Luke Littler backs darts for WWE-style event as he breaks down amazing ‘Royal Rumble’ format.. and tips legend to return

LUKE LITTLER has backed a radical WWE style shake-up of darts – and wants to take on a legend of the sport.

The Nuke is preparing to defend his Premier League crown in Thursday night’s playoffs at London’s O2.

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Luke Littler has backed the idea of a WWE-style Royal Rumble in darts[/caption]

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The Nuke would like to see the return of 16-time world champ Phil Taylor[/caption]

Littler, the reigning world champion, topped the regular season standings and won a record six nights.

But he is more than aware that some fans want to see a rethink of the Premier League format.

Littler joined World No.1 Luke Humphries for a Q&A ahead of the big night in the capital.

The 18-year-old was sold on the idea of a potential WWE-style Royal Rumble night of darts.

And he would back the return of 16-time world champ Phil Taylor if the PDC put on the event.

The Nuke told SPORTbible: “Phil Taylor might be entry 30, the mighty return.”

Asked about the rules, he continued: “I don’t think you could go above one leg of 501.

“Straight away, one leg, the loser goes off, and then the next player, they’ll do the walk-on, and so on and so on.”

Humphries was similarly enthusiastic, adding: “I think it’d be good.

“The thing is, you probably couldn’t rank it or anything because you’d have to make sure you’re not taking too much away from the seriousness of the sport.

“But I think it would be a good laugh, a good bit of fun. I think the fans would love it as well.”

Earlier this week, Nathan Aspinall predicted The Nuke would step away from darts in the next five years.

The Asp is appearing in Thursday’s showpiece at the O2 and could potentially take on Littler in the final.

Aspinall told talkSPORT: “I think he’ll be off in about five years.

“He’s 18. He does a lot on YouTube, he’s good mates with AngryGinge.

“I can see him going down that path, in my opinion.

“He’s already getting fed up with playing and travelling all the time, and he’s only been doing it 12 months.”

But Littler responded to the claim just a day later, insisting he is for the long haul.

He said: “I’ve heard that. I’ll be here in 10 years.

“Obviously, it’s crazy to even think about retiring at the minute.

“I think what they’re saying is that if we win 16 titles in the next 16 World Championships, then obviously I will retire.

“I don’t think of any retirement at the minute. The money, it’s there to be won, especially the World Championships now.”