Royal Rumble 2012 - Predictions for Next Winner

While 2011 is about to end in about 10 days, it seems appropriate to look into Santino's crystal ball.  Who might become the Royal Rumble 2012 winner?

First, the facts. The 2012 Rumble will take place on January 29th at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis, Missouri.  Keep in mind that in 2011, the Rumble featured 40 participants, so WWE may or may not go that route this time.  Last year's winner, was of course, Alberto Del Rio, who failed to capture the World Championship at Wrestlemania when he faced Edge.  Before that, other winners have included Randy Orton, John Cena, and Edge.  The first ever winner was Hacksaw Jim Duggan, but that was before a title shot was the big prize won.  All Hacksaw got was to yell "Hooooooo!" and proudly display the American flag, which isn't a bad prize at all, but it's something he does anyway.

So who might win the Rumble in 2012?  How about The Miz?  He seems like a good first logical choice, as he's never won before, and Del Rio won it last year.  It would set him up as the guy who challenges Punk (or Daniel Bryan) at Wrestlemania 28.  The Miz seems like he will win a Royal Rumble at some point, maybe even as a face?

Another choice would be Kane, who has made his demonic return to the ring.  Unless he's engaged in a match against Cena (they could still be in the Rumble), he could be odds on favorite to win this year.  That may not be the best of ideas though for a main event at Mania.  So it will be interesting to see if The Big Red Monster is even entered in the event, or if he just causes chaos for others who are in it.

Let's not forget that someone is set to return to the WWE in January 2012, thanks to those cryptic "It Begins" videos they keep showing.  Will it be Chris Jericho, or maybe The Undertaker?  Taker has won the Rumble before, back in 2007, while Jericho has yet to win one.  So that may give reason for Jericho to make his major return and get back into the main event at Wrestlemania.  Smart money says that Taker will be in a non-title situation where he once again defends his legendary "Streak" of undefeated Wrestlemania appearances.

It certainly brings up some interesting ideas about the upcoming match.  More details will be revealed on the TV shows and wrestling sites in the coming weeks.  Feel free to leave your own thoughts on who will win the 2012 Royal Rumble in St. Louis on January 29th!