Jey Uso and 4 Dark-Horse Picks to Win the Men's 2021 WWE Royal Rumble

The Royal Rumble is one of the most popular events on the WWE calendar, and the main reasons why are the 30-Superstar men's and women's matches. 

The men's over-the-top-rope contest has led to several Superstars winning their first world title at the subsequent WrestleMania and many other memorable moments since its debut in 1988. 

This year's Rumble will likely take place in the WWE Thunderdome with only virtual fans in attendance, but that won't change the gravity of what winning will mean. 

There are people who seem like obvious choices heading into the match and others who seem like they don't have the slightest chance. And then there are the dark-horse picks.

These are the names who could reasonably win the men's bout but might not have the biggest push heading into the pay-per-view.

Let's look at some of the best dark-horse picks to win the men's 2021 Royal Rumble. 

John Morrison

If The Miz successfully cashes in his Money in the Bank contract, having John Morrison win the men's Royal Rumble would create an interesting dynamic.

Ever since he returned to WWE a year ago, Morrison has served as The A-Lister's sidekick more than as a full partner. The Miz is the one with the singles feuds and the MITB briefcase, while Morrison is just his turtleneck tough guy best friend.

Having the two real-life friends and tag partners battle each other at WrestleMania 37 for one of the company's top prizes would make for a great storyline.

The Friday Night Delight will have the opportunity to show the newer members of the WWE Universe that he is capable of being more than backup for his buddy if he wins the event on January 24. 

Keith Lee

Keith Lee's run on the main roster is a far cry from what we saw in NXT, but all it would take is the right push at the right time to turn things around.

The Royal Rumble is the perfect chance for somebody like The Limitless One to find success. As a bigger guy, it's always going to be harder for opponents to throw him out.

Lee's popularity has kept up despite WWE's lackluster booking and the number of non-finishes he has had in his matches. It's time to give him the push he should have had when he debuted in August. 

Between his sheer size, his agility and his popularity, Lee should be at or near the top of the card already. Winning the men's Rumble match would get him there right away. 

Jey Uso

Roman Reigns has been a horrible leader when it comes to how he treats his cousin, Jey Uso. He berates him constantly, and he beat him down with a steel chair on Friday's SmackDown.

The more this happens, the easier it will be for Uso to turn on him and go after the Universal Championship again. Just imagine how The Tribal Chief would react if his cousin won the men's Rumble. He would be irate.

If Jimmy Uso returned to help his brother, it would be even better. The Usos haven't been on TV together much due to the knee injury Jimmy suffered at WrestleMania 36. Seeing them reunite for such a big win would make it even more special. 

Uso vs. Reigns is going to happen again—it's a matter of when, not if. WWE just needs to decide the right time to pull the trigger. 

Jeff Hardy

Jeff Hardy has done just about everything there is to do in WWE except win the men's Royal Rumble match. He is in great shape and just as popular as ever, so now would be the perfect time.

The Charismatic Enigma is one of those wrestlers who is almost universally beloved. His legacy speaks for itself, and he is still at a point in his career where he would benefit from the push.

It's been a long time since he was a true main event star in WWE. He has mostly been associated with the tag team division and midcard titles since he returned alongside his brother, Matt, in 2017.

Even without a live crowd, a moment like this would feel important. It would elevate Hardy back to the top of the mountain and set up a great WrestleMania 37 main event against someone like Reigns or Drew McIntyre. 

Big E

If there is anyone on this list who is a real possibility to win the men's Royal Rumble match, it's Big E.

WWE gave him new music and allowed him to bring back part of his old entrance, so it appears management is finally ready to push him as a singles star.

He has already been an intercontinental champion and a tag champ several times over, so the final thing he needs to do for that elusive triple crown is to win a top title.

Big E would be an excellent opponent for Reigns because he could match The Tribal Chief in size, speed and agility. In fact, he might have the universal champion beat in every one of those categories.

The powerhouse of The New Day is somebody a lot of fans feel deserves to be taken seriously as a top star. If management agrees, having him headline WrestleMania 37 would give him the best chance to prove he belongs at the top.