John Cena returned to Monday Night Raw this week, delivering a big statement on his WWE future in the opening segment of the red brand show.Unlike last year, where he didn't find out until WrestleMania itself if he had a match at The Showcase of the Immortals, Cena says he will not be taking any chances on his road to WrestleMania 35.The 16-time world champion would then announce that he would take part in the Royal Rumble match this year on January 27 at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona.Cena is now the 17th man to enter in this year's Royal Rumble and it's fair to say WWE fans have given a mixed reaction to his participation.Some fans are happy to see The Leader of the Cenation in the Royal Rumble match, while others are not so pleased.

Following Raw this week, here’s the updated list for the men’s side:

  • John Cena
  • Dean Ambrose
  • Seth Rollins
  • Samoa Joe
  • Finn Balor
  • Drew McIntyre
  • Kofi Kingston
  • Big E
  • Xavier Woods
  • Baron Corbin
  • Elias
  • Jinder Mahal
  • Jeff Hardy
  • Bobby Lashley
  • Apollo Crews
  • Andrade Almas
  • R-Truth

17 spots in the men's Royal Rumble have now been filled up, meaning there are only 13 spots left for WWE to occupy ahead of the show on January 27.

The participants in the women's Royal Rumble are as follows as of the end of Raw this week: 

  • Natalya
  • Bayley
  • Sasha Banks
  • Ember Moon
  • Ruby Riott
  • Sarah Logan
  • Liv Morgan
  • Alicia Fox
  • Mandy Rose
  • Sonya Deville
  • Carmella

Following a rather poor end to 2018, it's not surprising that WWE has made the decision to add one of the biggest superstars in the company's history in Cena to the Royal Rumble match in order to try and get 2019 off to a strong start.

Cena should have a big spot in the match thanks to his name value. He'll probably be used in the same way he was last year where he was one of the final few superstars left in the match.

However, since he didn't really do much in the WWE in 2018, and with his participation in projects outside of the company, the 16-time world champion is unlikely to win the Royal Rumble match itself.