WWE Royal Rumble 2019: Predicting The 10 Biggest Spots

1. Batista Comes Home

Batista Welcome Back
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Batista will remain a perennial fixture on lists like this until one of two things happens:-

1. He finally embarks on one last WWE run.

2. He changes his mind and rules himself out.

Though we said the same thing last year, 'The Animal' entering the 2019 Royal Rumble is a distinct possibility. Big Dave will be 51 years old by WrestleMania 35. If he wants a last stand at the 'Show Of Shows' as much as he says he does, then he's running out of time, and if his schedule permits it, WWE ought to reintroduce him as a surprise entrant.

Winning would be a stupid idea (remember 2014?), but a quick run leading to Batista establishing a potential 'Mania programme makes a lot of sense, and it'd get a good reaction from the crowd. Old rivals Randy Orton and Triple H, both of whom have been mentioned as possible opponents, would make strong candidates to eliminate him, particularly after that frosty Evolution reunion at SmackDown 1000. The latter's injury status makes that tricky, though.

All that aside, 'The Animal's' is an overdue in-ring return, and barring a Dwayne Johnson-shaped miracle, the biggest surprise name WWE could pull off on Sunday.

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.