The Road to WrestleMania begins this Sunday as the WWE Royal Rumble emanates from San Antonio, Texas. For the first time in years, the thirty man Royal Rumble appears to be wide open, with a number of potential winners conceivable. Outside the Rumble, John Cena returns to face WWE Champion AJ Styles, Roman Reigns challenges the obstreperous Kevin Owens and Britain’s Neville faces Rich Swann for the Cruiserweight championship.
Full card:
Sasha Banks vs Nia Jax
Cesaro & Sheamus (C) vs Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson for the RAW Tag Team Championships
Rich Swann (C) vs Neville for the Cruiserweight Championship
Becky Lynch, Nikki Bella & Naomi vs Alexa Bliss, Natalya & Mickie James
Charlotte Flair (C) vs Bayley for the RAW Women's Championship
Kevin Owens (C) vs Roman Reigns for the RAW Universal Championship
AJ Styles (C) vs John Cena for the WWE Championship
Royal Rumble Match
What to look out for:
Charlotte vs Bayley
Since her debut on the main roster, Bayley has hovered in purgatory waiting for the interminable Sasha Banks/Charlotte feud to conclude.
In that time, Charlotte has become one of the most complete performers on the roster, never failing to draw the ire of the crowd. This will be the classic underdog vs bully story that is sure to have the crowd invested from the outset.
Kevin Owens vs Roman Reigns
Several months ago, Kevin Owens, with an assist from Triple H, became the second WWE Universal Champion after the inaugural champion, Finn Balor was forced to surrender the title due to injury. Roman Reigns, despite his negative perception in hardcore circles, is one of the most consistent big match performers that WWE currently have. The winner of this match is likely to have one of the big matches at this year's WrestleMania.
AJ Styles vs John Cena
Since debuting at the 2016 Royal Rumble, AJ Styles has proceeded to have the best year of his career. Many of Styles’ defining performances came against the franchise, John Cena. Styles has consistently had the better of John Cena, which has translated into a brazen arrogance from the 15 time champion.
With the 2/3 falls stipulation, this match could easily steal the show.
Royal Rumble Match
The 2017 Royal Rumble is both one of the most open and one of the most stacked Rumbles in recent history. With behemoths of Sports entertainment The Undertaker, Goldberg and Brock Lesnar involved, the potential o fKurt Angle’s return and main roster standouts Braun Strowman and The Miz involved, the field is wide open. With WrestleMania on the horizon, every star will be battling to be the final man standing this Sunday.
