Royal Rumble 2012 Matches: What to Watch for in Top 3 Showdowns

As we get set for Royal Rumble 2012 on Sunday, the WWE has once again provided some spectacular matchups.

The entertaining CM Punk looks to retain his WWE championship against Dolph Ziggler, Daniel Bryan battles with Mark Henry and the Big Show and two stars in John Cena and Kane attempt to prove whether it's better to "Rise Above Hate" or "Embrace the Hate."

Here's what to look for in the three electric showdowns.

CM Punk vs. Dolph Ziggler (WWE Championship)

CM Punk has made enemies with Raw general manager John Lauranitis and now he has to face Dolph Ziggler with Lauranitis as the referee. Not exactly the best situation.

Ziggler proved in their gauntlet match that he had the ability to knock off Punk and you can expect this match to be brutal, with plenty of foul play involved.

The question is, will the WWE resurrect a giant in Punk or continue acting as a revolving door, swinging stars in and out of prominence?

Given Punk's victory would enable him to face Chris Jericho in WrestleMania 28, I see this ultimately going Punk's way, with plenty of obstacles thrown his way to make this one of the toughest matches he's had in a long time.

Daniel Bryan vs. Big Show vs. Mark Henry (WWE Heavyweight Championship)

This could be an all-time great match. Not only do you have the prospect of Mark Henry winning and going on to face Randy Orton in WrestleMania 28, you also have Daniel Bryan, who may have lost their lumberjack match on Jan. 20 if he hadn't gotten the lumberjacks involved.

On top of that, you have the Big Show, whose clashes with Henry are well-known throughout the WWE. The favorite for me is Henry, but that doesn't mean he's going to win. The WWE loves chaos and unpredictability and either Bryan or Big Show have a shot in this match, make no mistake about it.

John Cena vs. Kane

John Cena hasn't exactly received a lot of support the last year. Some would say he brought it on himself. But the fact remains: When both the Rock and Kane call you out, you aren't exactly going to be the most popular wrestler.

Nonetheless, Cena does have the ability to "Rise Above Hate," as his campaign made loud and clear. He destroyed Jack Swagger in their singles match at Raw with a ferocity that could see him explode against Kane.

Just imagine if Cena used his controversial style of wrestling while beating Kane. Imagine how much of a villain he would be. Me like. Me like very much so.