First up, let me say I hope and pray Brock Lesnar returns in the Drew McIntyre V Goldberg match to set up a Lesnar V Goldberg match at Wrestlemania, where Lesnar finally gets the win.
I also want to see The Rock come out at the end of the Roman Reigns V Kevin Owens match to challenge the whole “Head of the Table” thing. It might be time for The Rock to give the rub to his cousin on the biggest stage of them all.
That leaves Drew McIntyre without an opponent at Wrestlemania. Here are some of the contenders.
Daniel Bryan
Daniel has been very vocal in recent weeks about a Royal Rumble victory being absent on his resume. A win would see face v face; and let’s face it, Daniel has already had the biggest Wrestlemania moment he is ever going to get. I don’t see him winning.
AJ Styles
AJ is so good right now. He is magic in the ring, and his association with Omos lends an aura of invincibility to the Phenomenal One. Styles V McIntyre would work, but they have such different, er, styles. I’d love to see AJ thrown over the top rope to be caught by Omos negating his elimination. I’d also love to see Omos in the match, eliminating Styles as “just business”.
Sheamus
Sheamus has been on a bit of a roll lately, and he has history with McIntyre. He has already won the Rumble before though, which may work against him. A Sheamus win would give fans two months of intrigue though. Sheamus being pals with McIntyre in tag matches before finally turning heel just before Wrestlemania could be cool. This one might be happening…
Randy Orton
I just don’t see Randy winning this year. I see Bray Wyatt returning in some new freaky persona to cost Orton any chance. This sets up the payoff feud at Wrestlemania, which has to be better than the match they had a few years back when maggots were superimposed on the mat.
Bray Wyatt
See above. Wyatt is moving into Undertaker territory now, where he doesn’t need to be anywhere near the championship to be relevant. Alternately, imagine if he came out in the Women’s Rumble match to assist Alexa Bliss. He may come back under the influence of Bliss, who has kept him “alive” since the inferno match against Orton.
Big E
I’d love to see this one, but I don’t think it can happen this year. Big E has only just won the Intercontinental Title, and I think he’ll be wearing that belt into Wrestlemania. What is interesting is to see if there is any interaction between Big E and Xavier Woods during the match.
Cesaro
Cesaro finally seems like he might be getting a decent push. Apparently his name featured heavily in backstage talks about who is being under utilised the most. A recent win over Daniel Bryan gives Cesaro extra credibility. I just don’t see him headlining Wrestlemania.
Braun Strowman
The Monster Among Men made his return at Smackdown this week, and quickly reminded everyone he is capable of next level destruction. Strowman V McIntyre could be a good power heavyweight battle, and give fans the idea that Drew could actually be the underdog.
Seth Rollins
The smoky. Seth has been away since Survivor Series after becoming a Dad for the first time, and the Royal Rumble is tailor made for his return. Seth had a few run-ins with McIntyre in 2020, and the rivalry could be renewed. The trouble is, I think a Seth return at the Rumble would be seen as a face turn. Though Seth is so good, he could turn heel again the following night on RAW.
Edge
I have no idea what they are doing with Edge. I assumed he would renew his rivalry with Randy Orton, but the Viper seems set on a clash with Bray Wyatt at Wrestlemania. Maybe Jeff Hardy takes Edge out during the Rumble match to reignite a twenty plus year old rivalry. Edge V Jeff in a ladder match at Wrestlemania? As long as Edge is healthy enough, I’m on board.
It’s hard to see anyone else realistically winning the Rumble match. It’s always fun for the surprises. Maybe we see John Cena return (Cena V Goldberg could be another option at Wrestlemania if Lesnar doesn’t come back). Maybe Big Show or Kane or Mark Henry make a brief appearance. There’s bound to be a pop for an NXT darling. Maybe Samoa Joe returns to the ring. It would be kinda nice to see Erick Rowan back, even if it’s just for one night to honour Luke Harper.
The Royal Rumble is my favourite event on the wrestling calendar. I’m sure the 2021 edition will not disappoint.