Why Roman Reigns should (and shouldn't) win the 2016 Royal Rumble

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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The Royal Rumble is one of my favorite WWE traditions.  I remember watching in awe in 1988 when a 20 man version debuted on the USA Network on a Sunday night.  "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan won that battle royal with a twist. Little did I know then, the Rumble would become one of the most important matches on the "Road to Wrestlemania."

This year history will be made.  The WWE world heavyweight champion Roman Reigns faces 29 other men in defending his title.  About half the field of 30 has been announced.  As of this posting, Brock Lesnar, Bray Wyatt and Chris Jericho are among the names in the match.  

Courtesy: WWE

Why Roman should win

My first thoughts are that Roman needs to survive this battle and walk about of Orlando with the WWE championship around his waist.  There's a couple of reasons for this:  I'm tired of the belt getting hot potatoed.  The title has already changed hands three times since mid-November.  With all the build up and support Roman has received over the last year or more it seems silly to have him lose the title so quickly.  

Courtesy: WWE

Why Roman should lose

Rumors are abound that Triple H will enter and win the Rumble.  As much as I don't want to see this happen, I don't know that there is a bigger heel in the company right now that could put a Wrestlemania worthy main event on against Roman as the contender.  That's a sad commentary on WWE's creative and how they've failed to build up the mid-roster talent. 50/50 booking is a huge problem right now.  Plus if Roman overcomes the evil Authority once and for all, there's no place better to do it then on the grandest stage of them all.

Courtesy: WWE

Simply put, if Roman retains the title, who does he defend against at Wrestlemania?  I don't want a rematch with Lesnar.  He's already feuded with Wyatt.  Jericho is a part time.   I don't think Kevin Owens or Rusev are ready yet.  I think a match between Lesnar and Owens at 'Mania could take the former NXT champion to the next level and prep him for a post-Wrestlemania feud against Roman.

I will say this, with all the injuries and rumors of returns and current angles that are happening, the 2016 Royal Rumble is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable events in the history of the pay-per-view.  Plus we have Fast Lane to get through as well.  Can't wait to see what happens.