WWE started 2022 off by hosting a wild Day 1 pay-per-view as Brock Lesnar, just hours after his match against Roman Reigns was canceled due to COVID-19, clinched an all-female match to be the new WWE Champion. Then we have Saturday’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view where both Reigns and Lesnar’s reign as WWE Champion may be in danger because it is reported that the WrestleMania 38 main show reported to remain Reigns against Lesnar or there will not be a Champion vs. Champion match. Does this mean Reigns against Seth Rollins and Lesnar against Bobby Lashley? Who will be the winner of the two Rumble match-ups? What about these latest Ronda Rousey speculations?
In the very first event of its kind since 2022, ComicBook has assembled its team of writers for pro-wrestling to answer the most pressing questions that will be asked before Saturday’s Royal Rumble. Check out all of the predictions on the table below, and keep an eye out to live updates on The Royal Rumble this Saturday night!
Roman or Brock: Who Loses Their Title?
Connor Casey
If both of the above reports are true, I’ll take Reigns. Reigns and. Lesnar is a match we’ve seen several times in the past — twice at WrestleMania and inside the Steel Cage and at SummerSlam and in multi-man matches and more. It’s not even a stretch to say that a match that features different versions of both men is a new match-up because we’ve just seen it during the Crown Jewel (and nearly again on day one). One thing we haven’t seen is the eager “Tribal Chief” chasing a champion, and I’m sure they’ll take advantage of that uniqueness when they announce the match for their third WrestleMania in seven years. Moreover, Reigns already has the record for the longest Universal Championship reign, Rollins hasn’t been as hot in some time, and they could finally bring his WWE Championship on the A-show. I’m happy with a “Head of the Table” defeat here.
Matt Aguilar
Matt Aguilar says I’m not sure if either loses their title ahead of WrestleMania; however, the only way I can see it is with Reigns defeating Lesnar to be WWE Champion and letting Rollins take on his Universal Championship for a bit. If that happens, I would say it’s a win for everyone Reigns would get to compete for the WWE title, and Rollins can run another title with an advantage. In addition, you can expect a possibility of a rematch in which Reigns will take on Seth in the future in his quest to become an icon or something. So, don’t be too sure that one will happen, but it’ll likely be Reigns if it happens. It’s the final word.
Evan Valentine
At this moment, can anything keep Reigns’ reign in the role of Universal Champion? If I had to choose one, it’s Roman still holding his belt. However, I’m guessing that WrestleMania is preparing another Reigns/Lesnar match-up. However, I’ll be here wishing they’ve pulled Dwayne Johnson from his 80 film projects to be the new Tribal Chief and then finally beat Reigns.
Nick Valdez
This is perhaps the most difficult to anticipate, let alone predict it correctly. Many possibilities are open to you that can be utilized in many exciting ways. If I had to bet, I’d suggest Brock Lesnar is the one who loses the title to ensure he gets an opportunity to face Roman Reigns for WrestleMania. Additionally, I’d prefer Lashley to remain in the top position on the Raw scene as well having Seth Rollins already cued up for the next match is a good move. Also, let’s determine who will win the upcoming Men’s Rumble match because that can be a major stumbling block.
Tim Adams
Brock just won the WWE Championship earlier this month. It’s not likely that he’ll be able to lose it quickly. WWE is awestruck by Brock and his long reigns as a titleholder. Roman Reigns has a great one for himself regarding long reigns. I’m not convinced any of the champs will be stripped of their belts shortly, but should I have to choose one, I’d pick Reigns. There was speculation that Rollins was supposed to take home the WWE belt at the beginning of Day 1. Reigns have been dominating since winning the Universal title. However, WWE has already run out of matches for him. This would free Reigns to take on Brock and his WWE crown at WrestleMania.
Christian Hoffer
The fact that WWE boasted about the fact that Roman Reigns had passed the 500-day mark at the time of the Universal Championship makes me think that it’s about to come to an end. It’s been a little over one year and a half since we’ve witnessed the Roman need to fight for an award, and I’m interested to see how Roman’s Bloodline will react to Roman failing instead of the Usos. Additionally, Seth Rollins seems to be Roman’s worst enemy in titles, so I think we’ll get a “Head of the Table” with no story to build on in the build-up to WrestleMania.
Who Wins the Men’s Royal Rumble?
Connor Then
if Reigns is defeated and Lesnar retains, it could have huge consequences for the Men’s Rumble (which I presume will be the final show of the night). Reigns can come in as a last-minute entry and then win immediately to rebound after losing against Rollins or get a Big E to win so he can follow Rollins up to WrestleMania (with Kevin Owens somewhere in the mix). I’ll pick E while Reigns gets his shot at the title in the Elimination Chamber.
Matt Matthew
This isn’t an easy one. My wish is that Kevin Owens or Big E will win. This would allow Big E to get back into the title fight (perhaps with Lesnar). Also, it could provide a major boost to Owens, who has recently renewed his contract with WWE. Many anticipated Owens to not sign a new contract when his contract expires, but as he did, expect (or you hope) that a second major event was in the deal as well as in the cards. Owens vs. Lesnar? Yes, I’d be all for it.
Evan
Johnny Knoxville? I’m not kidding. I’d likely prefer Big E on this one since that is the most rational, ideal option to allow the WWE to pursue, But how often does the WWE follow the logic nowadays? As we approach Wrestlemania, it seems that the biggest New Day member New Day should get another big effort to make up for his unpopular loss to Lesnar.
Nick
The choice isn’t easy to identify what will transpire with the main title shot on both shows. In all honesty, I can’t think of any other wrestlers I’d want to throw into the current storm that is brewing ahead of the Men’s Rumble. There are some exciting possibilities, such as Big E working his way to the top, but If Roman Reigns holds his title and Seth wins, I’d love to see Seth enter Rumble in the Men’s Rumble take the entire event on his own. The same goes for a possible Brock and Lashley loss.
Tim
Tim says I’m a little nostalgic for the days when WWE could have several stars who were in the position to be the winner of the Royal Rumble. It was an art of guessing who was most likely to emerge with the title of winner. Today, you must try your hand in the dark and hope you’re right. If Roman Reigns falls to Seth Rollins, he may be victorious in the Rumble, take on the retaining Brock Lesnar for the WWE Championship, and give us the eagerly-anticipated Brock/Roman WrestleMania main event.
Christian Chris
Royal Rumble is my favorite WWE event, partly because it’s frequently used as a good starting point for a fresh Superstar or a huge Wrestlemania storyline. Unfortunately, I can’t see either of those taking place this year. If one of Brock or Roman defeats, I likely feel they’ll take part in and take home in the Royal Rumble to set up the inevitable match between Roman and Brock. If this scenario doesn’t happen (and I’m hoping it doesn’t), I’m betting that Big E will earn another title shot with a win, perhaps with the help of the other players of the New Day. My most likely prediction could be Kevin Owens – the WWE needed to provide him with something to prevent him from reuniting with Mount Rushmore over at AEW, and winning a Royal Rumble win is one of the few trophies Owens hasn’t received during his time at the WWE.
How Big of an Impact Will Ronda Rousey Have If She Returns?
Connor
Connor Says If this happens this way, it’s huge. I’ll go into the details of what it will mean for WrestleMania in the future. However, for now, I’m assuming that she’ll be immediately shot towards the very top of the list the same way she was when she left in the year 2019. My preference is for her to turn heel (she’s had a lot of fans upset via social media throughout her absence and turned around before her appearance at the WrestleMania Triple Threat 35). However, considering who’s the champion of both of the brands, I’m guessing they’ll begin the process of introducing her as a babyface once more.
Matt
It’ll be an exciting moment should she comes back and immediately make an impact. However, it’s unclear what brand. Becky and Charlotte are looking for challengers due to their past releases and uncertain bookings; however, Bianca already has one present. Her appearances have been in flux, and fans are still amazed by her, and she’s not on the verge of. If we could have a scenario in which Rousey has the title, and Bianca is the face, it could be a major event. However, a title has to change hands to make it occur. If that’s what we want to go the point, I’m in favor of the possibility of a Triple Threat match at WrestleMania and Rousey being the one to make the match. She could take on some exciting match-ups should she decide to stay for a little while.
Evan
The thought is that there will be a huge explosion when she’s announced before the Rumble starts, but in terms of whether she’ll be returning to the WWE officially is a different matter entirely. The WWE needs more female stars currently. However, it also requires wrestlers who can regularly display their faces, but that’s not something I can see Ronda Rousey doing anytime soon if she ever actually returns with the WWE.
Nick
I think she’d likely be a major deal given that the highest spot on the deck requires some reshuffle, but there are plenty of others that I’d like to see return first and take over the top spot, such as Bayley Asuka and many more. It isn’t easy to envision where she’d end up, yet it’s possible to have her working alongside Charlotte on SmackDown or even. However, I’m not sure.
Tim
Naturally, Ronda Rousey will get an enormous pop when she returns to the Royal Rumble. In addition, it will set up a co-main event for the two-night WrestleMania should she take home this year’s Royal Rumble and challenge either Becky Lynch or Charlotte Flair for the title. The only problem is that the champions who are not competing with Rousey will feel excluded, and their title defense will seem like an afterthought. So with that in mind, Rousey’s return will result in another Becky/Charlotte/Ronda triple threat main event at WrestleMania.
Christian
WWE has not been able to create viable new competitors in or Becky Lynch or Charlotte since SummerSlam, which is why Ronda Rousey offers the WWE an easy match to WrestleMania that will surely draw public interest. Rousey is already a top choice to take home at the Royal Rumble, although I think this speaks to the dire state of the women’s section over the past year due to injuries, release and bad booking. Let’s hope WWE and WWE and Rousey are aware that she will not be greeted in the ring, especially when she is up against Charlotte Flair.
What Will the Women’s Championship Matches at WrestleMania 38 Be?
Connor: Ronda Rousey vs. Charlotte Flair, Becky Lynch, and Becky Lynch. Bianca Belair. Listen to me out.
Matt: Should Rousey be back? You think it’s Rousey to create a Lynch or Charlotte feud or, in a different scenario, either. If she does not return. However, Bayley returns, then it’s Bayley to propel herself into the main picture and a top position at WrestleMania. If neither one of those happens, the winner will be Bianca, returning to the title match and in the title picture as always. If that’s the case, I can imagine a Triple Threat between Lynch, Flair, and Belair as a fantastic WrestleMania match-up.
Evan: I’m throwing Ronda into the mix during these matches; however, where exactly is making me scratch my head. I like the concept of Rousey and Flair fighting, and I’ll try to alter these predictions by suggesting that perhaps Becky Lynch can face off against Alexa Bliss to add more of a supernatural element to the proceedings.
Nick: If I were to be a bit more discerning on it, I’d love to watch Bayley and. Charlotte for SmackDown and Bliss against. Becky for Raw.
Tim: Just for fun. Let’s say Ronda Rousey isn’t part of the mix. I’ll choose Bianca Belair vs. Becky Lynch and Bayley against. Charlotte.
Christian: Since Asuka And Bayley are both preparing to make a comeback, I think we’ll see some multi-woman bout to win a championship this year. This makes it an extremely difficult one to determine. The most important match that the WWE is likely to be running will be Becky Lynch vs. Ronda Rousey. It seems a lot fresher than the nadir of Brock and. Roman match that’s sure to be the main event of Wrestlemania’s two days. If Ronda Rousey is back, she’s winning at Wrestlemania, and I’d love Becky to bring her advantage back by making her return The Man as she tries to win back her title. I’d love to witness Charlotte give an award to Bianca Belair, Asuka, or Sasha Banks, so let’s put the three in the main picture with her to determine who will come out on top.
Better Chance at an Upset — Doudrop or Miz & Maryse?
Connor: Miz & Maryse as there’s no way Becky will lose her title before WrestleMania.
Matt: WWE is known to change their tune whenever you would least expect it, but in the first pay-per-view showdown between them, I believe Becky is the one who will be the victor. In the end, I’ll pick Miz as well as Maryse. Miz and Maryse are two of the top heel performers in WWE. Therefore, it is nice to consider them winners here and Edge. Phoenix can be described as Teflon at the moment and could lose.
Nick: Dewdrop! I’ve been a huge Piper Niven admirer (going to be missing that name for a long time) since she first appeared at the Mae Young Classic, and it’s a lot easier to imagine her claiming a victory over Becky instead of the crowd-pleasing Mixed Tag Match going to anyone other than Edge as well as Beth Phoenix.
Evan: Miz & Maryse for certain. I remember thinking about what a big move it was to dump the Championship on Miz’s shoulders. I can envision this pair of unique characters defeating Beth Phoenix and Edge during this year’s Rumble.
Tim: It’s a simple choice: Miz & Maryse. Edge and Beth Phoenix will get some excellent cheers from the crowd with some fun moments. However, I can imagine the stars from Miz & Mrs coming out as the winners. If Becky were not losing to the in-between Bianca Belair and Liv Morgan, then Doudrop would be a no-go.
Christian: Miz and Maryse are at least getting a show on TV to help promote. A victory in the battle against Edge or Beth Phoenix makes for some fantastic reality television in the autumn. But I can’t imagine either of those upsets happening.
Predictions
Connor:
- WWE Universal Championship: Seth Rollins, def. Roman Reigns
- WWE Championship: Brock Lesnar def. Bobby Lashley
- Raw Women’s Championship: Becky Lynch defeated. Dewdrop
- Edge & Beth Pheonix def. The Miz & Maryse
- Men’s Royal Rumble: Big E
- Women’s Royal Rumble: Bianca Belair
Matt:
- WWE Universal Championship: Roman Reigns def. Seth Rollins
- WWE Championship: Brock Lesnar def. Bobby Lashley
- Raw Women’s Championship: Becky Lynch defeats Dewdrop
- The Miz & Maryse def Edge & Beth Phoenix
- Men’s Royal Rumble: Kevin Owens
- Ladies Royal Rumble: Bayley (but if not, Rousey, but if not, Bianca)
Evan:
- WWE Universal Championship: Roman Reigns def. Seth Rolins
- WWE Championship: Bobby Lashley defeats. Brock Lesnar
- Raw Women’s Championship: Becky Lynch defeats Dewdrop
- The Miz & Maryse def. Edge & Beth Pheonix
- Men’s Royal Rumble: Big E
- Ladies Royal Rumble: Bayley (I don’t believe that I’ll ever see Bianca taking this title time around)
Nick:
- WWE Universal Championship: Roman Reigns def. Seth Rollins
- WWE Championship: Bobby Lashley defeated. Brock Lesnar
- Raw Women’s Championship: Doudrop def. Becky Lynch
- Edge & Beth Pheonix def. The Miz & Maryse
- Men’s Royal Rumble: Seth Rollins
- Women’s Royal Rumble: Bayley
Tim:
- WWE Universal Championship: Seth Rollins, def. Roman Reigns
- WWE Championship: Brock Lesnar def. Bobby Lashley
- Raw Women’s Championship: Becky Lynch defeated Dewdrop
- Edge & Beth Pheonix def. The Miz & Maryse
- Men’s Royal Rumble: Roman Reigns
- Women’s Royal Rumble: Bianca Belair
Christian:
- WWE Universal Championship: Seth Rollins, def. Roman Reigns
- WWE Championship: Brock Lesnar def. Bobby Lashley
- Raw Women’s Championship: Becky Lynch defeated. Dewdrop
- Edge & Beth Pheonix def. The Miz & Maryse
- Men’s Royal Rumble: Big E
- Women’s Royal Rumble: Ronda Rousey
