AJ Styles Vs Daniel Bryan
Based on their previous encounters, AJ Styles’ match with Daniel Bryan at Royal Rumble has the potential to steal the show on Sunday night.
That being said, it is also one of the night’s most predictable matches, with the WWE not likely to put the title belt back on AJ Styles with his contract running out in just a few months. Daniel Bryan has been nothing short of excellent with his ‘New Daniel Bryan’ character, and that character deserves a shot at a big WrestleMania match.
Predictions: Daniel Bryan retains
The Miz and Shane McMahon Vs The Bar
So, after all the speculation surrounding The Miz’s direction for WrestleMania, it looks as though the former WWE Champion is set for a showdown with Shane McMahon on the grandest stage of them all; a decision that is underwhelming, to say the least.
The split between the two men probably won’t start for a few more weeks though, and the duo will probably have a run with the SmackDown Tag-Team Championships beforehand. In an ideal world, the WWE wouldn’t be willing to use the Championships as just a pawn in another feud, but given the titles treatment in recent years, it’s not much of a surprise really.
Prediction: Shane McMahon and The Miz win the SmackDown Tag Team Championships
Brock Lesnar Vs Finn Balor
So, nearly two and a half years after relinquishing his Univeral Championship, Finn Balor will finally get a shot at redemption when he challenges Brock Lesnar at the Royal Rumble. Of course, though, the Irish superstar has next to no chance of walking out of Phoenix with the title around his waist.
Balor was drafted in as a late replacement for Braun Strowman, and unless that was because of some huge change of plan, you can bank on Lesnar walking into WrestleMania 35 as the reigning Universal Champion, as much as that is likely to frustrate the fanbase.
Prediction: Brock Lesnar retains
Women’s Royal Rumble Match
Last year’s inaugural women’s Royal Rumble match was a huge success and thus far, there has been nothing to suggest that this year’s is going to be any different. The women’s roster feels much more stacked than it did last year, and there is plenty of opportunity for surprise returns and debuts.
Ultimately though, this year’s Rumble match will come down to two women: Charlotte Flair and Becky Lynch. The latter is still considered the favourite by most fans, but given that their whole rivalry has been built around them one-upping each other, I’m going to go out on a limb and suggest that this one ends in a draw, Bret Hart and Lex Luger style, with both women going on to main event WrestleMania in a triple-threat match with Ronda Rousey.
Prediction: Charlotte and Becky Lynch draw
Men’s Royal Rumble
For the first time in years, the Men’s Royal Rumble match lived up to its hype last year, providing fans with a thrilling encounter and a satisfying conclusion. WWE will be hoping to repeat that feat this year, despite an incredibly lacklustre build.
Seth Rollins has been touted as the favourite for Sunday’s match, and right now, it’s difficult to look past him. Braun Strowman’s late inclusion in the match could indicate that he is going to be the one to dethrone Lesnar, while on SmackDown, the newly renamed Andrade has been slowly picking up momentum in recent weeks.
As much as I’d love the WWE to surprise us, the build for this year’s event has left me feeling deflated and as a result, I’m going with the obvious choice for this one.
Winner: Seth Rollins
SEE ALSO: Analysing the most likely winners of the 2019 Royal Rumble
Liam Hoofe
Image Credits: WWE.Com
Originally published January 24, 2019. Updated January 25, 2019.
