5 opponents that could've replaced Kane in the Universal Title match at the Royal Rumble 2018

#5 Samoa Joe

WWE need Samoa Joe to complete this equation of unpredictability.

After ranking all of Brock Lesnar’s adversaries that challenged him for the Universal Title in 2017, his electric programme with Samoa Joe ends up topping the list each and every time. Even though Joe’s match with “the beast” had an anti-climactic finish, which resulted in Joe’s exit from the title picture, “the Samoan bada**” has never taken his eagle-eyed target off the bullseye on Lesnar’s back.

Although Samoa Joe’s claim for a title opportunity might be unwarranted, as Lesnar had flattened him with one F5 in their Universal Title match back in May. However, the same can be said about “the monster among men”, as Lesnar disappointingly defeated him at No Mercy 2017. Yet, Strowman has another opportunity against “the beast” at the Royal Rumble 2018.

“The Samoan submission machine’s” involvement in this blockbuster showdown wouldn’t only replace the aging monster Kane, but it would kick-start a likely rivalry between two of the three competitors in this Royal Rumble main event. It is a potential feud between Samoa Joe and Braun Strowman, that will most likely culminate in a massive match at Wrestlemania 34. The only issue surrounding a World Title triple threat match between Lesnar, Joe, and Strowman, is that one monster will have to take the fall.

Lesnar cannot be the one beaten as he is slated to take on Reigns at “the show of shows”, Braun Strowman is too hot to lose clean, and Joe has been a surprisingly highly protected superstar this year. All three competitors are bulletproof and that is a perfect scenario for this match. A World Title match at an important PPV like the Royal Rumble doesn’t always have to be a predictable bout, but it must create uncertainty about who is leaving champion. This is the biggest favor WWE can do for themselves heading into Wrestlemania season, create unpredictability.