The ‘Road To Wrestlemania’ is upon us and it starts off with the Royal Rumble. The Royal Rumble is WWE’s 2nd most popular event, after Mania. The very highlight of the show is the over-the-top-battle royal; with the prize being a championship match at Wrestlemania. That being said, it’s always fun to run down the list of potential winners and narrow it down to the ideal winners.

This is based on current storylines, rumors and what makes sense. There is nothing satirical or sarcastic about this list.

1) Randy Orton

Despite the fact that Randy Orton won the match last year, apparently, he is an ideal candidate to win it again. Similar to his 2009 victory, last year wasn’t all that different. Just replace the Legacy with the Wyatt Family and boom; it’s 2009 revisited.

Of course, at the age of 37, Orton’s chances of main-eventing another Wrestlemania continue to decrease. In his own right, he is a big draw, but not at the caliber of John Cena. So another shot to headline the “show of shows” is likely.

2) Finn Balor

The first ever WWE Universal Champion was on the shelve last year due to a shoulder injury; so Balor missed out on the Royal Rumble. Upon his return, he had to recover his lost momentum and this has taken over a year. With AJ Styles as the current WWE Champion, the possibility of a feud between the former Bullet Club members is there. Imagine the attention ‘Styles vs. Balor’ at Wrestlemania could gather. In addition, Balor winning the Rumble can possibly be a revamped underdog story of Rey Mysterio. WWE loves dwelling on past when trying to write the future.

3) Daniel Bryan

The leader of the “Yes!” movement was forced to retire in 2015 due to consistent head injuries. Luckily, Bryan was cleared to wrestle by several doctors; but not by WWE doctors.

Regardless of the bad news, rumors of Bryan’s return have circulated nonstop. Now those rumors might come to life. If Bryan is to enter the Rumble, it shouldn’t be for a couple of ‘Yes!’ chants. He would have to be in it to win it. From there, we will be able to see ‘Styles vs. Bryan’ at Wrestlemania.

4) John Cena

Don’t think as to why John Cena shouldn’t win the match. Rather ask yourself as to why he should win. Cena has reached the point in his career at which he has to break previous records and cement himself as a living legend. In 2017, Cena tied Ric Flair for the most world championships at 16. The right place to break that record is non-other than at Wrestlemania. On the road to the big stage, it would be proper if Cena ties Stone Cold Steve Austin’s record for most Rumble wins at 3.

Sure, it will be a buzzkill; at the same time, the opportunity to make Cena the “Greatest of all Time” is slowly starting to fade away. It’s either now or never.

5) Roman Reigns

‘Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns’ isn’t just a rumor; rather it’s more obvious than what you’re getting for your birthday only because your parents keep on saying it. What hasn’t been confirmed is as to how are they going to get there. Simple yet sad; Reigns will have to win the Rumble. There’s nothing else to say.

6) Shinsuke Nakamura

Apart from Bryan, fans will love nothing more than to have Nakamura win it all. It’s not just because the fans will love it; Nakamura also needs it. 2017 was a good year for the former NJPW star.

Good is an insult to what the man has to offer. Without a doubt, Nakamura can justify that victory with one at Wrestlemania itself. This will also be the perfect moment for WWE to make up for the crappy Rumble results dating back to 2012.