WWE Royal Rumble 2012: 6 People Who Could Impact CM Punk vs. Dolph Ziggler

While the Royal Rumble is still a little over a week away, we are impatiently waiting for its arrival.

The 30 wrestlers in the Over-the-Top Battle Royal will be just one of the highlights of the evening.

Like most, I am awaiting the anticipated match between Dolph Ziggler and CM Punk. While Punk is the champion, it is almost certain there will be a twist where Ziggler, the former United States Heavyweight Champion, finds a way to walk out of the St. Louis with the title.

And as you know, this is a PPV event, so you can expect the unexpected. But the question is, besides John Laurinaitis, who may play spoiler in this match?

Here is a look some wrestlers/performers who could have a say in the outcome of this match.

6. Chris Jericho

I see Jericho involved somehow, but I am not sure how yet.

And what if Jericho is involved, costs Punk the title and the two superstars feud without the WWE Title on the line?

I smell a rat, but it is a possible outcome.

5. Vickie Guerrero

While she is not allowed at ringside, it does not mean she will not have a stake in this match.

She has two men in her stable who look to be champions after the PPV. And with Dolph Ziggler holding the WWE Title and Jack Swagger carrying the United States Title, it could be argued that Guerrero is the most powerful person in the WWE right now.

Every manager loves power and greed. Vickie is no exception. And she will scream and yell—and fight—to make sure she, err, her wrestlers get what they want.

4. Triple H

I'll drop this one in for a bunt single.

We have not heard much from Triple H since his match at TLC with Kevin Nash. But what if the idea of the "conspiracy" comes to fruition and the King of Kings was in on it the whole time?

Yes, the Nash situation may have been a "side show" of sorts and had nothing to do with the angle. Maybe the "angle" was put on hold because of injuries to wrestlers (Christian) and creative let it drop.

Having Triple H come out of the back and affect the outcome would be most interesting.

3. Mick Foley

I believe he and Johnny Ace get into some altercation before the night is through.

There was too much fire and brimstone the other night on Raw for this to just go away. It needs to linger.

Could Foley come out and try to help Punk and in reality cost him the WWE Title? Stranger things have happened over the years. This would not surprise me.

2. Jack Swagger

Before the match between Ziggler and Punk, there will be plenty of opportunities for Swagger to attack Punk.

Does it happen now that Swagger, who has a title, is feeling a little big for his britches and wants to prove his worth to both Vickie and Ziggler?

What if at some point down the road Swagger wants a shot at the WWE Title? This could be a setup for that in the future.

1. John Laurinaitis

The Raw GM will have a final say in what happens—no matter what.

We all know he will do what he can to hurt Punk, cost him the title and in the process, get the hell beaten out of him.

Being the guest referee has its privileges. And Laurinaitis will use them to his and Ziggler's advantage throughout the night.