Handicapping Early Royal Rumble Favorites Heading into Survivor Series

The WWE Royal Rumble is months away, but given WWE's current storyline progression, it isn't too early to begin considering potential favorites.

Leading up to the most exciting 60 minutes on pay-per-view, WWE could see a wide-open field, which usually isn't the case come January, with only big names liable to win the Rumble. 

Perennial favorite John Cena should still be deep into a World Heavyweight Championship run as part of a self-professed quest to restore dignity to that brand.

Should Cena somehow find himself without the world championship at the Royal Rumble—assuming he's not a surprise entrant as a world champion looking to unify the titles—his odds could flirt with the -400 range. This indicates a strong favorite on whom one would have to risk $400 to win $100.

It's worth noting that only Stone Cold Steve Austin has won three Royal Rumble matches, which would be a feat Cena would attempt the next time he is an entrant.  

If Randy Orton is locked up with the Big Show through Rumble season, he should hold on to the WWE championship. Big Show is simply an attraction who does not need a world championship. Any appearance from Orton, however, would yield a -150, given his recent surge.

At the moment, consider Daniel Bryan and CM Punk as de facto favorites.

WWE recently sabotaged ended the Daniel Bryan experiment, with the popular star even capturing the WWE championship for half a segment.

Whether or not they want to go back to that is anybody's guess. Vince's "swing and a miss" comment isn't a promising sign, but Daniel Bryan's odds of winning WWE's most important battle royale should sit somewhere around -250.

CM Punk would see similarly favorable odds since his absence from the WWE title picture in 2013 has made hearts grow fonder. Fans should be thirsty to watch Punk chase another world championship.

Throw in Punk's contract that's reportedly coming to an end in 2014, and WWE may feel compelled to launch another Punk appeasement campaign by booking him to go over in the Royal Rumble. Punk's odds should reach -300 for now with a high ceiling moving forward.

WWE's Royal Rumble winner will be a usual suspect entering WrestleMania XXX season. Now won't be the time for a winner to come out of nowhere, though, as WWE will be looking to make this year's WrestleMania the biggest of all time.

When it comes to picking a winner this year, hitch your wagon to a favorite and let it ride.

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