Five Superstars Who Could Win the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal
The Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal has been a yearly tradition for a little over a decade now. It used to be on the WrestleMania card itself, but for the last few years, it has been on the SmackDown before Mania. Whoever wins this Battle Royal should receive a massive push. This year, it is unclear who will leave Las Vegas with the coveted trophy, but here are my top five superstars to possibly win the Battle Royal.
5. Carmelo Hayes
Carmelo Hayes is a very impressive talent and might need a trophy about the size of his ego. The former NXT Champion has seemingly been tossed to the sidelines as of late. His first match on the main roster was against the WWE Champion, Cody Rhodes, so it seemed they had huge plans for Hayes. He did have a great feud with Andrade but never seemed to do anything since. Hayes can shoot his shot in the Battle Royal and prove to everyone that Melo doesn’t miss.
4. Ludwig Kaiser
After a breakout year in 2024, Ludwig Kaiser has been turning heads with his in-ring talent and showing of elegance. Kaiser was mostly known as Gunther’s right-hand man of Imperium, but it seems he has truly found himself. His recent momentum could serve as a catalyst for success, allowing him to outmaneuver and outsmart his opponents. His feuds with the likes of Sheamus, Penta, and Pete Dunne have definitely shown he can hang with the best. If he wins this Battle Royal, he might just be a champion by the end of the year.
3. Andrade
Andrade is one of the most talented wrestlers in WWE, yet he often finds himself searching for direction ever since he returned at the Royal Rumble last year. He is currently rumored to engage in a high-profile feud with Rey Fénix, but Andrade’s potential remains largely untapped. He hasn’t really done anything productive since his Best of Seven against Carmelo Hayes. Winning the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal could be the turning point he needs to reclaim his status as a main event player. With his impressive skill set and charisma, a victory here would not only boost his confidence but also set the stage for future matches that could elevate his career.
2. Austin Theory
Fans have been eagerly waiting for Austin Theory to split from Grayson Waller. They have been teasing on splitting since last year, and fans are growing increasingly impatient. Theory has the chance to redefine himself during the Battle Royal. If he can eliminate Waller, it would not only be a crowd-pleasing moment but also a pivotal turn in his character arc, allowing him to transition into a heroic role. With a solid fan base behind him and a desire to prove himself, Theory could capitalize on this opportunity and secure a significant victory.
1. Karrion Kross
Karrion Kross has been able to move forward very quickly after his stable, The Final Testament, were released from their contracts. He has been becoming a very compelling character on TV, and his charisma, paired with the support of his lovely wife, Scarlett, has been able to keep fans engaged in what he does. Kross’ impressive in-ring skills and incredible acting skills make him a formidable participant in the Battle Royal. As he continues to gain popularity, a win in this match could solidify his status as a main event player and set the stage for exciting future storylines.
While it is unclear who is even in the Battle Royal, it is safe to say that these superstars have the capability of leaving Vegas with the trophy. Whether it's Carmelo Hayes shooting his shot, Ludwig Kaiser’s showing elegance, Andrade's quest for relevance, Austin Theory’s potential transformation, or Karrion Kross’ charismatic presence, whoever wins this match will be set as a new future main event star. Who will claim the trophy and etch their name in wrestling history? We will find out next week on SmackDown in Las Vegas.
