WWE Royal Rumble 2017: 10 Big Mistakes They Can't Afford To Make

The Royal Rumble is an annual highlight on most wrestling fans' calendars. It's one of the only gimmick matches that WWE haven't overexposed and ran into the ground in recent years, and the event regularly provides some of the year's biggest moments. From unexpected debuts and big returns to gutsy iron man performances and gravity-defying stunts, even the duller Rumbles are crammed with highlights, and this year's looks incredibly promising.

While 2015 and 2016 were spoiled by predictability, it's almost impossible to tell who's going to win this year. Almost half of the names announced thus far will walk into San Antonio with a legitimate chance of winning, and there are still 12 spots to fill. The Rumble hasn't been this intriguing in years, and if WWE deliver, they'll set 2017 off to a perfect start.

The company will be desperate to avoid the disasters of the past few years, and a botched Royal Rumble will start the road to WrestleMania 33 in disastrous fashion. Unpredictability is a double-edged sword, and if WWE don't use it to create new, exciting storylines ahead of Orlando, their year will already be in deep, deep trouble.

There are a number of potential pitfalls for WWE to navigate in San Antonio. Get this right, and 2017 could be one of the most exciting Royal Rumbles of all-time, but get it wrong and the show will be remembered for all the wrong reasons.

Here are 10 big mistakes WWE can't afford to make at Royal Rumble 2017.

Shawn Michaels was coy on the possibility of appearing at the 2017 Royal Rumble and/or wrestling one more match when he was on Raw two weeks ago. It has been rumoured since early December that HBK would make an appearance at the Alamodome this weekend, but there has been no official confirmation thus far, and if he does appear, WWE are likely keeping it as a surprise.

If Michaels is available, then his appearance shouldn’t even be a question. The prospective hometown pop alone should be enough to convince WWE to book a HBK appearance, and Michaels has a tradition of producing big-time performances whenever the Rumble hits San Antonio. Shawn defeated Sycho Sid to become WWE Champion for the second time back in 1997, and when the Rumble returned in 2007, HBK finished second to The Undertaker in the titular battle royal.

The one thing WWE need to avoid is something along the lines of The Rock’s completely unnecessary mauling of Erick Rowan at WrestleMania 32, but the hometown factor gives them plenty of options. The Alamodome would come unglued even if Shawn’s actions were as simple as opening the show with a quick in-ring promo, and not utilising him would feel like a big missed opportunity.