According to Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio, original WWE Royal Rumble plans called for John Cena to challenge Alberto Del Rio for the U.S. Title.
However, Cena is now out of action with a shoulder injury, and as seen on Smackdown last week, Kalisto earned an upset victory over Del Rio in a non-title match. As of now, WWE is moving ahead with Kalisto as Cena’s Royal Rumble replacement.