WWE Royal Rumble 2018: Predicting All 30 Entrants

24. Rusev

Royal Rumble 2018
WWE.com

WWE may not see Rusev as a viable main eventer, but 'The Bulgarian Brute' brings significant Royal Rumble pedigree to the table.

It took four men to eliminate him in his 2014 debut, and he finished second to Roman Reigns the following year, though he was embarrassed by 'The Guy' in 2016. 2017 saw him hang around for over 20 minutes, but it's hard to tell how he'll fare this year.

WWE seem wholly uninterested in pushing Rusev. This is a shame, as he's one of the company's most well-rounded talents, and would make an awesome surprise winner. Don't bet on him being much more than a spot-filler, though.

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. 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.