WWE Royal Rumble 2018: Predicting All 30 Entrants
How to fill the year's biggest match.
Royal Rumble season is officially upon us.
The build started on December 18th, when Elias was declared the first participant in the men's bout. Five other names have since been announced, and with just three weeks of television to go until 2018's first 'big four' pay-per-view, WWE have much ground to cover.
Last year's Rumble was a moderate success. The company delivered a lukewarm winner in Randy Orton, but with moments like Goldberg's elimination of Brock Lesnar, Braun Strowman's rampage, and Tye Dillinger's perfect entrance at number 10, the match was full of fun spots. Here's hoping for similar excitement in 2018, albeit with a few more surprises.
The company's vast talent roster makes it hard to pinpoint every entrant, but there are several probable exclusions. Injured stars Dean Ambrose, Jeff Hardy, and Big Cass won't be cleared before January 28th. Brock Lesnar, Kane, and Braun Strowman will contest the Universal Title, while Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn challenge WWE Champion AJ Styles. None should be ruled out entirely, though it's unlikely that more than one will show up later.
With that in mind, here's our take on the 2018 Royal Rumble lineup...
30. Elias
An unlikely main roster success story, Elias has established himself as one of Raw's most effective heat magnets, and was the first man to announce his participation in the men's Royal Rumble.
Sure, he probably isn't going to win, but 'The Drifter' is a featured performer on Monday nights, and his elimination should draw a big pop from the Philly crowd.
His hateability could also make Elias a candidate for the Bushwhacker Luke/Warlord/Santino Marella spot, or perhaps he'll conduct a mid-match busking session, prompting a hacked-off babyface to smash that guitar over his head. Whatever happens, Elias will likely get a showcase moment.