Royal Rumble 2023 Preview

Tonight, the Road to Wrestlemania begins as the 36th annual Royal Rumble takes place in San Antonio, Texas, at the Alamodome. This will be the fourth time the Rumble pay-per-view will be held in San Antonio, hosting the event. The Royal Rumble event was in San Antonio in 1997,2007,2017 and 2023. 

This Royal Rumble will be the first under Triple H's management, and it has the potential to be a great show. Let's not waste time and get into the Royal Rumble preview.

Kevin Owens vs. Roman Reigns (C) – WWE Undisputed Universal Championship

There are five matches on the card, and the WWE Undisputed Universal Championship match between Roman Reigns vs. Kevin Owens is kicking off our preview. This feud has taken lots of twists and turns regarding whose side Sami Zayn is on, but what we saw on RAW this past Monday, Reigns told Zayn that he has one final test to see where his loyalty is.

I expect Reigns and Owens to put on another good match together as both men gel. The question that will need to be answered is who will walk out of San Antonio, the WWE Undisputed Universal Champion?

(C) Bianca Belair vs. Alexa Bliss – RAW Women's Championship

This next match will be a brawl, as both ladies have been at each other's throats the last few weeks.

Fans will want to be interested in this match since, in recent weeks, Alexa Bliss has been stalked by Uncle Howdy and watched by Bray Wyatt. Also, Bliss has had times when she is normal at one moment and possessed the next. 

Belair will have to fight through this to retain her championship, but the bond between Alexa Bliss, Uncle Howdy and Bray Wyatt may be too strong for her. 

One thing is for sure in this match is that you can expect something crazy to happen.

Bray Wyatt vs. LA Knight – Pitch Black Match

Continuing on the bizarre train, our next match is the Mountain Dew Pitch Black Match. This match is highly anticipated for fans as this will be Bray Wyatt's first in-ring appearance on pay-per-view since Wrestlemania 37. The build-up to this match between LA Knight and Bray Wyatt has been interesting, as the promos back and forth between both guys have been excellent. 

I expect Uncle Howdy to appear during this match since we have already seen him show up and attack Bray Wyatt. I can see Uncle Howdy costing Wyatt setting up their match this year at Wrestlemania 39.

Women's Royal Rumble Match

So far, there have only been seven confirmed entrants in the Women's Royal Rumble Match. Liv Morgan, Candice LeRae, Rhea Ripley, Raquel Rodriguez, Shayna Baszler, Zelina Vega, and Emma are the confirmed superstars. We will get legends in this match and NXT superstars from the women's division. This is the year where I think Rhea Ripley will win and face whoever the RAW Women's Champion is heading into Wrestlemania.

Men's Royal Rumble Match

Finishing off our preview is the Men's Royal Rumble Match. Kofi Kingston, Santos Escobar, Ricochet, Austin Theory, Seth' Freakin' Rollins, Bobby Lashley, Baron Corbin, Rey Mysterio, Gunther, Cody Rhodes, Omos, Drew McIntyre, Sheamus Braun Strowman, and Karrion Kross have been announced this match, in my opinion, this is the most stacked Royal Rumble match in years. I am still determining who will come out on top and be the last man standing, but if I had to choose, my pick would be Cody Rhodes.

This has been the most excited I have been for a Rumble in years. However, with the rumours of The Rock making an appearance, to the forbidden door being opened, I still don't know what to expect heading into the show. The Royal Rumble begins at 8:00 PM eastern on the WWE Network and pay-per-view.

Photo Credits: WWE