10 Early Favourites To Win WWE Royal Rumble 2018 Match

9. Braun Strowman

Roman Reigns
WWE.com

How much does WWE want to get behind Braun Strowman?

That is the question. No longer does it concern Strowman's ability or longevity; the man, the scourge of message board cynicism this time last year, has evolved into the most riotous, OTT performer in an age. He's scheduled for a monumental autumn run as number one contender to Brock Lesnar's Universal Title at No Mercy on September 24...

...which probably doesn't bode well for his chances in Philadelphia.

Those pushed hard in autumn usually endure a harsh winter. RAW was dominated by Kevin Owens and Chris Jericho in 2016. Their blowout bout was only a midcard attraction in Orlando. SmackDown was built around AJ Styles during that same timeline. He opened the 'Ultimate Thrill Ride'. Strowman himself rose to prominence as the leaves turned brown and he turned Sami Zayn inside out in an electric mini-feud. He fortified Roman Reigns in February, but was Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royale fodder in April.

His stock has risen so highly that a singles match in New Orleans surely beckons - though it's difficult to imagine him going on last. WWE tends not to repeat major singles matches from the previous year at 'Mania. Strowman has wrestled Reigns countless times already, and the six month gap between No Mercy and 'Mania is shorter than his odds.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!