Betting On The Rumble 'To Participate' Markets

I was asked what I thought about the 'To Participate' in the Royal Rumble markets that are available from Sky Bet, so here goes.

Below are the names that are available on Sky Bet's request a bet page (some appearance offerings can also be found on the Paddy Power / Betfair websites) along with the prices. I'll go through the list and share some immediate thoughts. I've underlined the selections I've bet on.

Beth Phoenix 1/5

I think there's a good chance that Beth Phoenix will make an appearance in the match. She will likely be there in the building considering her husband - Edge - has already confirmed for the men's Rumble. I haven't bet because the price is too short, but it's this low for the reason I've stated.

Damian Priest 1/5

I haven't bet, but it would make sense for Damian Priest to appear in the match because there are reports that he is on his way to the main roster.

Molly Holly 1/4

Molly Holly has appeared in previous Royal Rumbles and was most recently on Raw Legends' Night at the start of this year, so it wouldn't surprise me if she is a participant this year. Too short for me.

Brock Lesnar 1/2

In this week's issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer wrote that at the time the issue was written that Brock Lesnar was not scheduled for the show. It's worth noting that Lesnar lives in Canada, so there might be difficulty coming in and out of the US with the pandemic. Even more important is the fact that Lesnar is no longer under a WWE deal.

Booker T 8/11

I have bet on Booker T to make an appearance in the match. He'll likely be on the Rumble Kick Off, and seeing as he's already on the premises he could be a 'surprise' entrant just like in the past.

Trish Stratus 10/11

I don't know where Trish Stratus lives, but - if it's Canada - the same concern I have about Brock Lesnar coming in and out of the US could be applied.

Finn Balor 6/4

I have bet on Finn Balor to be an entrant. I took the 6/4 on Paddy Power, but it's also available from Sky Bet. Balor worked the Superstar Spectacle event that aired on the WWE Network earlier this week.

Samoa Joe 6/4

Joe will likely work as commentator for the Raw matches tomorrow night. Even though I haven't bet on him to make an appearance in the match, there's always a chance of Joe doing so when you consider that they've had commentators enter in the past. I personally don't want to see Joe put in this silly spot and for that, I'm not even going to punt on it.

Tessa Blanchard 13/8

I controversial free agent is 13/8 to appear in the women's Royal Rumble. It's a pass from me.

John Cena 2/1

Dave Meltzer wrote - in this week's issue of the Wrestling Observer - that there have been reports that John Cena will be at this year's WrestleMania. I believe that makes sense considering he was used in the commercial in which the dates and venues for the next three Manias were announced. I haven't bet on Cena to appear in the Rumble match, though.

CM Punk 9/4

If CM Punk is going to be an entrant in the Royal Rumble, then it would make more sense to take a gamble on him to win it. If he were to return in the Rumble match, he would have to be the last man.

Drew McIntyre 9/4

I guess the only reason why Drew McIntyre would be an entrant in the Rumble is if he had lost the WWE Title against Bill Goldberg - or The Miz - earlier in the night. On Monday, McIntyre dedicated his match against Goldberg to people affected by the pandemic, so I cannot see him losing against Goldberg. 

'Switchblade' Jay White 5/2

Jay White is contracted to NJPW. He appears in advertising for the company's March shows, so I am not buying any stock in what he said after Wrestle Kingdom about departing NJPW. If he really was leaving, I believe New Japan would have written him out at New Year's Dash by having EVIL confirmed as the sole leader of Bullet Club. 

Melina 3/1

Melina was last seen on the Legends' Night edition of Monday Night Raw on January 4th. For that, I believe 3/1 is a decent price just in case she was asked to come back for the Rumble.

The Rock 3/1

I was so sure that Roman Reigns .vs. The Rock would be the main event of this year's WrestleMania, but it doesn't look like it'll happen. For that reason, the 3/1 for Rock to make an appearance in the match does not appeal.

The Undertaker 3/1

I think The Undertaker's retirement is legit. For now.

Jason Jordan 4/1

I've read reports that Jason Jordan is hopeful of a comeback. I don't find the 4/1 appealing.

The Boogeyman 8/1

Another wrestler who was on the Raw special on January 4th. Seeing as I've backed other people from that night, I thought I'd have a punt on Boogeyman as well. With that said, I'm not as confident as I am with my other gambles on people from Legends' Night.

I'm going to finish off with passes on Hacksaw Jim Duggan, Repo Man and Skinner who are all 10/1.