Royal Rumble 2012: Undertaker Will Return to Win Title Shot at WrestleMania

The Royal Rumble is already receiving a boost thanks to the return of Chris Jericho, but an unexpected main event entry and subsequent victory by Undertaker would take the show to a completely different level. It would also be the perfect start on the road to WrestleMania.

Undertaker hasn't been seen on WWE television since he was stretched off following his win over Triple H at last year's most hyped event, but right about now is usually when the company starts hinting toward his return.

There haven't been any indications that Undertaker will return for the Rumble, but the announcing teams on both RAW and SmackDown have made sure to point out on a repeated basis that anybody can enter the 30-man battle royal.

That leads me to believe there will be more surprise entrants than usual because of how hard Michael Cole has pounded home the point recently.

Undertaker is fully expected to return in an attempt to push his WrestleMania record to 20-0. He hasn't fought for a title since defeating Edge for the World Heavyweight Championship in 2008. Battling for the title always brings more intrigue to the match.

It would also add another layer of doubt about Undertaker's ability to win the match. Since he took a year off between matches, the WWE Universe would start rationalizing that the run might finally end since he wouldn't be able to stick around to defend a title.

Keeping that doubt factor involved in all of his matches is crucial to keeping the streak relevant. It's always assumed he's going to keep it alive, but there are always a couple things thrown at the fans by WWE to keep things interesting.

So let's say he returns at the Rumble, and the final two turns out to be him and Jericho. An angle could be run so that Undertaker wins in controversial fashion, thereby setting up a triple-threat match at WrestleMania between CM Punk, Jericho and Undertaker for the WWE Championship.

That sounds a lot more interesting than him facing off with Triple H for a third time like most people are expecting. Between the ability for the streak to end without getting pinned, two of the company's hottest names and the championship on the line, there would be some serious questions about Taker's chances.

It's a storyline that would have a lot of legs and, since three people are involved, wouldn't require Undertaker to be around every week to build it up. Jericho and Punk could do the heavy lifting until the he's ready to get back into the swing of things.

This year more than ever, it's important to think outside of the box when it comes to figuring out a Rumble winner. Jericho and Randy Orton, the two most popular picks, are too obvious. Vince McMahon will be looking to use the shock factor to get the year started right.

That's why Undertaker is a perfect dark-horse pick to emerge victorious on Sunday.