The 2021 Royal Rumble is almost upon us after what has felt like the longest gap between Rumbles since the very first event all the way back in 1987. Hard to believe Edge's triumphant return only happened a year ago considering what has happened in wrestling and the world since. Speaking of which, The Rated R Superstar has declared himself for this year's Rumble match after more than six months on the sidelines. Time to predict whether the Hall of Famer will be the one to outlast 29 other Superstars, as well as the outcome of every match announced so far for Sunday's card.
The Men's Royal Rumble Match: Daniel Bryan
Running down the list of names announced for the men's Rumble so far, and this year's match might be harder to call than ever. Amid the rumors that the match will have a "scary" ending, whatever that might mean. We're thinking The Fiend is going to return during the match. Whether it's as an entrant or outside interference, he will somehow cost Randy Orton the match. That's after his staredown with Edge, of course, who will make it to the bitter end along with Daniel Bryan and Cesaro. This has to be Bryan's year though, and the start of his road to facing Roman Reigns at WrestleMania.
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The Women's Royal Rumble Match: Bianca Belair
Even though neither of them won, there were two standouts in last year's women's Royal Rumble match. Bianca Belair and Shayna Baszler. Both of them broke the record for most eliminations in a single women's Rumble. Both will be in this year's Rumble too, but the trajectory of the two has differed greatly. Baszler peaked shortly after last year's match and has dropped off since. Belair, on the other hand, disappeared and has reappeared and been pushed to the top just at the right time. There are a handful of stars who could win this, including Alexa Bliss and maybe even Rhea Ripley, but the EST of this match has to be Belair.
Drew McIntyre vs. Goldberg for the WWE Championship: Goldberg
Sorry everybody, but history dictates no matter how much you might want Goldberg to lose this match, he is probably going to win. The Hall of Famer loves nothing more than showing up during WrestleMania season and upsetting fans. He did it to The Fiend last year, and also to Kevin Owens back in 2017. We are somewhat hopeful that Drew McIntyre might put an end to that for a couple of reasons. One, WWE has been referencing Goldberg's "streak" of beating champions and that McIntyre will end it on Sunday. Two, McIntyre said he plans on winning this match for everyone who has suffered from COVID. It would be pretty heelish of WWE to have Goldberg win after that promo, so let's be honest, that's probably exactly what's going to happen.
Roman Reigns vs. Kevin Owens in a Last Man Standing Match for the Universal Championship: Roman Reigns
The matches these two have been having and the story they've told has been terrific. That's why we were more than happy to see Adam Pearce wheel out KO and announce he would be taking his place at Royal Rumble. These two men will tear each other apart in their Last Man Standing Match on Sunday in what could well be the highlight of the night. Even though we would love to see Owens topple Reigns, keeping The Big Dog's run going is the right thing to do. In fact, we want Reigns' run to continue on to WrestleMania and hopefully beyond. It's what makes SmackDown great, and why its viewership is doing so well.
Charlotte Flair and Asuka vs. Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler for the Women's Tag Team Championships: Charlotte Flair and Asuka
As odd couple tag teams go, the pairing of Charlotte Flair and Asuka is about as formidable as it gets. Prising the Women's Tag Team Titles away from them will be easier said than done, and we can't see the team of Nia Jax and Baszler being the ones to do it. The cracks are beginning to show between the former champions', although let's be honest, they have been there since day one. Three of these women will be pulling double duty too. If the women's Rumble opens the show and one of these Superstars wins it, they could be looking at Asuka in a very different way.
Sasha Banks vs. Carmella for the SmackDown Women's Championship: Sasha Banks
No matter how many times Sasha Banks sends Carmella packing, The Princess of Staten Island keeps coming back for more. It might well be a case of WWE stretching this one out until The Boss's WrestleMania opponent is decided. That could happen at Royal Rumble, as the winner of the women's match might challenge Banks for her title. All of that being said, we can't see Carmella winning this one on Sunday.
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