Royal Rumble winners that make sense

January kicks us off with one of the "big four" pay-per-views that is, the Royal Rumble. Whilst I think the Royal Rumble has declined in recent years and is far too predictable and lacklustre, I hope WWE can get things right and have plenty of excitement for us in 2018. It's still early days and there will be plenty more superstars to throw their names in the hat, here are a few candidates that make the most sense for me to win the Royal Rumble.

Finn Bálor
While it looks like we've finally got some excitement and purpose with Finn Bálor, joining up with Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson, he still lacks some direction. Bálor has been off the main event radar for some time. Since returning from injury back in March 2017, he has had no fortune and barely gotten a look in. A few feuds here and there with Elias, Bray Wyatt and an unforgettable match with AJ Styles at Survivor Series. Bálor has been quite uninspiring since his return. The Royal Rumble is the perfect platform for the Demon King to return centre stage, into a main event and remind everybody what a tremendous talent he is.

Ideally, Finn would win and be drafted to SmackDown Live for a match with AJ Styles at Wrestlemania 34.

John Cena
Hear me out here. Whilst I know John Cena is part time and doesn't really hold the same presence he did 4-5 years ago, Cena is still a household name. He's still the golden boy and still has a lot to offer this business. Speaking of business, Big match John still has unfinished business in breaking Ric Flair's record and becoming a 16 time Champion. Whilst Cena is a "Free Agent", it would be likely if he won he would face AJ Styles at Wrestlemania 34.

Roman Reigns
Its no secret, it was never a secret. Roman Reigns will be headlining his 4th Wrestlemania in a row in 2018. The plan was always Brock Lesnar/Roman Reigns at Wrestlemania 34. It's the ultimate bout, Conqueror v Conqueror. How they go about this is a different story. Roman Reigns is currently the Intercontinental Champion, at least until RAW 25 takes place on Monday, 22nd 2018, when he defends his title against The Miz. If Reigns is to drop the title, expect The Big Dog to hold his yard in the Royal Rumble.

Shinsuke Nakamura
This is one I'll put my money on. Fans have been begging for AJ/Shinsuke and they could very well get their wish. The King of Strong Style was one of the first to declare himself in the Royal Rumble and I can't think of anybody better to win it. Nakamura has had a very slow and steady run in the WWE thus far and this could be the perfect impetus to take him to the next level on the main roster.

Kurt Angle
I know, it's a fantasy but imagine it. Kurt Angle coming back into the Royal Rumble and dishing out German suplexes would send fans into hysteria. Angle will make another return to the ring, likely Wrestlemania 34 and I think WWE would miss a trick not to include him in the Rumble. The thought of Angle/Lesnar one more time in the main event at Wrestlemania 34 would be a dream.