WWE Royal Rumble 2017: Predicting 12 Wrestlers Not Yet Announced

6. Rusev

Tye Dillinger 10
WWE.com

2016 wasn't kind to Rusev. Just when it looked like he was recovering from his John Cena/League Of Nations-induced slump, The Bulgarian Brute ran into Roman Reigns. Months of endless bullying saw Rusev eventually defeated inside Hell In A Cell, and he has since fallen victim to Enzo Amore and Big Cass, who seem to think there's nothing wrong with parading around in front of another man's wife without any clothes on.

Rusev's past two Royal Rumbles have been ruined by Reigns. In 2015, Rusev gave fans a flash of hope by playing possum until the very end then ambushing Reigns from behind, but he was soon eliminated. Last year, Rusev entered at number two, but lasted just a minute and a half before Reigns had thrown him over the top rope.

Rusev looked great in 2015, but he's due another big performance, particularly given the way he has been booked recently. His participation should be announced relatively soon, and while he won't enter the match as a favourite, he should give a good account of himself. A strong Rumble showing could be the springboard to rebuilding Rusev in 2017, and with Reigns out of the picture this year, there's no reason he can't look like a beast again.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.