Ready to Rumble
Friday 27 January 2012 08:55, UK
skysports.com looks at some of the WWE Superstars in with a shout at Sunday's Royal Rumble.
We take an in-depth look at some of the main challengers
The 2012 Royal Rumble takes place with this Sunday, with the winner receiving the opportunity of a lifetime: a main-event match at WrestleMania XXVIII. Thirty men will enter the ring at the Scottrade Centre in St Louis, but only one will earn a WWE or World Heavyweight Title bout at the granddaddy of them all on April 1. So who will that lucky Superstar be? Skysports.com looks at some of the main contenders for Rumble glory....Wade Barrett
The Englishman has been building momentum ever since he put Randy Orton on the treatment table and looks a good bet to improve on his fourth-place showing in last year's Rumble. The former bare-knuckle fighter's mix of brain and brawn should serve him well in such a variable contest.
The Miz
The Awesome One will be at a major disadvantage on Sunday as he will start the Rumble as the number one entrant. However, The Miz has defied the odds all throughout his career, transforming himself from brash reality TV star to former WWE Champion. Looking to main event WrestleMania for a second successive year, he must not be taken lightly.
Kane
The Devil's Favourite Demon is back, masked and more dangerous than ever! Kane - who has been tormenting John Cena over recent months - holds the record for the most eliminations in a single Rumble (11 in 2001) and has competed in the last 13 Royal Rumble matches. He has yet to record victory, but could this be his year?
Sheamus
Strong, swift and confident, The Great White will head into the Rumble as one of the undoubted favourites. The Irishman has little experience of the match - this will only be his second appearance - but he proved his endurance by lasting over 18 minutes in the 2011 event. With a helpful starting number, the Irishman will be hard to stop.
John Cena
Should Cena participate, he will be looking to win his second Rumble, having triumphed in the 2008 match in Madison Square Garden. But will his hopes be dashed by arch-nemesis Kane? And what impact would a Cena win have on his much-anticipated 'Mania bout with the The Rock? We'll be watching closely...
Chris Jericho
The Ayatollah of Rock 'n' Rolla has been unusually quiet since his return to the WWE at the start of January, but he has vowed that that "This Sunday, at the Royal Rumble, it will be the end of the world as you know it." What does Jericho mean and will it involve him booking his place in WrestleMania's main event?
R-Truth
Unhinged, crazy and mentally-disturbed are all words that could aptly describe R-Truth. But the ex-United States Champion is also quick, athletic and dangerous. The rapping Superstar has a renewed vigour since splitting from his tag-team partner The Miz and could thrive in the unpredictable environment of the Royal Rumble match.
Mystery participant
Over its 25-year history, the Rumble has been famed for its surprise entrants. Edge made a shock return to win the event in 2010, while last year saw dramatic reappearances from Diesel and Booker T. Will an unexpected participant send shockwaves throughout the WWE Universe this time around?
