WWE Royal Rumble predictions

The 26th annual Royal Rumble is happening tomorrow night, which means it’s time for some predictions. This year should be a big show, and nearly all titles are on the line, a rarity for Rumble PPVs.

WWE United States Championship – Antonio Cesaro (Champion) vs. The Miz 

Miz is in the midst of his first face run in WWE, and needless to say, it’s been a huge disappointment. He’s not getting over with fans, and his in-ring work has actually taken a hit. Cesaro, on the other hand, is in the middle of a major push, a push that could see him as WWE or World Champion by year’s end. Cesaro retains in this one.

WWE Tag Team Championship – Team Hell No! (Champions) vs. The Rhodes Scholars

While Bryan and Kane have been surprisingly great as the mismatched champions, holding the belts longer than anyone would have expected, I think their first run as champions is up. The Scholars have had their number in recent weeks, and it’s only a matter of time before they are the champions. I expect that time to come on Sunday.

Last Man Standing Match for the World Championship – The Big Show vs. Alberto Del Rio (Champion)

Honestly, this one could go either way. While Show is expected to leave WWE soon when his contract expires in a couple of months, they could go with the original plan of him being beaten by Ryback at WrestleMania, which would require him to win the title here. However, Dolph Ziggler seems like the man next in line to wear the belt at this moment, and he could possibly cash in on Del Rio before the Rumble even happens later in the night, which Ziggler is entered in. It’s a tough call, but I’m picking Del Rio to defeat Show in this rematch from Smackdown! a few weeks back, with Ziggler waiting just a bit longer to cash in, possibly at ‘Mania.

WWE Championship – CM Punk (Champion) vs. The Rock 

There has been talk of Rock winning the title here and moving onto a rematch with John Cena at Wrestlemania 29, but I don’t see it happening. While it’s great that the Rock is back, he’s still only a part-time wrestler, and putting the belt on him when there’s no guarantee how many shows he appears on between now and ‘Mania is ridiculous. Plus, it completely takes away from last year’s “once in a lifetime” motif. Punk needs this win to continue establishing himself as the absolute best in the company, as well as continuing his historic reign as champion. Punk must win here.

30 man Royal Rumble 

This year has a lot of potential winners, as well as a few young entrants who could really benefit from a strong showing. While my original pick was Ryback, I’m putting all my eggs now into the basket of Dolph Ziggler. Ziggler is set to have an amazing 2013, and what better way to kick it off by having him as both the Royal Rumble winner AND Mr. Money in the Bank simultaneously, something that has never been done before? Ryback should be putting in an impressive showing regardless, and I also expect strong showings from Antonio Cesaro, last year’s winner Sheamus, and Wade Barrett, to name a few.