Christmas time is the most wonderful time of the year, but in the WWE, the Royal Rumble sparks its most interesting time -- the road to WrestleMania.

Projecting The Card For WWE Royal Rumble

Thirty of the WWE's top Superstars will battle it out to determine the No. 1 contender for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 32 when the 29th annual Royal Rumble emanates from the Amway Center in Orlando, Fla. on Jan. 24. Since its inception in 1988, the Rumble Match has always been the most exciting bout of the year.

With this year's 30-man contest more than five weeks away, here are the five early favorites to win it all.

Possible Opponents For Roman Reigns At Royal Rumble

Honorable Mention: John Cena.

1) Brock Lesnar

"The Beast" is expected to return in January, automatically making him a heavy-favorite to win the Rumble Match. Lesnar, who won the Rumble Match in 2003, hasn't been a part of the 30-man free-for-all since 2004. With Roman Reigns as the current champion, the WWE may have Paul Heyman's client win in order to set up a rematch from WrestleMania 31 and get an actual blow off to the feud.

2) Daniel Bryan

You can always count on the Rumble Match to bring forth some surprises. "The Beard" hasn't been cleared for active competition from his concussion, so he could be a long-shot for the event, however it's long been said that anything can happen in the WWE. The WWE Universe exploded when Bryan won the big one at WrestleMania XXX, so the company could try to recreate the magic by having him thrust back into the main event.

3) Triple H

Right now, "The Game" is sidelined after a vicious attack from Reigns at the end of TLC, though obviously kayfabe was broken at NXT Takeover: London. Triple H could be looking to gain some revenge and while he could easily give himself a title shot since he's the man in charge, he may also go the more traditional route and win the Rumble Match. This way he could give himself a chance to take the Leader of the Roman Empire out on the grandest stage of them all.

4) Dean Ambrose

The "Lunatic Fringe" is currently the Intercontinental Champion, but the WWE could have a big money feud if they have him win the Rumble Match and take on his friend Reigns in the biggest match of their lives. The WWE could play it as two babyfaces squaring off out of mutual respect, or they could have Ambrose go full-fledged heel. This also would provide a title-for-title opportunity for the Intercontinental and World Heavyweight belts for the first time since Hogan and Warrior at WrestleMania VI.

5) Kevin Owens

There have been rumors that the WWE has big plans for Owens, which may include a match with Lesnar at WrestleMania 32, so a win for the former NXT and Intercontinental Champion isn't out of the question. If Lesnar were to win the gold between the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania, and Owens won the 30-man bout, it would set up an interesting title match between the WWE's two resident prize fighters.

Who should win the 'Royal Rumble?'

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