WWE News: Royal Rumble 2012 Poster Has to Be Seen to Be Believed

The 2012 edition of the Royal Rumble—which also happens to be the 25th anniversary of the event—will emanate from St. Louis on Jan. 29.

Last year, the first-ever 40-man Royal Rumble match saw Alberto Del Rio and Santino Marella as the last two men standing in the ring before the Mexican Aristocrat fulfilled his destiny as the winner.

This year, the runner-up is back with a vengeance, so to speak, gracing the poster of the event (click here to see it).

The lovable Santino, in genie attire, has a deliriously content look on his face. A crystal ball lies between the summoning power of his hands, which conjure up the image of himself celebrating after a match.

Could the poster augur an improbable Santino victory at the once-a-year, January extravaganza?

Certainly, despite the way he's been portrayed on WWE TV in recent months, the Italian superstar still has a robust fan following. How can anyone forget the vociferous response he received in the closing moments of the 2011 Royal Rumble when he unleashed the "Cobra" on Alberto Del Rio?

If the former WWE Intercontinental champion were to pull off the miracle of miracles, a Mark Henry-Santino duel for the world heavyweight championship at WrestleMania 28 would intrigue a majority of the WWE Universe.

Why not take a chance on making a new star out of someone who has connected with the WWE fanbase since practically day one? After all, because The Rock vs. John Cena is the main draw of the Miami spectacular, it would behoove the company to take a risk they normally wouldn't take.

Putting a rocket ship behind the trombone-playing Santino Marella would be a good start.