WWE Royal Rumble (2016)

Whenever the WWE exclaims that “the landscape has changed” something big happens (for the most part), but this time around the WWE has something creatively in store for those wanting a little different this year for the Royal Rumble. No it’s not 40 men participating. It’s not an ‘Authority’ orchestrated attack. It’s definitely not the old style of all 30 men in the ring at the same time. It’s something that gives 29 wrestlers a chance at becoming champion and one defending the very livelihood he’s fought for.

In 1992, Ric Flair would be the first and only man to win the WWE World Heavyweight Championship which was vacant at the time. Although it was via a controversial the match was won by Ric Flair, who eliminated Sid Justice with the help of Hulk Hogan from the outside to win the match and the WWF World Heavyweight Championship.

Since Survivor Series of 2015, Roman Reigns and ‘The Authority’ along with the newly formed ‘League of Nations’ has been taking advantage and playing the number’s game against Reigns. When Sheamus cashed in (via the Money in the Bank briefcase contract) on Roman Reigns the feud began. Sheamus then retained his title against Reigns in a Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match at TLC, after being helped by his fellow League of Nations members Alberto Del Rio and Rusev. Post-match, Reigns attacked the League of Nations and also Triple H, who came out to calm Reigns down and check on Sheamus.

The next night on the December 14 episode of Raw, Mr. McMahon granted Reigns a title rematch against Sheamus, with Reigns’ job on the line. Reigns fought off McMahon, Alberto Del Rio and Rusev on his way to defeating Sheamus and capturing the WWE World Heavyweight Championship for the second time. On January 4, 2016 edition of Raw, Reigns retained his title against Sheamus with McMahon as special guest referee. After the match, McMahon announced that, at Royal Rumble, Reigns will defend the WWE World Heavyweight Championship in the Royal Rumble match.

Anything could happen, even with many fans of the WWE Universe already having an idea of who will win with the predictable booking from creative can’t blame them. However the WWE has a longer track record to have surprises come to light during the Royal Rumble event and its history alone. So what are your thoughts? Will there be a new WWE World Heavyweight Champion? Who will make a surprising return or debut? Leave your comments below.

Source(s): WWE