The WWE Royal Rumble is always one of the most exciting events of the year, but the last couple of installments have left a lot to be desired.
The 2016 event is already on the wrong track as the WWE took the 30-man Rumble Match, which already has an awesome built-in gimmick, and made it for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.
2016 Rumble Match Could Be Doomed For Disaster
While the stakes are high, it pales in comparison to the usual stipulation of the winner going on to face the champion at WrestleMania. This was all done as a way to make Fastlane more vital, but if the WWE has to sacrifice the Rumble Match in order to make its February event mean something, maybe having a February event in the first place isn't necessary.
Nevertheless, here are 10 booking decisions the WWE needs to make this year's Royal Rumble a memorable event.
Best & Worst Rumble Match Winners
1) Make Reigns Human
No one this side of Brock Lesnar has received the favorable booking that Roman Reigns has, and now that he's the No. 1 draw, there's a legitimate fear the mega push will see him join Shawn Michaels and Chris Benoit in Rumble lore by winning it all. Reigns already has the most eliminations in Rumble Match history (12) and won the 30-man match last year. He doesn't have to do everything.
2) Showcase Ambrose
Given the lack of depth in the WWE, it's time to start making the midcard look even stronger. The company should give the "Lunatic Fringe" the No. 2 draw and have him battle it out with his former Shield stablemate as a way to really get things rolling. From there, Ambrose should endure a lengthy run in the bout, possibly going as far as the Final Four.
3) New Blood
Sticking with the theme of keeping things fresh, the WWE can also put some of its new talent on display. Whether it is guys from NXT or the likes of AJ Styles, the WWE can avoid the hiccups of its injury-riddled main roster by building some new stars in the match. No one will complain if guys like Tyler Breeze are glossed over.
4) Becky's Belt
Charlotte has had some missteps as Divas Champion and while the WWE may want her to retain the gold in order to keep Ric Flair around, Becky Lynch is ready for a run with the gold. The "Lass Kicker" has played a tremendous babyface role in their feud and a win could open up rivalries for Lynch with a returning Nikki Bella, Paige and Sasha Banks -- all heels.
5) Faces Of Fear
The Wyatt Family has been marginalized for a lot of their run in the WWE, but it seems things are finally changing for them. The bookers should take the momentum built up on RAW and continue to push Bray Wyatt's brood. The WWE should give the Wyatt's a dominant run during the Rumble Match, much like it did with the Nexus in 2011 (even if that didn't quite pan out).
6) Keep Shawn Michaels Retired
Ric Flair noted on his podcast that the WWE wants Shawn Michaels to come back as a surprise entrant in the Royal Rumble Match, and though it would be great for nostalgia, it's not worth it. Michaels had a tremendous career with a perfect ending, a loss to The Undertaker at WrestleMania XXVI, and the WWE shouldn't hamper that moment for a one-night appearance.
7) Surprise The WWE Universe
One of the worst aspects of the Rumble Match is when the outcome is obvious. Last year, everyone knew Reigns was going to win and it sucked the fun out of the match. As it stands, the obvious winners seem to be Reigns or Brock Lesnar, but the WWE should pull a swerve and crown an unexpected new champion.
8) Game On
There are rumors that Triple H vs. Reigns will be a major part of WrestleMania, and if that means the former Shield member doesn't escape the Rumble Match with the title, it adds an intriguing element to the proceedings. Triple H should return and cost Reigns his belt.
9) 'The Beard' Returns
Daniel Bryan's situation has been murky as his regular doctor has cleared him to return, but the WWE physicians deem him unfit to make a comeback from his concussion. While the WWE shouldn't rush Bryan back, if his rumored tests this week prove that he's capable of a return, he would make a great surprise entrant (and possible winner) for the Rumble Match.
10) Rattlesnake Rumble
If ever "Stone Cold" Steve Austin were to have one final match, his home state of Texas and WrestleMania 32 are a perfect fit. The "Texas Rattlesnake" has teased a return and then snuffed it out, but perhaps he has one final bout left in him as the WWE tries to set an attendance record at AT&T Stadium. The only way Lesnar loses the bout is likely to have someone cost him, and the WWE Hall of Famer would be the rightful choice.
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