December 31st 2023, 18:01 GMT

CM Punk’s spectacular return at Survivor Series 2023 on November 26th shook the wrestling world as well as upcoming 30-men Royal Rumble match betting odds.
Before Punk’s blockbuster return, Intercontinental Champion Gunther was the favorite to head into Wrestlemania 40 main event with odds around +200 on most bookmakers sites that offer WWE betting.
Since Punk’s return, there has only been one favorite. CM Punk currently stands at -230 to win the 2024 men’s Royal Rumble match.
It isn't a surprising turn of events. After all, everyone smart to the wrestling business knows it’s very likely Cody Rhodes will get his rematch against Roman Reigns at Wrestlemania 40 next year after a disappointing loss this year.
However, Cody winning back-to-back Royal Rumble matches to make the rematch happen wouldn’t be a juicy story heading into a predictable Wrestlemania bout against Reigns. Thus Gunther had been calculated as favorite to win the 2024 edition of Royal Rumble assuming Cody will find a more unpredictable path heading into the rematch.
Now that CM Punk is back, it gives WWE a perfect chance to have fan-favorite Cody to come painfully close on winning the Rumble before another fan-favorite in CM Punk snatches the whole thing to finish his own story at Wrestlemania.
With that analysis, La Gazzetta's prediction for the winner of the 2024 Royal Rumble is CM Punk. But at -230, there isn’t any value left for the punters.
Currently the value bet is Cody at +300, since the American Nightmare is most likely main eventing Wrestlemania with Reigns. But like pointed earlier, this doesn't require Cody to win this match and betting world agrees with that.
In retrospect, the best value for Royal Rumble 2024 bets was on Punk before his return at Survivor Series, odds drifting around +1000. If you jumped on that, I tip my hat to you.
Bayley to win a big one?
Women’s match is much more unpredictable. Bayley currently leads the pack as -110 favorite on most of the bookmakers.
Bayley’s odds were around +900 before the end of November when sharp bettors crashed former Women’s Champions odds near the current level.
Behind Bayley stands Becky Lynch at +500 and former AEW wrestler Jade Cargill around the same level.
Last night’s AEW PPV caused a little change in opinions regarding the winner of the women's Rumble match. Sasha Banks was rumored to sign with AEW to make her official debut as a member of the roster last night.
There was no Sasha at AEW World’s End, so smart money reacted quickly to bet on Sasha to win the women's Royal Rumble match 2024.
It makes much sense, since the likes of CM Punk has returned recently who’s burned bridges seemingly beyond repair previously with WWE.
Issues with Sasha Banks were very similar to Punk's. And also the reason for her to make a comeback is similiar: Vince Mcmahon isn’t no longer in charge backstage.
The old boss was the main reason why Sasha didn’t feel motivated working with the WWE but now her former NXT mentor Triple H is pulling the strings backstage.
Triple H is a fan of Sasha’s and would get more out of “Legit Boss” than Vince Mcmahon ever could.
Surprise return at the Rumble may be in cards for Banks and any odds above +300 should be considered value at this point.
Women’s match is still much more unpredictable and coming weeks will give a clearer picture who's going to win the 2024 women's edition.
Comments