The Royal Rumble PPV is one of the WWE's annual landmark events, setting the premise for the 'grandest stage of them all' Wrestlemania. This year's Royal Rumble match is set to take place in San Antonio, Texas and will feature WWE superstars such as John Cena, Roman Reigns, Goldberg and The Undertaker as they all attempt to make it to the main event of this year's Wrestlemania. Despite a host of big household WWE names set to feature in this year's Rumble match, you might be surprised by some of the favorites to win this year's event.
Royal Rumble favorites
Randy Orton -138
This year's favourite comes as somewhat of a surprise. Despite not previously being thought of as a potential candidate to win the 2017 Royal Rumble, the majority of bookmakers have suddenly slashed the odds on 'The Viper' winning this year's match. Given the pre-scripted nature of the WWE, it is likely that Orton's sudden promotion as the odds-on favourite to win the match could be a result of some leaked information from backstage.
The Undertaker +400
The Undertaker has had a glittering career in the WWE after spending over a quarter of a century with the company. For a long time there has been much speculation on when the highly respected legend would hang up his boots for good and given that this year's Royal Rumble take places in his home state of Texas, that a Royal Rumble win followed by a Wrestlemania main-event slot could be written in the stars for 'The Deadman's' wrestling swansong.
Goldberg +450
Goldberg made his long-awaited return to the WWE ring at last year's Survivor Series, shocking the world when he disposed of 'The Beast' Brock Lesnar in just one minute and 24 seconds. Lesnar hadn't been pinned in over two years before the encounter, and with rumours that a Goldberg/Lesnar rematch could be the plan for this year's Wrestlemania main event, Goldberg could very well come out victorious in Sunday's event.
Braun Strowman +600
There's no secret by now that WWE boss Vince McMahon likes to push the bigger men in the company and Braun Strowman definitely fits that bill. Standing at six-foot-eight inches tall and weighing close to 400 pounds, the former Wyatt family member has been heavily pushed in the last few months and could see his meteoric rise continue by beating 29 other men to become the victor in his first Royal Rumble appearance this Sunday.
Finn Balor +700
After winning the inaugural WWE Universal championship last year, Balor's time as champion was short-lived thanks to injury. However, it has been rumoured that the Irishman who has been out since last August, has been medically cleared by doctors, meaning a Royal Rumble return and even a win for Balor is not out of the question.
Samoa Joe +700
The former two-time NXT champion is long overdue his call-up to the main roster. A veteran on the indie scene and in TNA, Joe will be 38-years old in March and this year's Royal Rumble would be as good a time as any for the highly respected wrestler to make his impact in the WWE.
Chris Jericho +900
Jericho could be a strong outside bet for those willing to take a chance on him.
In terms of narrative, Jericho winning the Royal Rumble would set up a great Wrestlemania storyline with current WWE Universal champion Kevin Owens, who he is currently "best friends" with. Despite turning 46-years old last year, Jericho has had a WWE resurgence as of late and has reclaimed his spot as one of the most entertaining superstars on the current roster.
Other noteworthy betting odds to win the Royal Rumble match include Bray Wyatt (+1000), Brock Lesnar (+1400), and John Cena (+2000).
