WWE Royal Rumble 2019: Matches, card, predictions, date, time in IST and where to watch in India

Cruiserweight Championship — Buddy Murphy (c) vs. Kalisto vs. Akira Towaza vs. Hideo Itami (Kickoff show)

The cruiserweights have stolen the show at almost every WWE pay-per-view. This match is also expected to be the same with some great stars in action. While Hideo Itami is a rising star it seems the time for Buddy Murphy to release his title has not yet come. 

Prediction: Buddy Murphy to reatain WWE Cruiserweight Championship

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United States Championship — Rusev (c) vs. Shinsuke Nakamura (Kickoff show)

Rusev winning the US Championship received the biggest pop in December. The fight between the two has been personal and expect another finish with some controversy. 

Prediction: Rusev to retain the US Championship 

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SmackDown Tag Team Championship Match: The Bar (c) vs The Miz & Shane McMahon 

This is a fight where the focus is less on the championship belt and more on the future of the challengers' partnership. It is expected that Shane and The Miz will turn against each other setting a feud for Wrestlemania 35.

Prediction: The Bar to retain, Shane and Miz to turn on each other

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Raw Women’s Championship Match: Ronda Rousey (c) vs Sasha Banks 

Ronda Rousey will defend her Raw Women's Championship against Sasha Banks. Banks became the No. 1 contender to the Raw women's title when she defeated Nia Jax. However, despite Banks' charisma and ability, this seems to be just a stop over before Ronda Rousey faces Becky Lynch or Charlotte at Wrestlemania. 

Prediction: Ronda Rousey to retain

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SmackDown Women’s Championship Match: Asuka (c) vs Becky Lynch

Becky Lynch will square off against Asuka for the Smack Down Women’s Championship. This could be a final opportunity for Lynch to clinch the title that helped her ascend to the status of “The Man.”  However, it is very unlikely that Asuka's reign will be so short. This match could see an outside interfarrence as well.

Prediction: Auska to retain

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WWE Championship Match: Daniel Bryan (c) vs AJ Styles 

WWE Champion Daniel Bryan will once again go to war with a determined AJ Styles at Royal Rumble 2019. After AJ Styles fell short in the rematch at WWE TLC, The Phenomenal One is laser-focused on reclaiming his title. AJ Styles is coming off an explosive Fatal 5-Way Match to earn the right to once again challenge Daniel Bryan at Royal Rumble 2019. However, Bryan is having the best run of his career as as champions heel and it seems unlikely to change so soon. 

Prediction: Daniel Bryan to win and retain the WWE Championship

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Universal Championship Match: Brock Lesnar (c) vs Finn Balor

The universal title picture took another swerve when Braun Strowman ripped the door off of Mr. McMahon’s limo during Monday Night Raw resulting in The Chairman stripping The Monster Among Men of his Universal Title bout against Brock Lesnar. Eventually, Balor won a Fatal 4-Way match and is now the No.1 contender to face Brock Lesnar at 2019 Royal Rumble. This puts Finn Balor in an interesting spot considering he was removed from this exact match one year ago in favour of Strowman and Kane. 

Prediction: Lesnar to retain the title

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The 30-Woman Royal Rumble Match Confirmed entrants: Natalya, Bayley, Ember Moon, Lacey Evans, Alexa Bliss, Ruby Riott, Sarah Logan, Liv Morgan, Mickie James, Alicia Fox, Mandy Rose, Sonya Deville, Zelina Vega, Charlotte Flair, Naomi, Tamina, Peyton Royce, Billie Kay, Dana Brooke, Lana, Nia Jax, Nikki Cross, Carmella (confirmed for the No. 30 spot)

There are still seven spots remaining, so expect some unexpected returns and surprise entrants, but it is most likely that Becky Lynch or Charlotte Flair will win the match. If Becky loses her match against Asuaka, then she will be the favourite. 

Prediction: Becky Lynch ( or Charlotte Flair)

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The 30-Man Royal Rumble Match Confirmed entrants: John Cena, Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins, Samoa Joe, Drew McIntyre, Kofi Kingston, Big E, Xavier Woods, Apollo Crews, Baron Corbin, Elias, Jinder Mahal, Bobby Lashley, Jeff Hardy, Andrade, Rey Mysterio, Mustafa Ali, Mustafa Ali, R-Truth (No. 30).

There are still 11 spots open while John Cena is a doubt to appear. He will be one of the biggest contenders for the match if he enters. However, Drew McIntyre or Seth Rollins will be favourites to win. Braun Strowman, if he enters, will be the one to watch.

Prediction: Seth Rollins/Drew McIntyre

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The WWE Royal Rumble will take place on 28 January, Monday (28 January, Sunday in USA). The WWE Royal Rumble 2019 Kick Off Show will start on 28 January, Monday at 3.30 am IST. The WWE Royal Rumble 2019 Main Event will start at 5.30 am IST on 28 January, Monday. The WWE Royal Rumble 2019 will be live on on Sony Ten 1 & Sony Ten 1 HD (English) and Sony Ten 2 & Sony Ten 2 HD (Hindi) TV channels. 

(Image: WWE)