Royal Rumble 2024: 5 mistakes WWE must avoid

The 2024 Royal Rumble is just around the corner, eagerly awaited by the WWE Universe. This event holds particular significance as it determines two challengers for WrestleMania. The Royal Rumble has been known for surprise returns and debuts, with instances like AJ Styles' debut in 2016 and the returns of Chelsea Green and Nia Jax in the previous year.

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Aside from the Rumble contests, WWE has scheduled only two championship matches. Roman Reigns is set to defend his title against LA Knight, AJ Styles, and Randy Orton, while Logan Paul will defend his United States Title against Kevin Owens. Let us look at what are the ways that WWE should avoid at 2024 Royal Rumble:

5. Logan Paul beating Kevin Owens fair and square

The ongoing feud between Logan Paul and Kevin Owens has revolved around the cast on Owens' right arm. Owens, despite wrestling with the cast, has refrained from using it as a weapon in matches. As a heel, Logan Paul has questioned the legitimacy of Owens' use of the cast. In a recent development, Owens removed the cast and attacked Paul without it, highlighting the potential shift in their dynamic.

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Given the emphasis on the cast in their feud, it is anticipated that some unsportsmanlike tactics will come into play during the conclusion. Paul has previously employed brass knuckles and assistance from his allies, and this might be the only way he can overcome The Prizefighter in their upcoming bout.

4. No title match for Women’s

On SmackDown, IYO SKY has been consistently pitted against Charlotte Flair and Bianca Belair for the past six months, with minimal variety in opponents except for occasional matches against Zelina Vega and Michin. Despite their commendable performances, these challengers were never perceived as credible threats to defeat SKY. Given the circumstances, the decision to not schedule a title match for SKY seems justified. Belair has already had numerous title shots, and Flair is currently sidelined due to injury, leaving a lack of alternative contenders who have been adequately built up.

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One potential matchup could see Ripley defending her title against Nia Jax, especially after Jax secured a victory over Becky Lynch at RAW Day 1 and expressed her desire for a title shot. While this showdown might be reserved for the Elimination Chamber event in Perth, Australia, considering Ripley's status as the top Australian star in WWE, neglecting to book any women's match would be a missed opportunity.

3. Winner of Royal Rumble from last or first spot

In the 2023 Royal Rumble matches, the winners emerged from both the first and last entry spots. Rhea Ripley, entering first, outlasted 29 other women, while Cody Rhodes, the final entrant in the men's match, emerged victorious. To introduce variety, this year's winners should ideally come from different entry spots. The WWE utilized 'Iron Man/Women' storylines last year, and it would be wise to avoid repetition this year.

Gunther, entering first but being the last eliminated, holds the record for the longest time in a Rumble match, lasting 1 hour, 11 minutes, and 40 seconds. When the last entrant wins, it can be somewhat anticlimactic, considering other participants enduring 30 or more minutes. The 2024 Royal Rumble winners should face challenges but not to the extremes witnessed in the 2023 matches.

2. No first-time winner for Royal Rumble matches

The frontrunners for the Women's Royal Rumble match include previous winners, Bianca Belair and Becky Lynch, with Bayley also featuring prominently among potential victors. Despite the popularity of Lynch and Belair, both wrestlers are established and do not necessarily need to win the Rumble to secure title opportunities.

Belair has been part of the title picture for three years, while Lynch has had intermittent involvement. Winning the Royal Rumble could be an opportunity to spotlight a different contender for a title shot at the grandest stage of them all. Similar considerations apply to the men's division. While a storyline involving Cody winning back-to-back matches could be intriguing, giving the spotlight to a first-time winner would add freshness to the narrative. This approach also suggests that certain part-time stars should refrain from making appearances to allow newer talents the chance to earn the honour.

1.     The Rock winning Royal Rumble 2024

The Rock's return to a WWE ring varies among fans, with some excited to see him back and others expressing dissatisfaction, especially given his proximity to a major event. While his appearance at RAW Day 1 hinted at a potential future showdown with Roman Reigns, the uncertainty surrounding when this confrontation might occur has fueled speculation.

Considering WrestleMania 40 as the most likely setting for the clash with Reigns, it becomes apparent that The Rock's superstar status, both inside and outside the WWE, means he doesn't necessarily need to secure a Royal Rumble victory. Having another part-time winner, as was the case with Lesnar in 2022, could be a mistake, particularly if they enter towards the end of the match. Such a win might also deprive a full-time performer of a main-event slot. While about with Reigns is still plausible, winning the 2024 Royal Rumble may not be the ideal route for The Rock to secure that opportunity.