It’s that time again. This weekend brings WWE’s 26th annual Royal Rumble and like every year, this one is sure to bring in some big names and even bigger surprises. Aside from the other major bouts on the card, most notably the WWE Championship match that pits The Rock against CM Punk (c), all eyes are on that epic 30-man rumble.

To determine just who everyone thinks will win this year’s over-the-top-rope elimination challenge,XXL reached out to a few avid wrestling fans within in the industry (rappers and tastemakers) to get their predictions on Sunday night’s main event.—Ralph Bristout (@RalphieBlackmon)

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Peter Rosenberg, Hot 97

Winner: John Cena

“I think Cena will win and face Rocky at ’Mania but I hope Mark Henry surprises us with an entrance and win!”

ActionBronson
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Action Bronson

Winner: John Cena

“John Cena [will win] because he’s on a mission. I need him on the album.”

 

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Kazeeem Famuyide, Hip-Hop Wired

Winner: Daniel Bryan

“I’m going to go with Daniel Bryan to win the Royal Rumble just because I think he makes the most sense given the events history. Right now all signs point to John Cena winning it and for that reason, I think they are gonna go another direction and let Bryan win the Rumble and play up his a storyline of him getting his WrestleMania moment after he lost his title in eight seconds or something at [the] last ’Mania.

“Cena’s the all too obvious choice and in year’s past, the obvious choice almost never wins.”

“Bryan’s arguably the best act currently in the game with his in-ring ability, mic skills, and just how much the crowd gets behind him. I think he’ll defeat the odds and go on to WrestleMania to win the World Title.

“Yes! Yes! Yes!”

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Shaheem Reid

Winner: The Undertaker

“This is interesting because plenty of superstars have been announced for this year’s Royal Rumble match. Sheamus, Randy Orton, Kane, Daniel Bryan, John Cena and Ryback being favorites thus far. Something tells me though that Vince McMahon has a trick up his sleeve and the actual winner this year will someone unannounced like Brock Lesnar or my actual pick this year (get ready…wait for it…), none other than The Undertaker.”

“As you know, the winner of the Rumble has a guaranteed title shot at WrestleMania. I would love to see Taker put his WrestleMania Undefeated streak up against CM Punk’s streak of Consecutive Days as WWE Champion at this year’s ’Mania!”

Kane
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Killer Mike

Winner: Kane

“I am a Kane fan but I could see the WWE going with The Miz. I wanna see a bad guy ruin all that pretty shit though so killer Kane it is.”

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Ernest Estimé, Photographer

Winner: Brock Lesnar

“I personally think that people will be shocked at this year’s Royal Rumble. I think that Brock Lesnar will make his return in the Rumble, and win. ”

“Reason why? WrestleMania season is officially underway and it would only make sense for him to make such a strong impact of a ‘return,’ since he announced his fake retirement after SummerSlam.”

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