WWE Royal Rumble 2016: Most Intriguing Storylines to Track on Road to PPV

WWE Creative has five weeks to build toward WWE Royal Rumble 2016—a lifetime considering the quick turnaround this group has been used to recently. 

With 2015 nearly in the books and a successful Tables, Ladders and Chairs pay-per-view to work from, WWE has already set in motion a number of storylines fans can expect to continue until the first event of 2016. 

Here are the most intriguing storylines heading into WWE Royal Rumble 2016, the start of WWE's Road to WrestleMania 32.

The Roman Empire vs. The McMahon Family

Much of the past year and a half has revolved around a single Superstar (John Cena, Roman Reigns, Dean Ambrose) battling The Authority. So while it was enjoyable to watch Reigns pulverize Triple H at WWE TLC 2015, it fit within everything that WWE had done up to that point. 

Spearing Triple H, who's been the on-air villain to Roman's superhero for much of the past year, at WWE TLC 2015 is one thing. Leveling the WWE CEO Vince McMahon on national television brings this story to another level.

WWE fans cheered for the spot, but they should also cheer for what's to come: a de-emphasis on The Authority in favor of a spotlight on The McMahon family. 

WWE has always done well portraying the first family of wrestling as its biggest heel. It's not known whether Vince continues as an on-screen character in the coming weeks, but his inclusion (and his taking a shot from Reigns) makes this a family matter, not a business decision. Triple H and Stephanie McMahon will surely be featured prominently on the road to WWE Royal Rumble 2016, but their actions will be rooted more in personal vengeance, making them more dangerous. 

Who knows what The McMahon family will throw Reigns' way. Sheamus and The League of Nations will likely be involved early on, but what if they can't get the job done? Does Triple H call upon a returning Brock Lesnar, with the promise of a title shot at WWE Royal Rumble 2015? 

Anything seems possible at this point. 

Where Does Kevin Owens vs. Dean Ambrose Go From Here?

Following Kevin Owens' loss at WWE TLC 2015, many fans questioned whether his reaction, or lack thereof, weakened the former intercontinental champion. 

Owens' disappointment was evident the next night on Raw, as he throttled both Dean Ambrose and Dolph Ziggler during the Superstars' match. In a backstage promo, Owens promised to show the WWE Universe just what crazy looks like. 

Owens may very well be the most dangerous Superstar on the roster not named Brock Lesnar. He's a prize fighter whose only mission is to win, no matter the cost. When someone gets in his way, he stops at nothing to dismantle them. 

Sami Zayn. Finn Balor. John Cena. All of them faced the wrath of Owens. While the argument can be made that the latter two won their wars with Owens, there's no question K.O. won plenty of battles himself. 

Owens and Ambrose will continue to have their battles heading into WWE Royal Rumble 2016. The biggest question is this: Does WWE keep Owens and Ambrose locked in a feud for the Intercontinental Championship for the foreseeable future, or does one of them skyrocket to the main event scene to take on Reigns or whoever holds the WWE World Heavyweight Championship come WrestleMania 32?

With Ambrose holding the IC belt for now, and since he's had his chance to challenge for the WHC against Seth Rollins on multiple occasions, reason suggests Owens will be the guy to insert himself into the main event scene. 

Intriguing Names in the Royal Rumble Match

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The namesake match of WWE Royal Rumble 2015 always yields plenty of excitement. From surprise entrants to dominant performances, the Royal Rumble match never disappoints. 

This year is sure to be no exception. There are plenty of Superstars who can catapult themselves up the main roster pecking order with strong showings: Bray Wyatt, Rusev, Dolph Ziggler and Luke Harper could all position themselves for shots at WWE's midcard titles.

WWE NXT fans will also be on the lookout for potential call-ups that may appear in the match. Maybe Finn Balor, Sami Zayn, Baron Corbin or Samoa Joe are able to grab one of the coveted 30 slots for this year's Royal Rumble.  

Most importantly for WWE, two huge names are expected back in time for the event: the aforementioned Lesnar and John Cena. 

If Lesnar isn't doing battle with Reigns for the WWE title at this event, he's the odds-on favorite to walk out of the Amway Center in Orlando with a contract to face the WWE champion at WrestleMania 32. Pitting him against Reigns at WrestleMania 32, a rematch from the year's previous event, would allow fans the payoff to see who actually wins.

Cena has been away from the ring since October, when he lost the United States Championship to Alberto Del Rio at the Hell in a Cell pay-per-view. A rematch for that belt is likely, but Cena's also gunning to tie Ric Flair's record for most championship reigns. Giving The Face That Runs The Place a chance to do that in Dallas at WrestleMania 32 would be a great story heading into the event.