WWE Greatest Royal Rumble: Rumors, Surprises, And More Roundup
The Greatest Royal Rumble will stream live on the WWE Network on Friday, April 27, at 12 PM ET / 9 AM PT. While that’s an odd time for a PPV to air in North America, it’ll be an evening show at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. All the men’s title will be up for grabs, and additionally, there will be a 50-man Royal Rumble. It’s the most participants in the format’s WWE history.
It’s always major news when the WWE performs a show of this magnitude overseas. And it’s a particularly big deal when it’s a country like Saudi Arabia–a relatively new market for WWE’s evolving, global brand.
Here are the the biggest rumors leading up to the Greatest Royal Rumble. Also, check out the updated fight card and our match predictions. In addition, you can find out more about the Rusev/Undertaker drama for the PPV.
Possible Surprise Rumble Entrants?
The poster above on WWE’s website might give us some clues as to who the “surprise” Rumble entrants are. You can see Mark Henry, The Great Khali, The Big Show, and Rey Mysterio scattered amongst the full-time workers.
There are 62 people on the poster; it’s possible that all the entrants are already accounted for. Also, can title holders compete in the Rumble? If not, that would free up several spots for some complete surprises.
Bobby Lashley In The Ladder Match?
According to PWInsider, the 4-way Intercontinental Title ladder match is being promoted as a 5-way match on local advertising. Joining The Miz, Seth Rollins, Samoa Joe, and Finn Balor will be Bobby Lashley. Although this has not been officially confirmed by WWE, they probably wouldn’t advertise anything, in any location, that they could not deliver on.
Kane Will Not Be Participating In The Event
Cageside Seats noted that Kane, who’s been a longtime, reliable worker for WWE, has been removed from event advertising for the Greatest Royal Rumble. While disappointing, the man behind the character, Glenn Jacobs, is currently running for mayor in Knox County, Tennessee. The primary election is May 1; when every vote counts, Jacobs probably doesn’t want to be too far from his potential constituents.
Brock Lesnar To Lose Twice?
According to Wrestling Observer Newsletter (via Rajah.com), Brock Lesnar is expected to put over Roman Reigns before he leaves the company; that could very well happen at the Greatest Royal Rumble, when they face each other in a steel cage match. And, if they can schedule it afterwards, WWE wants Lesnar to put over Braun Strowman as well.
These two younger wrestlers are the right choices. And best of all, their wins will set up a potential WrestleMania 35 title match between Strowman and Reigns, which is what we should have gotten this year to begin with.
The Greatest Royal Rumble Stage
The Twitter account @stagecreatorwwe is posting pictures of the Greatest Royal Rumble set, currently in the process of being built in the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Check their account for more leaked photos.
Thus far, the set looks appropriately grand–more in line with a WrestleMania atmosphere than a standard pay-per-view’s.
Make sure to come back to GameSpot on April 27 for live coverage of the event, including a list of every surprise entrant in this year’s Royal Rumble match.