Royal Rumble predictions

Here are my predictions for the Royal Rumble, airing on Sunday. With only five matches slated to air, each of them should get some nice ratings.

Interesting that neither the Intercontinental Title nor the United States Title will be defended. If anything, the U.S. belt should be on the line at the Rumble, considering that the IC belt was just defended tonight on Smackdown.
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Christian vs. Ezekiel Jackson (ECW Title): I would expect this to open the PPV. Christian has had a nice reign as ECW champion, taking down numerous challengers from William Regal to Yoshi Tatsu. However, in my opinion, it's time for a new champion to be crowned. Expect Regal to get involved in some fashion, whether it's early on (and he's sent to the back) or late in the match. Big Zeke will pull it out with the uranage slam. Winner and new ECW Champion: Ezekiel Jackson (rating about **3/4)

The Undertaker vs. Rey Mysterio (World Heavyweight Title): I loved the promo on Smackdown where Rey confronted Shawn Michaels. But seriously, there is really no chance that Rey is pulling this one out. Either Taker will win clean, or Batista will interfere to cause a DQ finish. I'll bet on the former. Winner and still World Champion: The Undertaker (rating about ***1/4)

Michelle McCool vs. Mickie James (Women's Title): This has been one of the best Divas storylines in years. All signs point to Mickie winning here. McCool has had the belt for a lengthy time, Team LayCool has almost always gotten the better of Mickie on TV, and defeating Michelle will allow Mickie to move on to a feud with Beth Phoenix and keep the Glamazon a heel or in that tweener role. Perhaps we may even see a triple threat match down the road. Winner and new Women's Champion: Mickie James (rating about **)

Sheamus vs. Randy Orton (WWE Title): Orton was inserted into this title match by winning a triple threat match against John Cena and Kofi Kingston a few weeks back. I really don't care for heel vs. heel matches, because the crowd will likely not care who wins. There's a reason why I put this match next-to-last on the card, and you'll see why below. Long story short: Sheamus is winning to boost his credibility, and hopefully he wins clean. Winner and still WWE Champion: Sheamus (rating about ***)

Royal Rumble Match: It really is one of the most star-studded Rumbles in a while, and not all the slots have been filled yet. About six slots are still open as of this writing, and with Vince working his Rumble surprises, I am hoping Edge is one of them.

And no, it's unlikely that Santino will break his own record for shortest time in the Rumble.

I'm not sure if I can pick who lasts the longest. If I booked it, it would be Shawn Michaels. I'd have him come into the Rumble at one of the first ten spots (#1 through #10), and then go until the end.

I predict that the final four will come down to Triple H, Shawn Michaels, Batista, and John Cena. From there, it will be:

Cena eliminating Batista (setting up their WM 26 match)
HBK eliminating Cena
HHH eliminating HBK after a stellar encounter (this also leads to the breakup of DX so each can focus on their singles matches)

For the record, I'd have Triple H come in at #26.

Winner: Triple H (at a later date, HHH will reveal that he will face Sheamus at WM 26) (rating about ***1/2)