WWE Royal Rumble 2018: Predicting All 30 Entrants

How to fill the year's biggest match.

Royal Rumble 2018
WWE.com

Royal Rumble season is officially upon us.

The build started on December 18th, when Elias was declared the first participant in the men's bout. Five other names have since been announced, and with just three weeks of television to go until 2018's first 'big four' pay-per-view, WWE have much ground to cover.

Last year's Rumble was a moderate success. The company delivered a lukewarm winner in Randy Orton, but with moments like Goldberg's elimination of Brock Lesnar, Braun Strowman's rampage, and Tye Dillinger's perfect entrance at number 10, the match was full of fun spots. Here's hoping for similar excitement in 2018, albeit with a few more surprises.

The company's vast talent roster makes it hard to pinpoint every entrant, but there are several probable exclusions. Injured stars Dean Ambrose, Jeff Hardy, and Big Cass won't be cleared before January 28th. Brock Lesnar, Kane, and Braun Strowman will contest the Universal Title, while Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn challenge WWE Champion AJ Styles. None should be ruled out entirely, though it's unlikely that more than one will show up later.

With that in mind, here's our take on the 2018 Royal Rumble lineup...

30. Elias

Royal Rumble 2018
WWE.com

An unlikely main roster success story, Elias has established himself as one of Raw's most effective heat magnets, and was the first man to announce his participation in the men's Royal Rumble.

Sure, he probably isn't going to win, but 'The Drifter' is a featured performer on Monday nights, and his elimination should draw a big pop from the Philly crowd.

His hateability could also make Elias a candidate for the Bushwhacker Luke/Warlord/Santino Marella spot, or perhaps he'll conduct a mid-match busking session, prompting a hacked-off babyface to smash that guitar over his head. Whatever happens, Elias will likely get a showcase moment.

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

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.