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2024 ROYAL RUMBLE: CODY RHODES AND CM PUNK EMERGE AS FRONTRUNNERS

Putting on a colossal live show from Madison Square Garden, both Cody Rhodes and a certain returning superstar made headlines on the WWE’s Holiday Tour. Rhodes took on Shinsuke Nakamura in the return of the Texas Bull Rope, while CM Punk finally appeared in a WWE ring to compete once again.

That took place on Boxing Day, the same day as ESPN announced its winners for the Pro Wrestling Awards 2023. Both of these WWE superstars took top honours, making it a particularly good day for the two around one month away from one of the biggest events of the year. Now, they’ve emerged as the frontrunners to take the crown.

Cody Rhodes to get his shot at revenge

Cody Rhodes, ESPN’s Male Wrestler of the Year, started 2023 injured, fought through the final stages of his recovery, and put on a grand final show in the Royal Rumble to take on the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion, Roman Reigns. This is where most thought Reigns’ massive reign would come to an end, but Rhodes was foiled with help from some timely Solo Sikoa interference.

Even with Rhodes’ destiny of winning a WWE world title that his father – Hall of Fame star Dusty Rhodes – never could snatched away, The American Nightmare overcame the monstrous former champion Brock Lesnar and took the Tag Team title. It all seems destined to end with another match against Reigns on the company’s biggest stage at WrestleMania XL on 6 and 7 April.

However, Rhodes isn’t as favoured to win the Royal Rumble, which would guarantee that shot at Reigns, as you may think. In fact, among the betting sites with the best bet offers, which are predominantly the popular Bet & Get offers, Rhodes is the second favourite. With the odds sitting around the 3/1 mark to win the upcoming Royal Rumble, it would seem to be the natural way to go, but someone else might just usurp him.

CM Punk returns for a quick title shot

From 2005 to 2008, CM Punk made his way up from Ohio Valley Wrestling to ECW and then got his shot at one of the titles. On 13 April 2009, he cashed in his shot to take on Jeff Hardy as soon as Hardy defeated Edge in a ladder match to take the heavyweight strap. CM Punk won, became the WWE champion in 2011, but bowed out in 2014. He returned to pro wrestling in 2021 with All Elite Wrestling, but on 26 December 2023, he returned to the WWE.

Also becoming the winner of ESPN’s Debut of the Year award, CM Punk ended his triumphant return – in which he defeated Dominik Mysterio – with an in-ring promo. He hinted at his intent to contend at and win the Royal Rumble as well as getting a shot at Roman Reigns at WrestleMania XL. Even after this one comeback bout and quick promo, CM Punk has surged to the top of the rankings to win the Royal Rumble at 2/3.

Of course, there are 30 wrestlers in the Royal Rumble, the order will have its say, and not everyone has declared themselves as competing just yet. Still, the return of CM Punk and Rhodes’ journey do lend well to winning the event and being given a title shot.  

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