-- Thanks to Kyle Newman of OddsChecker for sending this in:
Bettors backing Big E and Ronda Rousey as Royal Rumble approaches
Royal Rumble odds are beginning to move as the money comes in. All the favorites are still the same, for now, but there are some shocking surprises in the betting.
Men's Royal Rumble
Brock Lesnar remains the favorite, but his odds have taken a hit in recent days. He was given +250 odds to win last week, and early this week that's already down to +275. Meanwhile, former WWE Champion Big E has seen his odds slashed from +550 to +400.
Meanwhile, Omos has seen his odds lengthened from +800 to +1200. However, his former tag team partner AJ Styles is still given +800 odds.
Oddsmakers also have some fun props for the event. Jackass' Johnny Knoxville is the favorite to have the shortest stay in the Royal Rumble at +125. Styles is the favorite to be this year's iron man at +125. Omos is the heavy favorite to get the most eliminations at -138.
Women's Royal Rumble
Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Ronda Rousey has risen in the Rumble odds. When odds were calculated last week, Rousey was not among the top-10. She was considered a longshot at +2000, or equal to Nikki Bella's odds of returning and winning the rumble. Today, she stands alone at the top.
Over the last 2 days, 55.8% of bets have been placed on Rousey to win the Women's Rumble. That's boosted her odds to +175 to win and main event WrestleMania. However, Bianca Belair is right on her tail. She's given +350 odds to win her second straight royal rumble.
One surprise favorite of bettors though is Tegan Nox. The former NXT star was released from her contract in November, but she's a bettors' favorite now. Over the last 2 days, 11.6% of bets have been placed on Nox, second only to Rousey.
Universal Championship Match
This match was supposed to be simple. Roman Reigns is the hottest thing in WWE and was supposed to steamroll his former partner on the way to WrestleMania. Not so fast say bettors.
Last week Reigns was given -275 odds to win, and Rollins was given +200. It was close, but Reigns was the clear favorite. This week though, things have gotten tighter. Reigns odds are all the way down to -163 and Rollins is up to +120. Is it possible that The Visionary could pull off the upset?
The rumors have been for a while that WWE wants Roman versus Brock. Is having Rollins defeat The Head of the Table how WWE plans to get to that match?
For now, Reigns is still the favorite, but whether or not that lasts until Saturday remains to be seen.
