Royal Rumble: Undertaker-Lesnar-Goldberg clash; John Cena chases history

Royal Rumble 2017 poster

Royal Rumble 2017 poster

The WWE Royal Rumble 2017 edition will take place at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas on on January 29, Sunday. Ahead of the 30th edition of the Royal Rumble, let's take a look at the highi-profile matches that will take place at the WWE pay-per-view.

Royal Rumble will first begin with two kick-off matches

Cesaro and Sheamus vs. Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson for the Raw Tag Team titles
The duo of Cesaro and Sheamus ended the New Day's record reign at RoadBlock to become the new tag team champions. After winning a title rematch against New Day, Ceasro and Sheamus began a feud with Gallows and Anderson. Members from both tag teams were involved in matches. During their title match, Sheamus knocked down a referee another came in to count and Gallows and Anderson won. However, the first referee disqualified the tag team champs and hence they retained the titles. They will face their rivals with two referees in the match.

Sasha Banks vs. Nia Jax
After Sasha lost to Charlotte at Roadblock, she came out to congratulate her rival on Raw. However, she was met with the dominance of Nia Jax who attacked her injured knee. During a number one contender's match for the Raw women's title between Nia Jax and Bayley, Sasha Banks stepped out to distract Jax and Bayley picked up the win. This caused Nia to face Sasha.

Charlotte Flair vs. Bayley for the WWE Raw Women's title
After her victory at Roadblock, Charlotte claimed she was the best female wrestler in history to which Bayley came out to remind her that she is 2-0 up on her. Bayley won her number one contender's match After finally being at the receiving end of insults from Charlotte, Bayley won a number one contender's match against Nia Jax to face Charlotte at Royal Rumble

Rich Swann vs. Neville for the WWE Cruiserweight title
Swann successfully defended his title at RoadBlock in a triple threat match. Neville made his return to WWE and attacked TJ Perkins and Rich Swann, turning to a villainous role. Swann and Neville were fixed for a cruiserweight title match at the Rumble.

Kevin Owens vs. Roman Reigns for the WWE Universal title
Owens retained his championship at Roadblock after Jericho hit Owens to intentionally disqualify him and keep the win. On Raw, Mick Foley announced that Roman Reigns would face Kevin Owens in a Universal title rematch at Royal Rumble with his best friend Chris Jericho hanging above in a shark cage to avoid interference from him. Roman Reigns faced Jericho and Owens in a handicap match for his United States title and lost to Jericho. Reigns had a US title rematch against Jericho but lost after Owens interfered. Reigns then fought off the two and locked Owens in the shark cage. It was announced that the match at Royal Rumble will be a no-disqualification.

AJ Styles vs. John Cena for the WWE title
At Tables, Ladders and Chairs, AJ Styles defeated Dean Ambrose to retain the WWE title. AJ Styles defeated Dolph Ziggler and Baron Corbin in a triple-threat title match on SmackDown Live. John Cena made his return to WWE that same night, after three months to challenge Styles for the title at Royal Rumble. If John Cena wins, he will become a record-tying 16-time WWE World champion.

30-man Royal Rumble match for a world title match at WrestleMania 33
The Royal Rumble this year is touted to be one of the biggest in the events history with many WWE superstars participating in it. Undertaker will make his return to the event for the first time since 2009. Brock Lesnar and Goldberg too will be part of the event and will meet in a match since Survivor Series where Goldberg defeated Brock Lesnar. The New Day, Jericho, Braun Strowman, Dean Ambrose, The Miz, Wyatt Family members - Bray Wyatt, Randy Orton and Luke Harper, Big Show, Dolph Ziggler, Rusev and Mojo Rawley will be part of the match. Sami Zayn defeated Seth Rollins for a spot in the Royal Rumble.