Will CM Punk emerge victorious at the 2024 Royal Rumble set at Tropicana Field?

For many enthusiasts of sports entertainment, the Royal Rumble holds a unique charm, despite Wrestlemania being the grand spectacle. We all have cherished memories of a Royal Rumble match that struck a chord with us when we were younger, perhaps the drama and excitement of an over-the-top rope event meant the world to us back then.

Today's major pay-per-view events come with unique offerings; markets on the matches have made their way. While we recognize that these outcomes are pre-set, they add a layer of fun to the stakes. With the 2024 Royal Rumble approaching, we look at the possible contenders, with CM Punk leading as the bookmakers' top pick. betting sites Punk’s journey through the wrestling world is quite extensive. His first reign as a World Champion came in 2008, and he quickly became a fan favorite. Whether he was playing the hero, villain, or something in-between, CM Punk maintained his charisma until his departure from WWE in 2014.

A highlight of Punk’s career was his famous pipe bomb promo in 2011, a defining moment in WWE history. Nonetheless, he stayed with the company for some more years until leaving on terms many thought irreconcilable. However, wrestling's unpredictable narrative left room for future possibilities.

After departing WWE in early 2014 and being dismissed later that June, on his very wedding day, many believed reconciliation was out of the question. However, wrestling is an industry where the phrase 'never say never' holds true. Thus, on November 23, 2023, Punk returned to WWE TV to an uproarious welcome in his native Chicago.

It's no wonder that he finds himself right in the thick of the 2024 Royal Rumble contest now as a strong favorite. Will WWE take the predictable route, or could they surprise us with a curveball, allowing for an unexpected victor?

Besides CM Punk, there's another wrestler who stands as a formidable contender to claim victory at the Royal Rumble of 2024.

The first entrant announced back in November, last year’s Royal Rumble champion, is set to join elite company, aiming to be the fourth to secure consecutive wins, following legends like Hulk Hogan, Shawn Michaels, and Stone Cold Steve Austin.

Rhodes has truly made an impression since jumping back from AEW to WWE, and a second Royal Rumble win would firmly establish him among the top echelon in wrestling today. Positioned second in the favorites list, bookmakers are standing vigilant regarding his chances in the 2024 Royal Rumble.

Cody Rhodes

One of the time-honored traditions of the Royal Rumble is the anticipation of return appearances. Although the age of the internet has somewhat dulled these surprises by leaking updates, the event still features comebacks from injury and new entries adding fresh excitement.

Last seen in a WWE ring was the Celtic Warrior during his bout with Edge in Canada, August of last year, which marked Edge’s farewell match. With his contract set to end in 2024, further negotiations might bring him back given his exceptional performance was highlighted last year. Holding a past win from the 2012 Royal Rumble, hopes are high for Sheamus’s participation in the 2024 event.

Summerslam marked Brock Lesnar's most recent WWE appearance. Fans are habituated to his sporadic ring presence, so it didn’t catch anyone off guard. There are whispers of him possibly battling Gunther at Wrestlemania 40, leading to speculation that one could eliminate the other at the 2024 Royal Rumble. We anticipate The Beast Incarnate’s return in Tampa.

Sheamus

Following the end of his AEW contract in late 2023, speculation grows regarding his comeback to WWE, particularly since his partner, Charlotte Flair, just remains sidelined due to an injury last November, but is expected to return in a few more months.

Brock Lesnar

Mysterio suffered an injury at Crown Jewel in November but maintains a determined resolve to be part of the 2024 Royal Rumble. His 49-year-old frame is racing against the clock, yet his presence at the event is anticipated, whether actively wrestling or not.

Andrade El Idolo

A hallmark of the Royal Rumble is its surprise entries, serving roles that vary from nostalgic callbacks to comedic interludes, all critical in shaping the event's unique character.

Rey Mysterio

Granted, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson's occasional foray back into wrestling isn't unexpected, yet there's speculation about his potential involvement in a Royal Rumble match. Rumors circulate about a possible storyline with Roman Reigns, and the big question is if The Great One might commence his road to Wrestlemania 40 with a spot here.

Bookmakers appear to entertain this possibility, showing only a few wrestlers with shorter odds than The Rock, pointing to his potential triumph. Speculation persisted around his appearance in the 2023 Royal Rumble, and only time will tell if the 2024 edition fits into his packed schedule.

The Rock

Buzz surrounds the potential entry of Sean Waltman at the upcoming 2024 Royal Rumble. This pivotal figure of the Attitude Era and DX was spotted at the WWE Performance Center, fueling speculation. While Waltman denies participation, dismissing the rumors, his silence could well be a red herring.

The wrestling grapevine acknowledges MJF’s AEW departure at 2023’s end. After surrendering his title in December, reports stated his need to recuperate from persistent injuries.

X-Pac

Questions arise about whether MJF's gap from wrestling was merely a cover for his potential WWE move or truly for recovery, leaving an open scenario for his AEW comeback and feud with Adam Cole and the 'devil' persona. The odds for MJF at the 2024 Royal Rumble reflect the bookmakers’ belief in a WWE transition, though skepticism lingers.

MJF

It’s been nearly a year since WWE fans spotted Uncle Howdy or better-known Bo Dallas on TV. He hails from Tampa’s vicinity, Brooksville.

Following his brother’s passing last year, WWE might honor Wyatt's contributions by having Bo Dallas or Uncle Howdy make an appearance at the Royal Rumble, even if just for a momentary return.

Uncle Howdy/Bo Dallas

Ken Shamrock has recently secured a WWE Legends contract, a notable return given his last contractual tie was in 1999. Observing whether the 'World's Most Dangerous Man' enters the 2024 Royal Rumble in Tampa will pique interest.

Several wrestlers with decent bookmakers’ odds are nevertheless unlikely candidates to win the upcoming 2024 Royal Rumble but will advance the narrative in meaningful ways.

Ken Shamrock

The victor of the 2018 Royal Rumble has experienced a downturn in confrontations lately, making him a longshot. A surprise surge would indeed be peculiar, but his skills should still shine through.

Another past winner has consistently delivered incredible performances recently. While this momentum could elevate his status for another strong push, the return story of CM Punk suggests others may have a stronger claim to victory.

Shinsuke Nakamura

Despite his commendable track as the longest reigning Intercontinental Champion and shorter odds with bookies, his attention seems pulled toward impending storylines, likely involving Brock Lesnar, making room for alternate winning candidates.

Drew McIntyre

With a mounting cloud of speculation surrounding the Royal Rumble, certain rumored entrants are mere whispers with negligible probability of appearing at the 2024 event.

Gunther

John Cena has flourished in Hollywood yet continues to pull audiences for special WWE appearances, last seen in the latter half of 2023. Post-bilateral arm surgery in November, a quick medical clearance for ring action seems improbable.

After surfacing on WWE TV post-Christmas to assure fans of his active status, teasers on social media hint at an imminent decision point. Although one more stint in the ring might be in the cards, it is far-fetched to include the 2024 Royal Rumble.

John Cena

Every fan yearns for Big E’s grand return to WWE action. Loved by crowds, the former WWE Champion has been sidelined since sustaining a neck fracture in February 2022, and clearance is yet to come.

Hailing from Tampa, a hometown entrance would be perfect for E at the Royal Rumble, sending fans into a frenzy should his music resonate at Tropicana. Yet, unless WWE has drastically improved their secretive tactics, seeing him participate remains unlikely.

Big E

Chatter surrounds a Japanese sensation potentially joining WWE. While plausible, his contract with New Japan Pro Wrestling extends until the month’s end, making an early release for a surprise WWE debut in 2024's Royal Rumble realistically improbable.

Is CM Punk the one to watch for a win in the 2024 Royal Rumble happening at Tropicana Field?

Kazuchika Okaka

Fans were taken by surprise when CM Punk returned to the WWE spotlight. As the 2024 Royal Rumble approaches in Tampa, many are wondering if he can pull off a major victory.

Known in civilian life as Phil Brooks, CM Punk is a wrestling legend who spent nearly ten years showcasing his skills on the WWE stage. Credit: All Elite Wrestling.

Wrestlemania may be the flagship event, but for a lot of passionate wrestling fans, the Royal Rumble holds a special place. Many of us cherished a time when the battle royal, with its over-the-top-rope excitement, became an unforgettable event of our childhood.

One intriguing development surrounding big pay-per-view events nowadays is the emergence of betting odds on the match outcomes. While we know these results are predetermined and for entertainment, the 2024 Royal Rumble gives us a chance to speculate on the likely winner among the 30 competitors. CM Punk appears to be the bookmakers' top choice.