Originally published January 24, 2019. Updated January 25, 2019.
Liam Hoofe gives his predictions for Sunday’s Royal Rumble event…
This weekend, the WWE will present their most exciting matches of the year, the men and women’s Royal Rumble matches. The 30 superstar extravaganzas are often full of twists and turns, with old superstars from the past making cameo appearances and new superstars making their main-roster debuts.
While the build for this year’s match has been underwhelming, the matches themselves are always a treat, and the WWE roster is so jammed full of talent right now, that it feels like it is impossible for the Rumbles to disappoint.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at all of the night’s announced matches and predict who is likely to walk out victorious.
Pre-Show: Buddy Murphy Vs Akira Tozawa Vs Hideo Itami Vs Kalisto
It’s a shame the WWE has once again decided to relegate the Cruiserweights to the pre-show, given how excellent Buddy Murphy’s recent PPV performances have been, but there is still every chance that this could steal the show once again on Sunday night.
All four men have a distinctive in-ring style, and if the match is put together correctly, this has all the makings of a non-stop thrill ride. Murphy has been excellent as champion though, and that should continue on Sunday night.
Prediction: Buddy Murphy Wins
Shinsuke Nakamura Vs Rusev
Shinsuke Nakamura won last year’s Royal Rumble and this year he in on the pre-show. It’s hard to remember a Royal Rumble winner falling so hard, so quickly, and there is every chance that he will be leaving the WWE when his contract ends in a couple of months. Rusev is definitely keeping hold of his title here.
Prediction: Rusev wins
Asuka Vs Becky Lynch
If rumours are to be believed, Becky Lynch is set for a WrestleMania showdown with Ronda Rousey. If that does turn out to be the case, then it feels very unlikely that she will pick up the SmackDown Women’s Championship on Tuesday night.
Instead, expect one of Ronda Rousey or Charlotte Flair to come out and cost her the title, setting up a showdown of some description later in the night.
Prediction: Asuka retains
Sasha Banks Vs Ronda Rousey
Rumours have been doing the rounds that Sasha Banks is unhappy with her current position in the WWE, which could go some way to explaining why the former Women’s Champion has been rewarded this title shot.
Unfortunately for her though, there is little to no chance of her picking up the victory against Ronda Rousey on Monday night. The WWE has spent the last 9 months building Rousey as the unstoppable force of the women’s division, and they are not going to bring that to an end just three months before WrestleMania.
Prediction: Ronda Rousey retains
SEE ALSO: The Five Greatest Royal Rumble Matches Ever (Not That One…)
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