Royal Rumble: four wrestlers to watch in the WWE's iconic event
Betting tips, odds and TV details for the slapdown in Phoenix
TV: Sky Box Office, 10pm Sunday
It's that time of year again. The road to WrestleMania 35 has begun and the Royal Rumble marks the first opportunity for WWE superstars to bag themselves a world title shot on the biggest stage in sports entertainment. Here are four to look out for . . .
Seth Rollins
Royal Rumble odds: 4-6 Sky Bet
Seth Rollins is arguably the most talented wrestler on the WWE roster.
He's not the strongest, the quickest nor the most flamboyant, but The Architect has the workrate and X-factor needed to reach the top and after a quiet couple of years in terms of world-title opportunities, the stage looks set for Rollins to make his way back to the summit of the WWE and main-event WrestleMania.
He was a much bigger price last week - as big as 13-2 - he has come in for a flood of money and is the right favourite to be the last-man standing.
Braun Strowman
Royal Rumble odds: 3-1 Betway, BoyleSports
This giant of a man has been a stand-out performer in recent Rumbles and he will no doubt have a big part to play this year having been removed from his WWE Championship match with Brock Lesnar on the undercard for thrashing Vince McMahon's limousine.
He is not one of the confirmed entries at this point but everyone believes he will be involved - in what capacity is anyone's guess.
He could interfere with Lesnar's title match with Finn Balor or enter the Royal Rumble. The second option is more likely and if he does, you're on a live one.
Drew McIntyre
Royal Rumble odds: 9-1 BoyleSports
The long-time favourite for this, Drew McIntyre has injected a new lease of life into the WWE over the past few months and is now one of the great heels on Monday Night Raw.
He is finally getting the opportunities his superb talent deserves and despite his villainous character, he is popular among WWE fans. However, the drift this week (he was once 2-1 favourite) is telling and his shot at the big-time might have to wait.
However, he will certainly play a big part and he would be of interest in a most eliminations or to reach the final two market.
John Cena
Royal Rumble odds: 16-1 Sky Bet
John Cena is one of the greatest of all-time but despite his dominance since the turn of the century, he has not had a world-title shot for some time and has had to settle for mediocre roles at WrestleMania in recent years.
The two-time Royal Rumble winner is agonisingly close to being officially the most successful superstar of all time, needing just one more to take his tally to a record 17.
There is no doubt that Cena's fairytale victory is on the horizon, but after taking time out to pursue a Hollywood career, he will have to prove he is committed to dedicating the time needed to be WWE champion. His time will come again, but it would be a shock if it was in this.
Verdict
It is worth remembering that the winner is to have a WWE title shot and that will probably be against Brock Lesnar.
Given Lesnar's power and ruthlessness the winner will have to prove able to go toe-to-toe with The Beast and the only two in the field who have proved their ability to do that recently are Seth Rollins and Braun Strowman. Rollins looks the better bet.
It might be worth considering doubling him up with Charlotte Flair to win the Women's Royal Rumble.
Recommendations
Seth Rollins to win the Royal Rumble
2pts win 4-6 Sky Bet
Seth Rollins & Charlotte Flair double
1pt win 4-6 & 4-6 Sky Bet
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