We all have a fair idea of who is likely to win the 2018 Royal Rumble. Names like Shinsuke Nakamura, Roman Reigns and John Cena seem to dominate the top 3 spots on most lists, while Randy Orton, Finn Balor, Seth Rollins, and Kevin Owens float underneath.
However let’s take a moment to explore the unlikely winners, the superstars who could have genuine claims to the grand prize at WrestleMania 34, but probably (definitely) won’t win.
Rusev
Why?
If anyone is deserving of winning the Royal Rumble based on recent form and popularity among fans, this man is surely one of the main contenders. His “Rusev Day” T-shirt sales have topped the merchandise lists, and he appears to have made something out of nothing since joining SmackDown Live.
He is a strong fan favourite, but there’s concern over another feud with Roman Reigns in the future, which might become old very quickly if we remember their battle over the US Title.
Why not?
Rusev VS WWE Champion (currently AJ Styles) – it just doesn’t scream WrestleMania…
He’s not on WWE’s radar as a singles division champion either. However, he is doing good work with Aiden English on the tag-team scene which will hopefully result in a number 1 contender position and, eventually, the titles.
Probability Score: 2/10
Kurt Angle
Why?
Kurt Angle can do no wrong. OK, well sometimes he does mess up… like talking over The Shield entrance music… But the Hall of Fame GM of RAW is celebrated by WWE and represents stability and authority on a weekly basis. He steps up when he needs to and seems to give everything 100%.
Why not?
Kurt Angle VS Universal Champion (currently Brock Lesnar) – Angle and Lesnar has already been done, and no one needs a rematch. As for Strowman or Kane, it just doesn’t seem right. However, I wouldn’t say no to Kurt Angle vs AJ Styles if that were to be arranged.
The main point though, and I hate to say it, is that he’s past his prime, and WWE need to focus on young talent. While Kurt Angle has already been used to boost Jason Jordan, he should continue take a supportive role, not one of the main spots at WrestleMania. WWE’s age problem has already been highlighted, and as much as I enjoy the Olympic gold medalist – it would feel like a backwards step to have Kurt Angle anywhere near a title opportunity.
Probability Score: 3/10
Broken Matt Hardy
Why?
Broken Matt Hardy represents a supernatural force, and has the simplest of all reasons to win the Royal Rumble: DELETE.
While it’s very simple, the story-line is effective and works well with Hardy’s fresh gimmick that no one has ever done in the same way he has in WWE. The Obsolete Champion becomes the Woken Champion, seriously, this stuff writes itself. Now that Matt Hardy owns the intellectual rights to everything “Broken” WWE should let him run wild and free with it.
Why not?
Matt Hardy VS Universal Champion (currently Brock Lesnar) – Matt Hardy just lost to Bray Wyatt at RAW 25… I don’t see him defeating Brock Lesnar or Braun Strowman (sorry Kane).
But before considering a match up a champion, Hardy is still tied up in a feud with Bray Wyatt, and unless they are going to bring The Eater of Worlds into a title feud as well (look how that turned out last time, thank you Randy Orton), this will be a no go.
Probability Score: 1/10
Jeff Hardy
Why?
Jeff Hardy VS Universal Champion (currently Brock Lesnar) – I feel as though Jeff Hardy could make a big match like this work. I’m not immediately excited by it, but I think the idea and prospect of the match would build into something more exciting than Roman Reigns vs Brock Lesnar.
Although Jeff Hardy is out injured at the moment, WWE may want to utilize his abilities in the singles division sooner rather than later. Starting a story-line early before fully returning to official in-ring action may be the best way to do this. With the hard work out of the way, Jeff Hardy can sit back and relax until WrestleMania, shooting promos and getting underneath the skin of the Champion.
What also works about this is Jeff’s ability to move quickly, think on his feet, and cause a surprise without anyone seeing it coming in the rumble match.
Why not?
The question for WWE is, will Jeff Hardy return as he is, or will he come back as Brother Nero? Jeff will add significant value as Brother Nero with Matt Hardy, but they can’t stay in the tag team division forever. So who takes the lead roll? There are a lot of questions that require answers before secure development can take place.
Probability Score: 1.5/10
Daniel Bryan
Why?
Daniel Bryan VS WWE Champion (currently AJ Styles) – Yes. Please.
The rumours are flying, left, right, centre, off centre, diagonal, EVERYWHERE.
Who would say no to Daniel Bryan having one more Royal Rumble appearance, with one more WrestleMania moment?… apart from WWE medical staff…
But on a serious note, it almost feels as though Daniel Bryan has unfinished business in the ring. So much potential waiting to be unleashed. I know he doesn’t help the “WWE Age Problem” that was mentioned with Kurt Angle previously, but I’m willing ignore that if we get AJ Styles vs Daniel Bryan in WWE.
Why not?
As stated above, WWE medical staff may have something to say about this one. The main theory that is being concocted on forums is the idea that Bryan’s health concerns are all part of kayfabe. The concept is pretty outrageous and I think it’s more likely that Daniel Bryan’s in-ring career will start back up outside WWE when his contract is over.
Probability Score: 0.1/10
