The WWE Royal Rumble is set for January 28th at the Alamodome, and the wrestling world is buzzing about who will win the 30-man main event. Betting odds heavily favor the returning Cody Rhodes to outlast 29 other superstars and punch his ticket to Wrestlemania. However, persistent rumors of a legendary return from Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson add a thrilling layer of unpredictability.
The American Nightmare is the Clear Favorite
According to OddsChecker, which compares betting odds across the industry, Cody Rhodes has been the favorite to win the Royal Rumble since his monumental return to WWE at last year’s Wrestlemania. His jump from the rival AEW promotion was a huge story, and WWE immediately positioned him as a main event star.
His momentum was undeniable. Rhodes went on to defeat the highly-decorated Seth Rollins in three consecutive matches. Their final encounter inside Hell in a Cell was particularly memorable, earning praise as the main roster’s first five-star match in over a decade. This incredible performance has firmly positioned him as the prime contender to challenge the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion, Roman Reigns. A Royal Rumble victory would be the logical next step in his journey.
Why is Randy Orton Missing This Year’s Rumble?
The last time the Royal Rumble took place in San Antonio’s Alamodome was in 2017, and the winner that night was Randy Orton. Fans hoping to see him repeat the feat this year will unfortunately be disappointed.
The master of the RKO has been sidelined with a serious injury for the majority of 2022. This lengthy absence has crushed his hopes of becoming only the second person in history, after Stone Cold Steve Austin, to win three Royal Rumble matches. While Orton is out, his former stablemate Cody Rhodes appears ready to take the spotlight.
Could The Rock Make a Shocking Return?
While Rhodes is the logical choice, many fans are holding out hope for a fantasy booking to come true. The idea of Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson returning to challenge his cousin, Roman Reigns, has been discussed for years. Although The Rock is now 50 years old and hasn’t had a traditional wrestling match in a decade, the story is too compelling to ignore.
There are two fascinating possibilities for his return. He could enter the Rumble to win and set up a family showdown for the championship and the title of “Head of the Table.” Alternatively, he could return to ultimately help his cousin win, cementing Reigns’ legacy as one of the greatest champions of all time. The family connection to the dominant Bloodline storyline makes a return for The Great One a constant, exciting possibility.
A Look at the Top Contenders
The betting markets are focused on a few key names who have the biggest storylines heading into Wrestlemania season. While a surprise winner is always possible in the Royal Rumble, the odds point toward a predictable but highly anticipated outcome.
| Superstar | Betting Position | Potential Storyline |
|---|---|---|
| Cody Rhodes | Odds-On Favorite | To finish his story and challenge Roman Reigns. |
| The Rock | Short-Priced Potential Entrant | A family showdown with The Tribal Chief. |
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the Royal Rumble taking place?
This year’s Royal Rumble event is happening on January 28th. It will be held inside the 64,000-seat Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.
Who is the betting favorite to win the men’s Royal Rumble match?
Cody Rhodes is the current odds-on favorite to win. He has been the top pick since he returned to WWE at Wrestlemania in 2022.
Will The Rock be in the Royal Rumble?
While not confirmed, there is heavy speculation that Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson could make a surprise return. His family connection to the current champion, Roman Reigns, makes him a strong possibility.
Why isn’t Randy Orton in the Royal Rumble this year?
Randy Orton is currently out of action due to a significant injury he suffered in 2022. There is no timetable for his return to the ring.
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