The 2016 Royal Rumble is upon us and anticipation is at a fever pitch. Sunday night, World Wrestling Entertainment's heavyweight champion Roman Reigns will defend his title in the titular match, a 30-man war where the only way to win is to outlast the greatest professional wrestlers on the planet, staving off elimination in the process. With his ongoing vendetta against The Authority, and announcement that he will enter the match from the No. 1 position, it will be harder than ever for Reigns to retain his title. WWE intercontinental champion Dean Ambrose, tag team champions The New Day and Divas champion Charlotte will also have their title reigns tested on the undercard. Ambrose will face the challenge of the always dangerous Kevin Owens in a violent Last Man Standing match while The New Day will have to fend off 2015 Tag Team of the Year The Usos if they wish to continue their highly entertaining run. For Charlotte, a war with former best friend Becky Lynch will determine if her run with gold continues to comes to an end in Orlando. We know all of this. What we do not are these eight surprises that could define the 2016 Royal Rumble pay-per-view event.
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
