Royal Rumble 2012: 5 Wrestlers Who Need a Victory in the Big Match

There is a huge difference between "need" and "want" in professional wrestling. But for most of the competitors in this weekend's Royal Rumble 2012, those lines of desire are skewed just a bit.

While there are certain wrestlers you expect to be in the final eight for a shot at the WWE title, there are those who may sneak up on the crowd and surprise a few people, mainly because this is entertainment and, well, you know how that is scripted.

And with every wrestler in the WWE eligible to wrestle in this event, whoever comes out of the "Gorilla" position is bound to draw cheers and boos alike.

Then there are those who truly "need" a win for whatever reason. But the win means more than just headlining the biggest PPV event of the year.

We have spent so much time on wrestlers expected to win or favored to win, we may not have looked at who "has to" win.

These wrestlers, even some who are favored to win, "have to" win this coming week for various reasons.

The Miz

I don't like the angle with R-Truth and frankly, not having Miz in the WWE title picture is odd right now. Why can't CM Punk face challenges from a host of wrestlers? Isn't that how the past champions of WWF and NWA were determined?

Miz has great mic skills and was awesome in the ring and when R-Truth was suspended, his luster started to tarnish.

Bring back the old-style Miz and have him compete at the top of the ladder, not the bottom. A win would certainly help him get back there.

Sheamus

I thought he would get a bigger push toward a title shot, but creative has Daniel Bryan in a story with Big Show and Mark Henry (personally, I would love to see the two biggest men join forces and crush him).

Sheamus' star was so bright at the end of the year and now seems to be flickering. Creative needs to find a balance with its stars. Injuries create problems where there need to be adjustments.

Sheamus needs a push because when Randy Orton comes back, does Wade Barrett continue to feud with both of them?

Also, Jinder Mahal does not look like a true heel or even a match for the Great White. 

Wade Barrett

If he wins (and I think either Jericho or Barrett win the Royal Rumble), it means we see him face someone like a CM Punk at WrestleMania 28.

Barrett is strong and the future of this company, and a win—yes, he needs this—will solidify that message.

Barrett has the ability to be the best heel in the business and this company.

Jack Swagger

Vickie Guerrero's stable could have both the United States champion and the WWE champion after Sunday night.

Here is a scenario for you: What happens when the United States champion beats the other competitors in the Royal Rumble?

Vickie Guerrero screams to high hell!

I have been wanting to see this happen for some time. And if it played out, the tension within the group would be awesome.

Cody Rhodes

The current Intercontinental champion needs another feud.

If he is currently the second in line for the title, why isn't he challenging Daniel Bryan?

Bryan is stuck in an angle with the two largest men in the company, which to me makes no sense.

If Rhodes wins, he headlines WrestleMania and could finally show off all his talents.