I hope everyone out there is having a wonderful new year so far. With 2007 behind us, I also hope that all of you have a safe and happy 2008. I'm sure that it's going to be a stellar year for us WWE fans, and to have it start off with Royal Rumble is a special treat. Of course, this also means that WrestleMania XXIV is right around the corner, so let's get to my picks and see how things go.

The Royal Rumble Match

WOW! I'd have to say that this match is probably the most exciting one of the year for me. With 30 competitors ranging from the miniscule Hornswoggle to the gigantic Great Khali, there is a mix of every possible size, shape and skill level incorporated in this match. All three brands are involved, with the competitors fighting for the right to headline WrestleMania XXIV. There is no bigger spotlight in the sports-entertainment industry, and although there are 30 entrants, I only see a couple of possible winners. I'd love to see a young Superstar win this, but I don't see that happening. I feel it will be between Batista, Triple H, Undertaker and Shawn Michaels. Kane and Umaga are also in my thoughts, complicating an already tough decision. Well, I'll go out on a limb and pick HBK for the win; he's a two-time past winner and last year's runner-up, so he knows how to get it done. 

Randy Orton vs. Jeff Hardy (WWE Championship Match)

Judging by the last few encounters between these two, this match is my early pick for match of the night. Considering his incredible leap last week, Hardy actually looked pretty good on Monday night when he met Orton for their handshake. Of course, the Legend Killer received a little of his own medicine when Hardy gave him a Twist of Fate instead of a handshake, and I'm really hoping that there is more of this to come. I think it's the Intercontinental Champion's time to ascend to the WWE Championship, and he is my pick to walk away victorious on Sunday.

Rey Mysterio vs. Edge (World Heavyweight Championship Match)

I'd love to pick Rey for this match but Edge seems to have too many things going for him at this time. With Curt Hawkins & Zack Ryder having his back and SmackDown General Manager Vickie Guerrero being the love of his life, his odds of coming out on top are considerably increased. Don't get me wrong, it's not that Edge isn't a great wrestler -- because he certainly is -- but it always helps when someone else has your back. Rey is going to make him work his butt off to retain the title, but I think that's exactly what will happen.

United States Champion MVP vs. Ric Flair (Career Threatening Match)

MVP has shown time and time again that he may have all the intangibles that it takes to become an elite WWE Superstar. However, the man he's facing, Ric Flair, has been an elite Superstar for most of his lengthy career, and his "farewell tour" is not going to end here. I see MVP doing a number on Flair for most of the match, but in the end, the "Nature Boy" will find a way to win this match and continue his quest to finish on his terms.

Chris Jericho vs. JBL

When I heard JBL was leaving the announcers' booth to come back to the ring, I was a little skeptical. But I have to say, I am glad he did. Jericho's return was also highly anticipated, and it has been great for us WWE fans so far. Not only do I enjoy Y2J's in-ring style, but I also think he's second to none on the microphone. When JBL interfered in Jericho's match at Armageddon, you knew it would be on, and now we finally get to see these two beat each other to a pulp on Sunday. Jericho can have a great technical match with the best of them at any time, but that won't be the case here; these two are going to have a good old-fashioned slobberknocker (thanks J.R.!) and beat the living daylights out of each other. Although JBL has the size advantage, I think that Y2J is going to pull this one out and have his hand raised in the end.

Hopefully all of you will enjoy Royal Rumble. If you have some picks of your own, you can send me an email at droz2cents@aol.com. I'd love to read them!

I'd also like to once again ask you to keep our soldiers and their families in your thoughts and prayers. I'm sure it will be appreciated.

Until next time,
Droz -- Peace