It is just a week to go until one of the most hotly anticipated Royal Rumbles in history and this week, the pay-per-view was hyped to new levels.
The ‘big three’ of Brock Lesnar, The Undertaker and Goldberg came face-to-face-to-face in a staredown that needed no words, no promo, just the presence of three of the most iconic wrestlers in history.
It was a pure goosebumps moment and, suddenly, it all feels very real – not the imagined, dreamy prospect that it had been since the trio were named as Rumble entrants.
But, will any of them actually go on to win the Rumble?
Cases could be made for each of them to be the last of the 30 men standing, their place at the top of the WrestleMania card assured.
Equally, it could be argued that none of them are deserving, or that their future feuds should lie elsewhere, away from the title picture.
Here, we break down what lies in store for each legendary wrestler, come next week’s Royal Rumble.
BROCK LESNAR
The Beast Incarnate is up against it to add to his 2003 Royal Rumble win, not that you would have guessed it the past two weeks.
Lesnar actually won that Rumble 13 years ago by throwing Undertaker over the ropes last but a repeat is highly unlikely if you consider the narrative to this year’s event.
On the back of a stinging defeat to Goldberg at SummerSlam, Lesnar and his ‘advocate’ Paul Heyman have talked of nothing but revenge.
You can expect this to dominate the Lesnar-Goldberg storyline further next weekend and it should ultimately cost them both their places in the Rumble.
GOLDBERG
It is most likely that Goldberg and Lesnar will eliminate each other and brawl their way out of the stadium.
Goldberg has been put over in a stronger position than ever before and talk of a final title run has been non-stop.
However, there is a feeling of inevitability that a third and final showdown between Goldberg and Lesnar at WrestleMania awaits; that is hard to ignore, despite Goldberg’s seeming invincibility.
One option would be for one to eliminate the other early on, only for the fallen to return and cost their rival a spot in the Rumble but, far more likely, the pair will probably share a double elimination very early on.
THE UNDERTAKER
Taker should be seen as the most likely of the three to go on and win the Rumble, but even his hopes are a long-shot.
One final run at a world title has long been touted, with John Cena seen as a possible foe in what would prove to be one for the ages if it came to fruition.
Cena beating AJ Styles at the Rumble and meeting the Deadman at WrestleMania isn’t too far-fetched but WWE Creative may have a hard time selling Taker’s win.
Far more likely is that it will be a case of close, but no cigar for Taker and that the likes of Baron Corbin, Braun Strowman or another New Era star will earn his legendary wrath.
The aim here is to set up a rivalry that will enhance the position and future of the men that will aim to take on Taker’s WrestleMania legacy.
