It’s time for the year’s most unpredictable pay per view. Read on to see who I predict the winners and losers to be. This also counts as a WrestleMania prediction because the Road begins tonight.

Pre Show:

Rusev (US Champion) vs. Shinsuke Nakamura.

Nakamura won last year’s Rumble but failed to capture a World title. He just lost the US to Rusev, his first title in years. I don’t think there’s anything to gain with Shinsuke holding the title once more, but Rusev finally looks strong.

Winner and still champion: Rusev.

Buddy Murphy (Cruiserweight Champion) vs. Akira Tozawa vs. Hideo Itami vs. Kalisto.

It’s going to be a fun, fast paced match.  The crowd will get excited. But I see no build up to a title change here. If it’s going to happen, it should be looked forward to or teased. This match seems to just be here.

Winner and still champion: Buddy Murphy.

 

Main show:

The Bar (Cesaro and Sheamus) (Smackdown tag team champions) vs. The Miz and Shane McMahon.

Miz and Shane have to win. Only in winning will this story make sense and progress. Miz and Shane win, the bond is completed. Miz asks his new best friend for favors, like title matches. The champion feels this is a waste of resources, maybe even attacks Shane. Miz for once in his life puts someone else’s needs first and saves Shane. One of the biggest feuds of all time, Daniel Bryan vs. the Miz, is rekindled with each wrestlers now on the other side. Bryan as heel, Miz as face, and the decade long story is refreshed with a brand new WrestleMania worthy twist.

Winners and new tag team champions: Miz and Shane McMahon.

Ronda Rousey (Raw Women’s Champion) vs. Sasha Banks.

Ronda has to win, right? Decisively so too. I would not be shocked if Becky Lynch or Charlotte get involved. Both can happen with a disqualification. Either woman interferes in the match, giving Ronda her first loss (by disqualification) and setting up the inevitable WrestleMania main event.

Sasha by DQ.

Asuka (Smackdown Women’s Champion) vs. Becky Lynch.

The Raw match has to take place before this one.  Just to tell a larger story throughout the night. Becky will lose the match due to Ronda’s interference. Asuka will keep the title, probably by pinfall after Ronda takes Becky down.

Winner and still Smackdown Women’s Champion Asuka.

Brock Lesnar (WWE Universal (Raw) Champion) vs. Finn Bálor.

I want to be wrong. I would love to be wrong. But Brock is going to retain. Brock vs. Seth Rollins at WrestleMania. Or even Brock vs. Joe, Braun, maybe even Drew. However, I don’t see Finn vs. anyone as a title match at WrestleMania. There just isn’t a strong enough heel on Raw to feud with a new champion.

Winner and still Universal champion Brock Lesnar.

Daniel Bryan (Smackdown World Champion) vs. AJ Styles.

As predicted above, Bryan retains the title and builds towards a familiar yet new feud against the Miz.

Winner and still champion, Daniel Bryan.

2019 Men’s Royal Rumble match.

I see Seth Rollins vs. Brock Lesnar as this year’s ‘Mania title match. Seth wins the Rumble.

If not Seth: Drew McIntyre or Samoa Joe.

Surprises: Abyss, Sami Zayn, Velveteen Dream.

2019 Women’s Royal Rumble Match.

Have to set up the ‘Mania main event. Charlotte wins. Or, Becky and Charlotte go over the top rope at the same time and are co-winners. It’s happened before.

I see no other option other than one of these two women.

Surprises: Rhea Ripley, Toni Storm, Stephanie McMahon, Sara Del Rey.