3 WWE Superstars who are dark horses for 2019 Royal Rumble
WWE's annual Royal Rumble event is almost here. The event is named after the Royal Rumble match; the 30-Superstar over the top rope elimination battle royal, wherein the winner gets the opportunity to challenge a World Champion of their choosing at WrestleMania. This year, there will be two Royal Rumble matches on the card; the second women's Royal Rumble match, and the 32nd men's Royal Rumble match.
Every year, there are favorites for the Royal Rumble match. These Superstars are presented as big deals, and expected to win the match. However, ever so often, an unexpected Superstar is victorious in the Royal Rumble match.
This article takes a look at the dark horses for this year's Royal Rumble matches. We break down their records, the upside to them winning, and which champion they would challenge at WrestleMania 35.
#1 Bayley
Bayley's career has been one of unfulfilled potential. This may seem an odd way to describe someone who successfully defended her RAW Women's Championship on the main card of WrestleMania 33, but it is sadly true. Bayley was so highly regarded that it was thought that she could be a female John Cena. She had a kid-friendly gimmick, sold lots of merchandise, wrestled a very safe style, and was beloved by all fans. The sky seemed to be the limit for her. She was the sole survivor in her Survivor Series debut. She ended Charlotte Flair's undefeated pay-per-view streak. And she had the aforementioned WrestleMania title defense.
However, ever since losing the championship to Alexa Bliss, she has lost her momentum. She had a chance to regain it at SummerSlam 2017 but was injured in the lead-up to the match. She spent 2018 heavily teasing a feud with Sasha Banks, but after a few brawls, and awkward therapy sessions, they have been teaming up. Despite their obvious charisma, they have spent 2018 battling the Riott Squad.
She would be accepted as a winner because of her record and connection with the fans, but it would definitely be unexpected given her 2018.
However, despite her 2018, there are obvious advantages to Bayley winning. She is a true babyface and still retains a connection with fans. The audience cares about Bayley and wants her to win.
If she won, she could face a newly minted champion in Sasha Banks. They have obvious chemistry and an in-built story as tag-team partners and best friends. An even better choice would be Asuka, The Empress of Tomorrow.
Bayley's babyface wrestling style and character would mesh excellently with Asuka's intimidating persona.