THE 2014 ROYAL RUMBLE MATCH
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Isenberg: Batista winning the royal rumble is the most logical right now. If Daniel Bryan is not actually in the match, it has to be Batista winning. I have Batista entering at number 25. The bigger story will be how the rumble match is booked. I can see Punk having to fend off all members of the Shield until Big E Langston comes in for the save and somewhat even the numbers. Furthermore, what surprises are in store? I think the returns of Chris Jericho and Sheamus will be in store. Not necessarily RVD or anyone else. If WWE really wanted to swerve us, they would throw Triple H in the match to take out Punk. I don't think anyone is really thinking he would appear in the match. Either way, it will be a a very interesting match to watch develop. WINNER: BATISTA
Killam: So like I was saying, Daniel Bryan publicly "taken out" of the Rumble match is absolutely a red herring. WWE won't forget the reaction Bryan got when he turned on the Wyatt Family. They may brush it under the rug for a week or so, but it will be back and better than ever. The Royal Rumble is an event of feel-good moments for wrestling fans. There is no better moment WWE could put together than Bryan winning the Rumble and getting another shot at the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. It's what we all want. I have yet to hear a single person say, "you know…maybe Bryan shouldn't be champion." It's happening. The more people say it isn't, the more I'm sure it will. Batista is the only other obvious choice to me, and I think it's what WWE wants everyone to think. The last few years have been utterly predictable with their finish – time to give us the first big surprise since 2008. WINNER: DANIEL BRYAN
