The Undertaker Returns To WWE, Becomes Favorite To Win 2017 Royal Rumble Match

For the first time in eight years, The Undertaker will compete in the Royal Rumble match. Making his first appearance on WWE TV in 2017, the Deadman entered himself into the 30-man battle royal on “Monday Night Raw.”

The Undertaker hadn’t been seen in two months, last showing up on “SmackDown Live” prior to Survivor Series 2016. Having gone undrafted during the brand split, The Undertaker made it clear he’ll have the option of challenging for either the WWE Championship or the WWE Universal Championship if he’s the last wrestler standing on Jan. 29.

“I’m back, and I think it important that the world should know I will be entering the Royal Rumble,” The Undertaker told Stephanie McMahon and Mick Foley Monday. “I answer to no one. I go where I want when I want. Nobody controls The Undertaker. No one.

“I will be bringing the dark side to the Royal Rumble match, and after I win I will return to the main event at WrestleMania. And if anyone stands in my way they will rest in peace.”

The Undertaker’s presence in the Royal Rumble could mean a few things for his future at WrestleMania 33. A few other WWE superstars have a legitimate chance to win the match, but he’s the early favorite ahead of the other 29 entrants.

John Cena is considered to be the most likely WrestleMania opponent for The Undertaker, who might not have many more WrestleMania matches left in his career. With Cena facing AJ Styles for The WWE Championship at the Royal Rumble pay-per-view, the WrestleMania 33 match can be made if both Cena and The Undertaker are victorious.

If The Undertaker wins and Cena can’t beat Styles, he could face the current WWE Champ at WrestleMania 33. The Undertaker’s Royal Rumble appearance also opens up the possibility of a match against Kevin Owens or Roman Reigns, who will face off in the Royal Rumble’s WWE Universal Championship Match.

There’s also the chance that The Undertaker could lose the battle royal and take on whichever wrestler eliminates him. If anyone is going to toss The Undertaker over the top rope, it might be Braun Strowman, who hasn’t been pinned or submitted since making his WWE debut on Aug. 24, 2015.

The Undertaker last competed in the battle royal in 2009, though he successfully defended his World Heavyweight Championship against Rey Mysterio at the Royal Rumble PPV in 2010.