This time, there might be fewer surprises, but some familiar names could return from injuries. Notably, Tiffany Stratton and Bianca Belair haven’t been seen recently, with Belair even assuming a referee role. Their potential comeback could shake things up.
NXT stars are known to make waves during the Rumble, though it’s uncertain if they’ll match last year’s shock value. Sol Luka and Zarya have already faced competitors like Flair and Bliss, and Jaycee Jayne could be transitioning to the main roster soon.
4. New and Old Faces in Men’s Matches
While the women’s match had a notable showing last year, eyes will be on the men’s side this time. Rumors are swirling about Chris Jericho potentially returning, given his long absence since 2018. Other stars like Powerhouse Hobbs and EVIL have also been speculated to make their WWE debuts, alongside returning familiar faces. And then, there’s LA Knight, who’s been giving it his all as well.
5. Predictions on Winners: Bron Breaker and Liv Morgan
This year’s Royal Rumble is expected to see Bron Breaker and Liv Morgan emerge victorious in their respective matches. Breaker might soon challenge Punk for the World Heavyweight Championship, potentially leading to a riveting main event at WrestleMania 42. Morgan just made her return post-injury and could refocus her goals back to the top of the women’s division.
As the event approaches, the anticipation of how the storylines unfold remains high, and WrestleMania promises to be captivating no matter what. It’ll surely be an exciting time for wrestling fans.
