2010 Royal Rumble predictions

We're just one day away from the 2010 Royal Rumble, which includes a 30-man over-the-top-rope battle royal, with the winner getting to headline Wrestlemania 26! In that match, one man will stand victorious in the end and get to choose which title he competes for at the Wrestlemania event in March. Many superstars are vowing to emerge victorious, but clearly only one will win. Shawn Michaels, John Cena, Batista, Triple H and Big Show are amongst the favorites, as well as CM Punk and Chris Jericho. In addition to that match, there's four titles on the line. We'll see Sheamus defend the WWE title versus Randy Orton, Michelle McCool defend the Womens title against Mickie James, Christian defend his ECW title against Ezekiel Jackson, and Undertaker defend the World Heavyweight Championship against Rey Mysterio. Which superstars and divas will emerge victorious from this Sunday's huge PPV? Let's take a look at some match-by-match predictions...

30 Man Royal Rumble match

Friday's Smackdown may have given us a teaser of the finish for this Sunday's Royal Rumble match (see Rumble participants list), with HHH, Batista and Shawn Michaels. It just might come down to those three in the final spot. We've also been teased about a potential Wrestlemania feud match between Triple H and The Animal. For that reason, Shawn Michaels will win the Royal Rumble, and then get his wish, a rematch against Undertaker at Wrestlemania 26. It wouldn't be surprising to see HHH eliminate Batista, and then HBK superkick his tag partner over the ropes to cause a little more chaos amongst DX.

Winner: Shawn Michaels wins the Royal Rumble. Second pick: Batista

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Randy Orton vs. Sheamus
WWE Title Match

I can see one of two scenarios for the WWE title when it comes time for Wrestlemania: John Cena battles Sheamus for it, or Ted Dibiase versus Orton for it. It doesn't seem like Dibiase's ready for that spotlight quite yet, despite being a movie star and all. So Sheamus will retain here, and possibly he does so because Legacy interferes to try to help Orton, but botches it. An interesting Wrestlemania 26 match could be a Orton versus Legacy triple threat or handicap match, so stay tuned to see if that plays out. Sheamus will retain so he can brag about beating the best WWE has to offer, in a short period of time. However, Cena will win some sort of match to become #1 Contender and probably go on to win the title back at Wrestlemania. Not a bad title reign for Sheamus so far, and kudos to WWE for putting the title on a young star for this length of time.

Prediction: Sheamus retains the WWE Title.

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Ezekiel Jackson vs. Christian
ECW Title match

It seems about time for the ECW title to change hands, unless of course they are planning to retire the belt with Christian. Jackson has looked strong over the past several weeks, and if Regal's allowed to remain at ringside for this fight, he'll play into it. Expect Regal to run some interference which will help Jackson score the victory and take the title back for Regal's stable.

Prediction: Ezekiel Jackson wins the ECW title thanks to William Regal's help.

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Mickie James vs. Michelle McCool
WWE Womens Title

Mickie's been enduring the whole "Piggy James" treatment for weeks now at the amusement of Layla and Michelle. Just recently on Smackdown, Michelle mocked her with having Layla dress in a fat suit as Piggy James. Michelle defeated her friend in the fat suit to pretend she was beating Mickie in a title match. On Sunday it will be the real deal and Mickie will show why she's one of the best divas in the WWE today, as she reclaims the Womens title, and shuts up Michelle for a little bit. The finish may even see Layla attempt to help Michelle cheat, but have it backfire, or for Beth Phoenix to somehow figure in and allow Mickie to win.

Prediction: Mickie James wins the WWE Womens Title.

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Rey Mysterio vs. The Undertaker
World Heavyweight Title

Once again, this becomes part of the whole X-factor for Wrestlemania 26's matches. If Mysterio wins, it takes the title off Taker, and would make it tougher for Michaels to get a rematch at WM with Undertaker. That would potentially set up a Batista versus Mysterio title match for Wrestlemania. Batista has to factor into all of this somehow, whether it be for a title match at Mania, or a feud match against Mysterio or HHH. If Taker remains champion, it would mean Michaels could become a World Heavyweight champ if he wins the Rumble and "ends the streak". So many possibilities to consider here, but let's go with The Undertaker to win, setting up some interesting possibilities for Wrestlemania, depending on if Michaels or Batista wins the Rumble.

Prediction: The Undertaker wins to retain the World Heavyweight title.