Royal Rumble 2014 PPV: Match predictions and expectations

With Royal Rumble as the next WWE pay-per-view, let’s take a look at the present scenario in the WWE and talk about some early predictions and expectations for the Royal Rumble.

Pre-Show Match: Brodus Clay vs. Tensai

In the latest edition of Raw, Brodus Clay made another step towards his imminent heel turn as he refused tagging Tensai in who was finished off with a shell shock as Rybaxel picked up a victory over the ‘Tons of Funk’. With the team disbanding it looks like a match between the two will fill the pre-show match spot, with the young Brodus Clay emerging as the ideal winner.

Winner: Brodus Clay

Intercontinental Championship Match: Big E. Langston vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. Fandango vs. Damien Sandow

With the WWE having many mid-card wrestlers who can become the ideal Intercontinental Champion, we can (or at least wish to) have a fatal 4-way match for Big E’s championship. We had Ziggler defeat Fandango on Raw, and their involvement along with Sandow’s will bring more importance and competition for the title. There has to be a new champion after this match, or else having a fatal 4-way at Royal Rumble will be pointless. Plus, these mid-card wrestlers are capable and need a ‘push’. I doubt if the other mid-card title: the U.S. Championship, will be contested at Royal Rumble.

Winner: Dolph Ziggler

Divas Championship Match: AJ Lee vs. Nikki Bella

Looking at the current scenario in the Divas division, we can expect the fight between ‘Total Divas’ and the rest of the Divas to be stretched further. With Natalya losing at TLC, it’s time for a Bella to challenge AJ Lee. Nikki Bella is expected to be the challenger. It could also be a triple threat match with Brie’s inclusion, but I doubt if either of the Bella’s will win against AJ. A rivalry/match between AJ Lee and Tamina would be a much better fit though.

Winner: AJ Lee

WWE Tag Team Championship Match: The Brotherhood vs. Big Show and Rey Mysterio

Winning against the tag champions at Raw have made Show and Mysterio as prime challengers for the tag titles. It wouldn’t be shocking if they actually win the titles, because that would lead to the pre-destined match between Goldust and Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania. Losing the titles at Royal Rumble might be early for the Rhodes brothers, but even if it takes a few more weeks Show and Mysterio will eventually win the tag titles. But, I believe that The Real Americans deserve a title shot more then the newly-formed team of Show and Mysterio. The other tag teams will be involved in the 30-men battle royal.

Winner: Big Show and Rey Mysterio

WWE Heavyweight Championship Match: Randy Orton vs. John Cena

The way last Raw went off air with Randy Orton standing tall in the ring and Bryan and Cena lying down, one would expect a triple threat match between these three stars at Royal Rumble. But, a much of that stature might get a bit big for Royal Rumble, WrestleMania is the ideal stage for such a match. Plus, we have Bryan involved in a feud with The Wyatt’s, so the possibility of a triple threat match is quite low. In the TLC rematch, a title win for John Cena will introduce some new aspects to the WWE Heavyweight Championship storyline and open up several options for the title matches at Elimination Chamber and WrestleMania. More challenges and twists is what the WWE Heavyweight Championship should be all about.

Winner: John Cena

30-Men Battle Royal

The expectations from this Royal Rumble’s over-the-top-rope battle royal are high as the winner will win a shot at the only big title in the WWE. As usual there will be some former WWE wrestlers entering the rumble, plus some wrestlers like Sheamus and Brock Lesnar making their returns. The names on the list of current possible winners are: CM Punk, Daniel Bryan, Sheamus, Brock Lesnar, and John Cena/Randy Orton. Stars like Roman Reigns and Bray Wyatt can also make shocking wins. But, the winner would be someone who has never won the battle royal before and is a former WWE Champion. So, you can put your money on the likes of CM Punk and Daniel Bryan.

Winner: CM Punk/Daniel Bryan