Who's your favourite to win the 2017 Royal Rumble

by Fernando Tue Jan 10, 2017 9:26 am

With 3 weeks to go until the show at the Alamo-dome there doesn't appear to be an obvious favourite to win the Rumble this year. Over previous years it's been more often then not revealed a few weeks before hand that someone is booked in to win yet a few weeks away nothing seems to be set in stone apart from Brock vs Goldberg.

So who's your favourite for the Rumble?
Any surprises Returns or Debuts?

by **Hero** Tue Jan 10, 2017 9:32 am

I'm going for an Undertaker return to win and set up v Cena at Mania.

by Electric Demon Tue Jan 10, 2017 9:35 am

Triple H

That or I'm going for Nakamura to face Styles

by JoshSansom Tue Jan 10, 2017 9:45 am

Undertaker win at WM
Samoa Joe debut - leading to feud with AJ Styles
Maybe Chris Hero / Kassius Ohno (is he still going with that this time given that Kevin Owens has the K.O. initials too?) surprise jump to the main roster?

by Samo Tue Jan 10, 2017 5:16 pm

Depends who wins the title matches I think.

If Cena wins then Undertaker wins the Rumble
If AJ wins then its anyones game
If Kevin Owens wins the Finn Balor wins the Rumble
If Roman Reigns wins then braun Strowman wins the Rumble

by Marky Tue Jan 10, 2017 7:36 pm

Baron Corbin

by Ché Guerrero Tue Jan 10, 2017 8:06 pm

'If Roman Reigns wins then braun Strowman wins the Rumble'

Oh dear god no.....

- good undercard bout though

by Marky Tue Jan 10, 2017 8:13 pm

AJ retains, Baron Corbin wins the Rumble, turns AJ face. The likes of Lesnar v Goldberg, Cena v Undertaker, Reigns v Strauman, Rollins v HHH don't need titles involved. Those with AJ v Corbin and Owens v Jericho for the main titles would be more than sufficient plus a couple of NXT guys involved.

by Ché Guerrero Tue Jan 10, 2017 8:17 pm

I think it would be cool for Taker to retire with the belt, but his previous booking decisions suggest he would want to put someone over instead.

by **Crimey** Tue Jan 10, 2017 9:07 pm

I think it'll be Undertaker.

I wouldn't be massively surprised to see one of Goldberg or Lesnar to win it and the other to win the title somewhere else. I could also see Jericho winning it to set up Owens vs Jericho. Seth Rollins is a possibility, Finn Balor if he's fit enough. Braun Strowman is an outside bet.

It's a Rumble I'm looking forward to more than any other in recent memory as it is genuinely so difficult to call who will win. I can't remember the last time that this was the case...maybe 2010? 2012 was a weird one in that it was obvious Jericho was going to win it, then they did a weird swerve, but it was still a poor build up. This Rumble looks like it will very little room for filler and is filled with really big names and loads of possible winners.

by Samo Tue Jan 10, 2017 9:36 pm

Marky wrote:AJ retains, Baron Corbin wins the Rumble, turns AJ face. The likes of Lesnar v Goldberg, Cena v Undertaker, Reigns v Strauman, Rollins v HHH don't need titles involved. Those with AJ v Corbin and Owens v Jericho for the main titles would be more than sufficient plus a couple of NXT guys involved.

Thats actually not a bad shout. Corbin has been great recently and AJ will get the absolute best out of him. The only problem is I could see this match being buried in the middle of the card somewhere because Corbin isnt a big draw yet.

by Kay Fabe Wed Jan 11, 2017 5:22 am

I fancy Undertaker to win it and face Cena for the belt at Mania but if that were to be the case it seems a bit too telegraphed at this moment in time.

if Taker doesn't win it I think he'll have a big angle that'll kick off his WrestleMania feud.

by Fernando Wed Jan 11, 2017 6:14 am

Skybet Research 3 weeks away

Top 5 favourites

To be inserted so doesn't give anything away for those that like a spoiler free life.:

Most Eliminations
#1 Braun Strowman
#2 Baron Corbin
#3 Roman Reigns
#4 Brock Lesnar
#5 Goldberg

Fun outside shots
Samoa Joe & Shawn Michaels 30/1
Kenny Omega & Shinsuke Nakamura - 40/1
Kurt Angle 50/1

Kenny Omega, Finn Balor, Samoa Joe & The Undertaker to all appear inside the ring as one of the 30 participants 1/1

Kenny Omega, Finn Balor & Shaun Michaels to all appear inside the ring as one of the 30 participants 9/4

by Samo Wed Jan 11, 2017 6:53 pm

Chris Jericho to stay in the cage all through the Rumble and steal it at the end

by **Dolphin Ziggler** Wed Jan 11, 2017 7:40 pm

Kenny Omega, Finn Balor, Samoa Joe & The Undertaker to all appear inside the ring as one of the 30 participants 1/1 - I'd lay that all day. (You've got) No chance, no chance in Hell that this is happening.

by MetalMotty Thu Jan 12, 2017 3:18 am

Jericho is a good shout,
think it will be Undertaker v Goldberg at mania
winner ill go for Seth Rollins

by marty2086 Thu Jan 12, 2017 10:52 pm

I can see it being Taker

What old faces do you think will appear for the night as part of the Rumble?

by Fernando Thu Jan 12, 2017 11:24 pm

Tye Dillinger entering the Royal Rumble at number 10 5/6
Goldberg and Brock Lesnar to eliminate each other simultaneously 25/1

More fun bets added. 25/1 seems decent tbh

by Kay Fabe Fri Jan 13, 2017 1:24 am

looks like the most stacked Rumble in a long time

Taker
Rollins
Lesnar
Goldberg
Ambrose
Miz
Ziggler

all World Champions

I'm going for Rollins, think we'll get him and Reigns for the Universal Title at Mania and I actually think RAW needs that level of star going for the top belt.

by NickisBHAFC Fri Jan 13, 2017 3:07 am

I agree its based on who wins the title matches. However we do have 2 PPV'S after the royal rumble, so it could all easily change.

I just love obscure wrestlers appearing.

by Kay Fabe Fri Jan 13, 2017 3:53 am

I think if either Reigns or Cena win the Title at the Royal Rumble then the winner of the Rumble match becomes a bit telegraphed but if both win the belts at the Rumble it opens it up a bit.

by **Dolphin Ziggler** Fri Jan 13, 2017 4:22 am

There's a long way to go with all the PPVs still left and the two world championships.

by Kay Fabe Fri Jan 13, 2017 6:50 am

I think one of the World Title matches for Mania will be resolved at the Rumble.

the Universal Title scene is a bit of a mess at the moment

by Samo Fri Jan 13, 2017 8:37 am

Dolphin Ziggler wrote:There's a long way to go with all the PPVs still left and the two world championships.

WWE seem to be in the habit in recent years if cementing the Main Event at the Rumble. I cant remember the last time the title changed hands between Royal Rumble and WrestleMania, last time I remember off the top of my head was Edge dropping the WWE title and winning the WHC in the same night. And that was what? 2009?

by Kay Fabe Fri Jan 13, 2017 2:09 pm

Samo wrote:
Dolphin Ziggler wrote:There's a long way to go with all the PPVs still left and the two world championships.

WWE seem to be in the habit in recent years if cementing the Main Event at the Rumble. I cant remember the last time the title changed hands between Royal Rumble and WrestleMania, last time I remember off the top of my head was Edge dropping the WWE title and winning the WHC in the same night. And that was what? 2009?

That was crazy booking, not gonna lie, it was fun as well, the following year they had Jericho beat Taker after HBK super kicked him to set up their rematch and I'm pretty sure Batista won it at the Chamber after Cena retained in 2011 but after that I don't think they've crowned a new Champions in the PPVs between the Rumble and Mania

by **Dolphin Ziggler** Fri Jan 13, 2017 6:25 pm

They are in that habit, but there is more space to move with two top belts and more PPVs.

It's unlikely, but arguably due. And it also doesn't mean it will be obvious who that challenger is (although I'm sure it'll be somewhat clear)

by Samo Sat Jan 14, 2017 12:41 am

I reckon one belt will change, but i would be if a RAW guy wins the Rumble then the Universal title wont switch between then and Mania, or if Undertaker wins the the WWE title wont change between the Rumble and Mania.

by Kay Fabe Sat Jan 14, 2017 2:46 am

I can't see AJ beating Cena 1 on 1 at one of the big four PPVS only for AJ to lose it at the SD PPV weeks before WrestleMania so with that in mind I think AJ either has to lose it at the Rumble or he holds it to WrestleMania - my only concern with AJ is who does he have a WrestleMania worthy feud with over the Title? he's done Ambrose and Cena, there isn't anyone else really big time enough to be a worthy contender other than Undertaker but I don't see Taker winning the Rumble just to get AJ, that's what makes me think Cena wins at the Rumble.

You could always have Seth Rollins win the Rumble and go for the WWE Title against AJ, that would pop but then you'd need to think who would Reigns get then.

by Ché Guerrero Sat Jan 14, 2017 2:54 am

Kay Fabe wrote:I can't see AJ beating Cena 1 on 1 at one of the big four PPVS only for AJ to lose it at the SD PPV weeks before WrestleMania so with that in mind I think AJ either has to lose it at the Rumble or he holds it to WrestleMania - my only concern with AJ is who does he have a WrestleMania worthy feud with over the Title? he's done Ambrose and Cena, there isn't anyone else really big time enough to be a worthy contender other than Undertaker but I don't see Taker winning the Rumble just to get AJ, that's what makes me think Cena wins at the Rumble.

You could always have Seth Rollins win the Rumble and go for the WWE Title against AJ, that would pop but then you'd need to think who would Reigns get then.

Is AJ vs either a debuting Nakamura or Joe big enough for WM?

It would be cool if a WM match was Nakamura's main roster debut

by Samo Sat Jan 14, 2017 4:10 am

AJ VS either would be Mania worthy but needs more than two months build.

If I wasnt so sure Rollins will be facing HHH at Mania then him winning the Rumble and jumping ship to get away from Stephanie would be fine and you keep the Face vs Heel dynamic vs AJ.

If that happens you can keep the title on KO and set up him vs Jericho at Mania, and could go down the Reigns vs Strowman route for the US title which Jericho dropped to either man because of a KO screw up.

Im loving this time of year, so many different possibilities compared to last year.

by NickisBHAFC Sat Jan 14, 2017 4:29 am

Agreed, whilst HHH showing up at the rumble was a "surprise" it was pretty obvious what was going to happen and it turned out to be true.

I for one would love to see a really random surprise, like someone like Zayn, Cessaro, Joe, heck even Seth win the whole thing.

by Marky Sat Jan 14, 2017 5:20 am

Samo wrote:If that happens you can keep the title on KO and set up him vs Jericho at Mania, and could go down the Reigns vs Strowman route for the US title which Jericho dropped to either man because of a KO screw up.

I fear that will happen with different titles.

Reigns beats Owens at the Rumble, Owens loses a rematch at the next PPV, snaps and blames Jericho, turning Jericho face and leading to Owens v Jericho at Wrestlemania for the US Title. Then Reigns v Strowman for the Universal Title.

When I say I fear it, I'd accept those two matches.

by Samo Sat Jan 14, 2017 8:01 am

Im not against Reigns vs Strowman as some people are. I think Strowman has improved massively since the split and they carry him like a genuine main eventer. And this might be contentious but Reigns was one of the best wrestlers they had last year. We slag him off but he didnt have a bad match in 2016 (apart from maybe vs HHH). I think they would put on a decent enough match and could easily keep the title off Strowman without him losing.

by Kay Fabe Sun Jan 15, 2017 2:24 am

I don't see the value in Reigns/Strowman at WrestleMania at this point in time to be honest, I think Strowman is at a stage now where he's done the hard part, he's got over for the role that he's had but if he is moved up the ranks and is subsequently beaten by Roman Reigns who he himself needs that big win again then I feel it kills the aura Strowman has, that for me is his biggest asset at the moment, I'd rather see him win the US Title and basically hold that belt hostage for 9 months to a year, let him develop just under the main event - if Reigns beats him for the WWE Title at Mania I'd put good money on him going the same way as Bray Wyatt or Rusev after their WrestleMania feuds with John Cena.

If they're building Strowman specifically for Reigns then fair enough, the ends justify the means but if they are building him with the hope that he could be the next Big Show then I think he requires more protection than that right now.

by **Dolphin Ziggler** Sun Jan 15, 2017 5:56 am

Vince loves the babyface squashes monster routine

by Kay Fabe Sun Jan 15, 2017 9:20 am

that he does, it probably should tell us what way he'll go here but I'm holding out for the big heel turn on Rollins at WrestleMania

by Samo Sun Jan 15, 2017 5:16 pm

Latest odds from Skybet:

by Fernando Wed Jan 18, 2017 10:10 pm

2 Week update:

by Samo Wed Jan 18, 2017 11:13 pm

Fernando wrote:
2 Week update:

Smackdown Spoiler:

by Fernando Wed Jan 18, 2017 11:14 pm

Samo wrote:
Fernando wrote:
2 Week update:

Smackdown Spoiler:

Spoiler:

by Mr H Thu Jan 19, 2017 11:53 pm

This is the first Rumble to Mania season I've been interested in for years. For once it's unpredictable. The only thing for sure is that the Mania card is going to be STACKED. I think it's safe to assume that Balor is going to feature high on the card and I also think Samoa Joe is too.

My card as it stands, with Taker winning the Rumble, would be...

Goldberg vs Brock Lesnar (Stone Cold Steve Austin Guest Ref)
Roman Reigns (c) vs The Undertaker (Universal Title)
John Cena (c) vs Samoa Joe (WWE Title)
HHH vs Seth Rollins
Finn Balor vs AJ Styles (Raw vs Smackdown Interbrand Match)
Sami Zayn (c) vs Braun Strowman (US Title Match)
The Miz (c) vs Ziggler vs Ambrose vs Baron Corbin (IC Title Match)
Kevin Owens vs Chris Jericho
Randy Orton vs Bray Wyatt

I've read that Joe is in line for a monster push coming out of the Rumble, so a title match vs Cena at Mania seems to fit the bill.

As much as I like Strowman I just can't fit him into a main event level fued anywhere, plus I'd like to see him win the US Title and hold onto it for months before perhaps a main title push in the summer.

by **Crimey** Fri Jan 20, 2017 12:09 am

I think that's a good card. Would you have Goldberg/Lesnar main event again?

I feel like you risk Wrestlemania ending pretty flatly if you do, as whilst their Survivor Series match got a lot of hype, I feel like if it's made clear Goldberg is leaving again afterwards it will have a similar problem as their WM 20 match especially if you get Austin involved again.

by Dr Gregory House MD Fri Jan 20, 2017 12:53 am

Crimey wrote:I think that's a good card. Would you have Goldberg/Lesnar main event again?

I feel like you risk Wrestlemania ending pretty flatly if you do, as whilst their Survivor Series match got a lot of hype, I feel like if it's made clear Goldberg is leaving again afterwards it will have a similar problem as their WM 20 match especially if you get Austin involved again.

I think the perception for WWE is very different to what it was 13 years ago, people don't have near the brand loyalty they once did, their more the evil empire than they were back then, you only have to look at the popularity of Punk and Lesnar to see people have more respect for guys doing their own thing and taking ownership of their careers

by Mr H Fri Jan 20, 2017 1:06 am

I’m not sure, i wouldn’t have a problem with it if it didn’t close the show, I just don’t think there is a bigger match out there right now. I don’t think Goldberg or the WWE could have imagined his return to have gone any better to be honest. He’s so over, even with the younger generation. He’s been booked perfectly and the Survivor Series finish was a masterstroke. It totally pishes all over the Sting return IMO. I think people would probably care about it less if it was lower on the card but booking it as THEE Main event of the show, especially after what happened at Survivor Series, i just feel the audience would be invested, and with Stone Cold being ref again would elevate it even further.

I’ve always been a strong believer than the World Title match should close Wrestlemania. So if Goldberg does wrestle at Fastlane he could take the title off Reigns.

By the way, HHH vs Rollins does absolutely nothing for me.

by Electric Demon Fri Jan 20, 2017 1:08 am

Rollins does nothing for me. I've never got him. His run as the top guy in the company was mystifying to me.

by **Crimey** Fri Jan 20, 2017 1:21 am

Rollins has lost all steam and has been gutted of everything that made him interesting. His heel run and subsequent injury basically removed most of his exciting wrestling style that got him so over in The Shield's face run. Now that he has turned face again, they've taken away what made him interesting as a heel.

It's a masterclass in how not to book.

They've also booked any potential feud with Triple H horribly, mainly because Triple H like Stephanie McMahon can't help but just try to get himself over.

by Fernando Fri Jan 20, 2017 3:26 am

WWE going to full cocktease levels of smarkyness to draw in people for a fall Laugh

Im sure it's just convenient that the day he says he's a free agent is the day WWE.com pops stuff up about him Laugh

http://www.wwe.com/videos/seth-rollins-wants-kenny-omega-in-the-royal-rumble-match-wwe-pop-question

by JoshSansom Fri Jan 20, 2017 7:52 am

Mr H wrote:This is the first Rumble to Mania season I've been interested in for years. For once it's unpredictable. The only thing for sure is that the Mania card is going to be STACKED. I think it's safe to assume that Balor is going to feature high on the card and I also think Samoa Joe is too.

My card as it stands, with Taker winning the Rumble, would be...

Goldberg vs Brock Lesnar (Stone Cold Steve Austin Guest Ref)
Roman Reigns (c) vs The Undertaker (Universal Title)
John Cena (c) vs Samoa Joe (WWE Title)
HHH vs Seth Rollins
Finn Balor vs AJ Styles (Raw vs Smackdown Interbrand Match)
Sami Zayn (c) vs Braun Strowman (US Title Match)
The Miz (c) vs Ziggler vs Ambrose vs Baron Corbin (IC Title Match)
Kevin Owens vs Chris Jericho
Randy Orton vs Bray Wyatt

I've read that Joe is in line for a monster push coming out of the Rumble, so a title match vs Cena at Mania seems to fit the bill.

As much as I like Strowman I just can't fit him into a main event level fued anywhere, plus I'd like to see him win the US Title and hold onto it for months before perhaps a main title push in the summer.

Like it though wondered if no women's/tag matches was intended or if you weren't considering them? I can't see a way that Charlotte isn't on the main card, possibly in a triple threat with Sasha/Bayley? Alexa/Becky/Mickie maybe for the pre-show alongside one of the tag title matches and another on the main card would be my guess

by Mr H Fri Jan 20, 2017 8:19 pm

Oh absolutely. I just didn’t list them. I’ve got a feeling Bayley will beat Charlotte for the title at Mania. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Smackdown women’s title match got bumped to the pre-show given how stacked the card will be, probably the same for the tag titles. You’re never going to fit 8 title matches on a Mania card unfortunately.

by **Dolphin Ziggler** Fri Jan 20, 2017 9:02 pm

American Alphas vs the Usos has "good pre-show match" written all over it. Would be nice for Slater and Rhyno to get something though.

There'll be the Andre the Giant Battle Royal too. I'd probably give Big Cass that.

And we are getting Shaq vs Big Show whether we like it or not.

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