WWE Royal Rumble 2015: Fringe Stars Who Will Make Big Statement

The 2015 Royal Rumble is one of the biggest events of the year, and it offers WWE a chance to put its biggest stars in the optimum position heading into WrestleMania season.

On the other hand, the company also has a chance to elevate several fringe stars to another level with the proper booking at this pay-per-view. With stars like Dolph Ziggler, The Miz and Mizdow and The Ascension all looking for a breakout moment, the Royal Rumble will be their opportunity.

Here are the fringe stars who will shine the brightest Sunday in Philadelphia.

Dolph Ziggler

It is hard to call Ziggler a fringe Superstar, but with the company booking him poorly for years, there is little confidence that he will shine in the Royal Rumble. With Ziggler being a major part of the Sting vs. Triple H storyline, there is no doubt he will shine Sunday.

Ziggler was the biggest winner at Survivor Series and will look to carry that momentum into the Royal Rumble. He was fired several weeks ago, but a distraction from Sting on the go-home episode of Raw helped John Cena steal the win and get his job back.

While he is not confirmed for the Royal Rumble Battle Royal, there is little doubt Ziggler will make his presence felt.

It is hard to imagine Ziggler winning the Rumble, but he must be considered a dark-horse candidate. He has the support of the crowd, and in the same way Daniel Bryan was last year, Ziggler could be the perfect underdog challenger for Brock Lesnar.

Another option for Ziggler is a heel turn. With a plethora of top faces on the roster, catapulting Ziggler into the role of top heel by eliminating Bryan or another top face from the Battle Royal would make for the biggest moment if he isn’t going to win.

Ziggler needs a monumental moment at the Royal Rumble, and it’s about time WWE follows through and gives him what he deserves.

Miz and Mizdow Tease a Breakup

One of the most interesting and consistent storylines of the year has been the relationship and pairing of The Miz and Damien Mizdow. The fans have fallen in love with Mizdow, but it’s about time for tension to begin mounting.

The tag team has been great, but the company needs to make a move before the characters stop drawing a reaction from the fans. With the WWE Universe all-in on Mizdow, it’s time for him to start rejecting The Miz’s mistreatment.

As seen from when The Miz would hold both tag team titles and Mizdow’s Slammy Award, he is being passed over. Mizdow should accidentally cost his team the championship match against The Usos at Royal Rumble and get slapped around by The Miz.

In the actual Royal Rumble match, The Miz could order Mizdow to eliminate himself, but in a change of heart, the stunt double should throw Miz over the top rope and claim his freedom. From there, the two men could embark on a feud that culminates in a WrestleMania match.

The Ascension Needs a Victory

Despite the hatred many fans have for The Ascension, the tag team will have its breakout moment against the New Age Outlaws Sunday at the Royal Rumble.

After getting beat down by the nWo, the APA and the New Age Outlaws, WWE will be looking to book The Ascension strong in order to keep its momentum. While it is still unclear whether the company wants the fans to take the team seriously or not, beating a decorated pair of veterans like Road Dogg and Billy Gunn would be a major accomplishment.

The win at the Royal Rumble would see The Ascension begin a run of feuding and taking down several veteran tag teams. The eventual culmination of this storyline could be the return of The Dudley Boys at WrestleMania, creating a memorable moment and building The Ascension as something special.

Regardless of what happens after the Royal Rumble, The Ascension needs to go over Sunday in convincing fashion to prove it belongs on the main roster. An elite performance would help silence the critics.

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