Thursday 24 January 2013 11:19, UK
skysports.com takes a look at some of the major contenders to win this Sunday's Royal Rumble.
The 12-time world champion has previous when it comes to the Rumble, winning the hallowed event in 2008, and finishing runner-up in 2005 and 2010. Cena has used his superhuman strength and iron will to outlast and eliminate a plethora of his fellow Superstars, and having not held world title gold since October 2011, will be determined to earn a chance to battle for it at WrestleMania.
The Viper seized victory in the 2009 Rumble thanks to help from former Legacy comrades Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase but will be forced to go it alone this weekend. However, that will not faze the Missouri native who readily admits that he does not play well with others, and after returning to action following a beat-down with the Shield with renewed vigour, Orton should be a major player.
No Superstar has been able to win back-to-back Rumbles since the legendary Stone Cold Steve Austin in 1998, but few would put that feat beyond Irish powerhouse Sheamus. The Celtic Warrior, who plucked the World Heavyweight Title from Daniel Bryan at last year's WrestleMania, also lasted a lengthy 18 minutes in the 2011 Rumble and his bulk will make him a difficult man to dislodge.
The Showoff will begin the Rumble with a severe disadvantage after being forced to enter the contest at number one or two, but the likes of Rey Mysterio and Shawn Michaels have won from such an early position and Ziggler has certainly has the craft and athleticism to do the same. Potential interference from girlfriend AJ and associate Big E Langston would aid his cause, too...
The Big Red Monster will appear in the Tag Team Title clash at the Royal Rumble but it would be a big surprise if he didn't enter the Rumble itself. Kane eliminated 11 competitors in the 2001 event and has accounted for 37 Superstars over the course of his 15 Royal Rumble appearances, a tally only bettered by Michaels' 40. Could this be his year to finally win the multi-man bout?
Big Hungry has destroyed all in his path since debuting just after WrestleMania and could be the reigning WWE Champion if not for consistent ambushing by The Shield. The Sin City grappler vowed to impress at the Rumble during last Monday's Raw and with his devastating move-set and intense personality it would be a big surprise if he was wrong. The rest of the field are on notice...
The Awesome One has main evented WrestleMania but is still waiting for his first Rumble victory. He did, however, put in a stellar display in 2012, lasting over 45 minutes after entering the bout at number one, and the former WWE Champion could use the Figure Four Leglock, recently bestowed to him by the Dirtiest Player in the Game, Ric Flair, to wear down his rivals - and, perhaps, even win.
Alongside the pre-match favourites, there are always some shock appearances from WWE legends in the Royal Rumble, like 2012 competitors "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan and Road Dogg. Could the Undertaker stun the world by entering the match and winning? Could Mick Foley take the spoils? And even though he will fight for the WWE Title on Sunday, could The Rock show up in the Rumble?
