WWE Royal Rumble 2018: 10 Worst Possible Outcomes

4. Shinsuke Nakamura Is Left Looking Redundant

Following this week's SmackDown, we only know that John Cena, Elias, Finn Bálor, Shinsuke Nakamura, Randy Orton and Baron Corbin are definite for the male Royal Rumble. 12 months ago, people were screaming for Nakamura to be involved in the match. Now, the apathy is there for all to see, and it's because of how WWE have booked him.

There's no good reason to care about Shinsuke on SmackDown. He's just sort of there, filling the void that'd be taken by another mid-level star if he wasn't. That's not exciting enough, and it doesn't fill one with confidence that Nakamura will shine in the Rumble either. He has '20-minute performance before being dumped out by Baron Corbin' written all over him.

It's about time WWE's creative squad started coming through for Nakamura. If we're ever going to see that match teased back at last year's MITB with AJ Styles, then he needs some stronger writing. Hardcore fans know how good he is, but casuals haven't been given any reason to get excited about him.