Andre the Giant Battle Royal at WrestleMania 32: Ranking Most Likely Winners

Both satisfaction and disappointment have been the order of the day in the first two Andre the Giant Battle Royal matches.

The joy of Cesaro's victory in the first match—which took place on the main show—was replaced with a touch of frustration the following year.

Big Show's victory in a match that was consigned to the pre-show didn't really leave fans optimistic about a contest that, initially, felt like a showcase for a new star to break through and lay a platform for future success.

So, which way will the company go this time? Will it be a younger talent who wins and sets the scene for a big few months, or will it be further reward for the career of one of the veterans in the bout?

Let's take a look at some of the most likely contenders in this pre-WrestleMania power ranking.

5. One of the Social Outcasts

Credit: WWE.com

They're all confirmed as entrants for the match this Sunday—and if WWE wants its fans to take The Social Outcasts seriously, surely one of them has to go close to winning it?

When looking at the potential winners from the group, two stand out in particular.

There's Heath Slater, who is the de facto leader of the group and is the man who does most of the group's talking. He hasn't really had a push to speak of since back as part of The Nexus. Sure, there was his run of gimmick matches in the run towards Raw 1000 a few years back, but that was him jobbing to a series of veterans.

Or what about Curtis Axel? A former midcard champion in his own right and someone who was taken under Paul Heyman's wing, Axel still feels like he could craft a decent career as a solo star in the years to come—although admittedly not in the main event scene. 

If WWE is looking at an outsider to win the Battle Royal, why not one of this stable?

4. Damien Sandow

Credit: WWE.com

WWE gave Damien Sandow a WrestleMania moment last year when he broke away from The Miz, but you can't doubt that they failed to build on it.

So could the company do the right thing and give victory in a match like this to someone who deserves it, and someone who's been undeservedly on the sidelines for so long?

With the bout likely taking place on the early part of the show, victory to someone the fans would love would be a great way to get the crowd in the mood for the main event matches.

There are a couple of other guys who fall into that bracket, but Sandow himself would get a huge pop if he scored victory.

There are far more likely candidates, admittedly, but Sandow would be a popular choice.

3. Kane

Credit: WWE.com

As of the time of writing, there are still some spots available for WWE stars to join in the fun of the Andre the Giant Battle Royal.

Expect a surprise to be thrown in among those, but you would assume that a veteran has a chance of going close to victory.

WWE has teased tension between Big Show and Kane lately, as well as a friendly alliance on occasions, and Kane himself feels like a credible threat when it comes to winning the whole thing.

As mentioned right back at the start of this slideshow, WWE may lean towards its preference of giving a veteran a victory on the grandest stage of them all, and Kane's longevity is well worthy of a reward.

Sure, there's a preference to go with someone fresh and younger in the eyes of many, but if we're going down the route of an old-timer getting a shot at success, back Kane. 

2. Cesaro

Credit: WWE.com

Immediately, it would be easy to read this and think that Cesaro has no chance of competing in the match—but reports online earlier this week suggest it could be a possibility.

The Wrestling Observer Newsletter (h/t WrestlingInc) notes that the Swiss Superman is a potential surprise candidate to show up, after WWE officials reportedly had talks about putting him in the 20-man match.

Now when you're looking for something big to happen in the early part of the show, putting Cesaro in would draw one of the biggest pops of the entire night without doubt.

And if he enters, he's got to become one of the hot favorites straight away.

It would be one of the moments of the night and could be the springboard for some big success for Cesaro upon his return. If the company trusts him, he'll fulfil the potential he has promised for so long.

1. Braun Strowman

Credit: WWE.com

This list has featured plenty of candidates the fans would love to see win—but unfortunately, the most likely candidate for success this year is someone who wouldn't go down that well at all.

Braun Strowman isn't confirmed as an entrant for the match just yet, but like Luke Harper, he has a strong chance of showing up in the bout and causing mayhem.

And if he's in, it will likely be a big clue toward the fact that the company is still high on pushing him—which would probably mean victory here.

It would be a kick in the teeth for the lower midcard guys who will be hoping for their chance in the spotlight, but unfortunately, the plans to push Strowman show no signs of slowing down.

If he enters, he's probably the overwhelming favorite.