Royal Rumble Surprises

The holidays are over. The time with family and friends is over and now we can all get into full Royal Rumble mode. It is only a few weeks away and the wrestling world is already buzzing.

One of the reasons for this buzz is the potential surprises for the Rumble match. Every year there are spots earmarked, in both matches, for some surprise entrants. It is a huge selling point of the Royal Rumble and one that causes much speculation.

With all the discussion of who could make the match, why not do one ourselves. Let’s look at some possibilities.

The Rock

The Rock v Roman Reigns has been the WWE’s dream for the past couple years. Having the cousin’s main event Wrestlemania would be a huge money maker for WWE. It would also make for one of the biggest matches of all time.

The easiest way to make this happen? Have The Rock return at the Royal Rumble and pace the field. If he can clear his filming schedule this could be a real possibility.

Matt Cardona

The former Zack Ryder has done a great job at reinventing himself post-WWE. Since his release he has become one of the best wrestlers on the independent scene. His ability to generate heat has been fantastic and he has become an even bigger name.

Cardona has, recently, expressed interest in a WWE return. Having him come through the curtain in San Antonio would be a great way to do this.

NJPW

With Vince McMahon gone the Forbidden Door has been slightly ajar. Things that we didn’t think possible before have been starting to come to fruition. Shinsuke Nakamura being permitted to wrestle for NJPW would not have happened last year.

With Nakamura going back to Japan is begs the question, what deal did Hunter strike to let this happen? Could it be New Japan letting someone the likes of Jay White or Will Ospreay come through the door?

Pat McAfee

McAfee has been a great addition to the announce booth in WWE. He has a passion for the product and knows how to emote that to the audience. He has revitalized the stale broadcast booth and been involved in some darn entertaining matches.

He has been off programming for a while now, but the rumour mill has started turning. It has been reported that a return might be imminent for the former Mountaineer. It would be a great surprise to have him enter the Royal Rumble.

Cody Rhodes

Cody’s return was a huge success for WWE. The prodigal son returned to where he got his start and engaged in the feud of the year. Himself, and Seth Rollins put on banger after banger for the WWE Universe.

The momentum was in Cody’s corner, and he seemed to be destined for a World title program before injury knocked him out of the game.

It has now been months since the injury and the rumours have begun. Cody’s return at the Royal Rumble would be a great story arc for the son of a son of a plumber.

Sasha Banks / Naomi

One of the biggest stories of the WWE year was Sasha and Naomi walking out. Citing displeasure with their creative direction, Sasha and Naomi left their tag titles and the company. Ever since that fateful evening the return of both has been talked about.

Both women have been visible on social media and have achieved great success outside of the company. With Triple H being in charge could their feelings on WWE change? Both have a good relationship with the boss and that could be the lynch pin to get them back.

Either returning at the Royal Rumble would be a huge boost to the women’s division and get the San Antonio fans out of their seats.