2008 Royal Rumble Predictions

On Sunday night we are treated to one of the more interesting Pay Per View events of the year with the Royal Rumble. In the Rumble match itself there is always that element of surprise as to who will enter where and who will be left standing in the end. The winner of course earns the coveted spot in a main event match at Wrestlemania 24, where they will challenge for the title from their respective brand.

Here's my predictions for the big event, including the 4 singles matches and then the Rumble match. I'll be competing with the authors of Let's Wrestle blog which presents WWE Wrestling News. Check out their audio show covering all the predictions, and then their post coverage of the big event!

Jericho vs JBL

There's several matches on the Rumble card that look like they will end in a DQ instead of pinfall just to keep things going for a feud or title reign. This is one of them and most likely it's going to be a continued feud. To continue the feud JBL will probably cheat and be disqualified in this first meeting of the two superstars.

Winner: Jericho wins due to a DQ by JBL.

Matt Loede: Draw - double DQ/countout
John Sepcik: JBL

Ric Flair vs. MVP

MVP is one of the brightest stars in WWE today and makes for an entertaining heel. He brags alot but he won't be ending Flair's career here. Te best guess is that they are using this match to extend MVP's title run as US Champ, until Matt Hardy can return to challenge. The Nature Boy will show MVP why he's the legend he is and the dirtiest player in the game. Flair will win cleanly and extend his stay in the WWE up to Wrestlemania 24, a more fitting Pay Per View for him to exit at.

Winner: Ric Flair wins via pinfall over MVP.

Matt Loede: Ric Flair
John Sepcik: Ric Flair

Rey Mysterio vs. Edge (Wold Heavyweight Title)

No discredit to Rey Mysterio, but he's most likely been put in this match to extend Edge's title run. Rey plays right into the whole Guerrero storyline as well. Fully expect Edge to have help from Ryder, Hawkins, Chavo and maybe even Vickie as he retains the belt. I have a feeling Rey will be the victor here but not by a pinfall.

Winner: Rey Mysterio wins due to countout or DQ.

Matt Loede: Edge
John Sepcik: Edge

Jeff Hardy vs. Randy Orton (WWE title)

Jeff Hardy will become WWE champ, but not here. He seems to be on the rise, no pun intended, and usually it follows suit that the popular WWE star who achieves the Intercontinental title will go on to win the bigger title. Cases in point are guys like Ultimate Warrior, Macho Man Randy Savage, The Rock and Stone Cold. As for this match it likely ends with either a DQ or Orton using his own finisher. Since the last meeting between the two had Hardy giving Orton a Twist of Fate, most likely Orton's going to land the RKO on Jeff this Sunday. I see this going beyond the Rumble event with Hardy capturing the belt a bit later down the road.

Prediction: Randy Orton wins via pinfall using a cheap tactic and/or RKO.

Matt Loede: Jeff Hardy wins WWE title
John Sepcik: Jeff Hardy wins WWE title

Royal Rumble Match

My gut feeling says it will come down to Undertaker vs Batista in this year's Rumble. The two Smackdown stars are the past two winners of the Rumble and also have been screwed out of the World Heayweight title by Edge. They also have had several epic battles extending back into 2007, so it seems fitting that the two will face off at the end. I won't rule out a tie either, but if Undertaker wins he has back to back Rumbles, making yet another great achievement in a legendary WWE career. It wouldn't be surprising to see Triple H around at the end as well. On a side note, I've seen it speculated that Mr. McMahon's deal with Finlay involves giving him the #30 spot for the Rumble, so don't be surprised to see him come out last.

Winner: Undertaker wins the Royal Rumble to go on to Wrestlemania 24 to challenge for the World Heavyweight title.

Matt Loede: Undertaker
John Sepcik: Undertaker


As you can see we have Taker across the board as winner of the Rumble this year, but surprises have been known to happen. Thanks again to Let's Wrestle's WWE Wrestling News blog for the competition and good luck to them! Check out their Royal Rumble audio show with discussion of who they think will win each match, who fills the final 6 spots at the Rumble match and who wins it!

Check back here at WWE Characters the Blog Sunday night after the Rumble for match results!