You’ve put the tree away, the Super Bowl is set and there is that late January chill in the air. If you are a WWE fan, you’re packing a bag, gassing up the car and checking your GPS because we are about to embark on the road to Wrestlemania. The last tune-up before that trip is my second favorite PPV of the year, ROYAL RUMBLE. So warm up your pointing finger and get ready to see who I think will outlast the other 29 Superstars in this edition of Royal Rumble!

As this is the first PPV of the year, I’ll be switching my excitement level to a 0-5 scale. 0 of course being a yawn fest and 5 being nuclear level excitement.

Nakamura vs Rusev (c) United States Championship Match

It seems like only yesterday that the US Title was arguably the hottest title in the biz and Rusev was one of the hottest acts on either brand. Well, alas, both have lost a significant amount of heat and what would have once been an intriguing match up will now have to really go above and beyond to elevate all involved.

Excitement level: 1.5

Prediction: Rusev

Miz and Shane vs The Bar (c) Smackdown Tag Team Title Match

I would like to thank Shane and Miz for putting this angle together. With all the hot feuds happening on SDL right now, it was nice to have a confusing semi-weird angle to help me get to sleep. There are several different directions this match could go and possibly set up Wrestlemania matchups. I’m just kind of sad that with all the great teams on SDL, Miz and McMahon are the ones getting the title shot.

Excitement level: 2.3

Prediction: The Bar

Sasha Banks vs Ronda Rousey (c) Raw Women’s Title Match

If WWE wanted to shock the world, then the Boss would walk away with the title. That being said, I don’t think the world has much to worry about. Results aside, this should be a really great match.

Excitement level: 3.8

Prediction: Rousey

Becky Lynch vs Asuka (c) SDL Women’s Title Match

This match really has so much intrigue as it is likely a lead up to the main event of ‘Mania. There are a number of possibilities of how this plays out, the big question is, how do you keep Becky’s momentum but let Asuka keep the title?

Excitement level: 4.2

Prediction: Asuka retains (Shenanigans)

A.J. Styles vs Daniel Bryan (c) WWE Title Match

Look for this to be a real barn burner and bring about the end to this feud. Each of these guys just continue to prove how versatile they are and this match will be no different.

Excitement level: 3.9

Prediction: The New Daniel Bryan

Tozawa vs Itami vs Kalisto vs Murphy (c) Cruiserweight Title Match

Quiet candidate for match of the night. The champ loses his advantage in a Fatal Fourway but I just can’t see the logic in taking the title off of Murphy at this point. Although, he did call Alexa Bliss his wife earlier this week, so there could be that??

Excitement level: 3.5

Prediction: Murphy

Finn Balor vs Brock Lesnar (c) Universal Title Match

Balor is finally getting his rematch for the Universal title and it very well could be at an advantageous time for “The Demon”. The leadership claims to want to go in a new direction and this would certainly be a new direction. The real question is, would the WWE really have two sub 220 lb “world” champions?

Excitement level: 3.1

Prediction: Balor

Men’s Royal Rumble Match

Most eliminations: Braun Strowman

Surprise Entrants: Velveteen Dream, Bray Wyatt and Kevin Owens

Longest Duration: Seth Rollins

Shortest Duration: Baron Corbin

Winner: Drew McIntyre

Women’s Royal Rumble Match

Most eliminations: Charlotte

Surprise Entrants: Victoria, Vickie Guerrero, Shayna Bazler and Kaitlyn

Longest Duration: Charlotte

Shortest Duration: Vickie Guerrero

Winner: Charlotte/Becky Lynch

That sums up my thoughts on the Rumble this year. This is sure to be a fun night, as most Rumble are and propel us down the path to Wrestlemania!