WWE: Who Has The Longest Odds To Win The Royal Rumble?

WWE‘s Royal Rumble is one of the most entertaining shows of the year, in part because you never know who is going to show up to the event.

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30 men gather into the ring one by one for a chance at WrestleMania, as the victor gets a guaranteed match at WWE’s biggest event of the year. WWE often guards who’s going to win quite well before the match, and try to keep fans guessing throughout the 30 man battle royale.

That aspect of the match lends itself to betting, and 5Dimes has released their newest list of the odds for each participant. In the lead is The Undertaker with +200, followed by Goldberg at +250 and Braun Strowman at +350. The upper echelon also includes names like Randy Orton (+400), Brock Lesnar (+1000), and John Cena (+1800). If any one of those talented superstars took the match, fans wouldn’t necessarily be shocked.

What would be shocking is a victory by some of these other wrestlers, names who have no reason in a list of betting odds. The fact that they are taking money for them is just crazy, so here’s a list of the biggest longshots in the Royal Rumble.

CM Punk +10000

Speaking of bad blood, there is no shortage of it between CM Punk and WWE. The two parted ways on rough terms, and Punk blasted multiple top brass like McMahon and Triple H after he departed.

Some have thought that his difficulties in UFC might lead him to return to the squared circle. Honestly, that could very well be the case, but don’t plan on him returning just yet. He’s got at least one more fight in him in UFC, and even if he loses again he would probably seek out other opportunities at places like Bellator before returning to Vince’s goliath.

Conor McGregor +25000

Getting past the fact that he’s currently signed to the UFC, McGregor has taken it upon himself to rip on WWE and pro wrestling in general whenever he can. Granted, Dana White and Vince McMahon have a good relationship, otherwise, Brock Lesnar would not have ever been allowed to compete in UFC and Ronda Rousey wouldn’t have appeared at WrestleMania.

Still, Ronda was a big fan of the product, and she didn’t actually fight in the ring. McGregor is not a fan and loves poking fun at it. Not only that, but he’s actually not fighting until May of this year, due to the upcoming birth of his child. Regardless of what you factor in here, it’s a nonstarter.

Ryback +25000

This one actually produced a chuckle upon reading it. Ryback is no longer with the company and hasn’t been since midway through last year. The fallout between the WWE and Ryback actually resulted in the former Ryan Reeves officially adding Ryback to his birth certificate in order to use it for future promotion.

If that wasn’t enough, Ryback’s never been shy about speaking his mind, and thanks to his podcast he’s put several top people on blast, including Vince McMahon, John Cena, and Triple H.

He seems perfectly content doing what he’s doing now outside of WWE, and that’s not changing anytime soon.

Daniel Bryan +25000

There are many who would absolutely love to see the lovable Daniel Bryan come down the ramp at the Royal Rumble. Unfortunately, that is just not possible.

Bryan was forced into retirement after sustaining too many injuries to the neck and back, courtesy of his highly entertaining but also high-risk wrestling style. As much as Bryan would love to come back for just one more appearance, he simply cannot in good conscience return to the ring. His health and family are much more important than getting another pop from a big Royal Rumble crowd.

Stone Cold Steve Austin +25000

Sure, Stone Cold Steve Austin showing up at any event would add a significant piece of star power to the occasion, but if you think he’s showing up to wrestle at the Royal Rumble, you’re probably kidding yourself.

While you could point to the numerous times he has said he’s not coming back to the WWE to wrestle in any shape or form, you really only have to factor in his previous injury history. Austin retired due to severe injuries to his neck, and ultimately that risk is why he decided to exit in-ring competition. He’s not risking all that for a one-off appearance at a Royal Rumble.

WWE-Stone-Cold-Steve-Austin — (Photo: WWE)

Sting +25000

As with Stone Cold before him, Sting made his exit from the WWE because of injury. Granted, it wasn’t as serious as Austin’s injury, but still threatening enough for Sting to make his exit before fans were ready to see him go.

The WWE Hall of Famer really doesn’t have a reason to even show up, nonetheless compete in the match.

Hulk Hogan +25000

The thing about Hulk Hogan is that he could very well show up at the Royal Rumble. The WWE legend has been absent from the company since the video scandal that embroiled him in a lawsuit with Gawker. He’s since won that lawsuit, putting Gawker out of business, and with time the cloud that surrounded him has dissipated.

Rumors have abounded he’s coming back to the company, but there is no way on earth he wins the Royal Rumble. For giggles, consider if he did win. That means his WrestleMania opponent would have no chance of winning because Hogan doesn’t exactly have a reputation for doing what’s best for business if that doesn’t involve him winning.

Shaquille O’Neal +25000

Is this real?

No, this is not happening. If Shaquille’s surprise manager was Anfernee Hardaway because this was the 90’s, then sure, maybe he would actually have a chance to win it. WWE loved their celebrity pull at the time. Nowadays, though? No chance. Fans would be in an uproar if WWE used a pay-per-view to set up a feud no one wants to see.