'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
What's the Story?
For the past few months, the favorite to win the rumble has changed a handful of times. From Roman Reigns to John Cena, the betting odds have been all over the place. However, as of today, it looks like the odds have shifted again, while the women's front-runner remains the same.
In Case You Didn't Know...
Until recently, the winner of the men's Royal Rumble match has been rumored to be from RAW. With Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar being booked into the main event of Wrestlemania 34 since last year, the Big Dog has been at the top of the board for a while. Not to mention a Fastlane advertisement that put the top five Smackdown stars in a title match, seemingly keeping them away from the spot of the Rumble winner.
Trending
However, it seems like a very charismatic wrestler is destined to win the rumble.
The Heart of the Matter
According to oddsmaker Jim Murphy, Smackdown Live's Shinsuke Nakamura is leading the pack of Rumble participants. The King of Strong Style has been rumored to have a match with WWE Champion AJ Styles at this years Wrestlemania since their staredown back at Money In The Bank, and it looks like that's the plan WWE creative is going with. Nakamura is tied at first with John Cena at +350, with Roman Reigns falling to +650.
Asuka at +150 is still leading the contenders for the women's rumble, with Rhonda Rousey in second at +350, and Nikki Bella, Paige and Becky Lynch at +700
What's Next?
The Royal Rumble takes place on January 28, so there's still time for changes in the odds. With the 25th Anniversary of Monday Night Raw occurring before the Rumble, there's still time for a lot of changes.
Author's Take
Shinsuke seems like a strong contender. The King of Strong Style has been a huge fan favourite since he arrived in NXT. The Summerslam crowd at the Barclays Center was ready to erupt when Nakamura challenged for the title against Jinder Mahal. Along with Cena and Reigns, this Rumble is a bit harder to predict than the last three or four we've seen, which can only be a good thing.
As for the women's match, it's not surprising that Asuka remains the favourite. However, what is strange is that the two behind her are Nikki Bella and Rhonda Rousey, one of which hasn't even been seen with the company yet, and another who hasn't been around since Wrestlemania last year.
