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The second most important pay-per-view of WWE is just hours away and the plethora of possibilities has resulted in a flooded rumor mills. Speculations about who will win the Rumble and the possible surprise entrants dominated the headlines this week as expected.Though the air surrounding all these rumors will only be cleared once the Royal Rumble hits Philadelphia, it is never a bad thing to look into what the internet community is buzzing about.Apart from the Rumble chaos, there were some discussions about the upcoming WrestleMania as well. Even though most of the rumors would not materialize, here is a look at the best ones from the lot and their possible implications.
#5 The possible surprise entrants for Royal Rumble
A plethora of names have been in the mix when it comes to being the surprise entrant at the Royal Rumble. The latest rumors suggest that there will be nearly five surprise superstars in the match including the lights of Randy Orton and Sheamus.
Both superstars have been out of action for some time now and it will be important to get them back in the roster before the WrestleMania arrives. Apart from them, Rob Van Dam’s name is also in the headlines along with the Dudley Boys since the event is taking place in Philadelphia.
NXT Superstars like Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens might also find a great stage at the rumble. When it comes to Hall of Famers, Diamond Dallas Page is the only possible name right now but we could expect many more once the match starts.
#4 Brock Lesnars future in WWE
The rumors surrounding Lesnar’s future gathered momentum over the last seven days when he was strongly linked to UFC. He is expected to wrap up the current run with WWE after WrestleMania 31 and this is making the company hesitant in letting Lesnar headline the show.
If he goes into Mania as the champion his loss would be so obvious, so Vince McMahon is looking for other alternatives. And the most probable way that WWE will include Lesnar is by dropping the World Heavyweight title at Rumble to either Cena or Rollins.
He might be in place for a full blown face turn at the show which would in turn book a possible match with Seth Rollins while Paul Heyman will be on the corner of Rollins.
#3 Undertaker vs Sting for WrestleMania 32
Sting looks all set to face Triple H at the WrestleMania 31, but this doesn’t mean we should give up on the idea of Sting vs Undertaker. WWE might be planning to have a retirement match for both the superstars at next year’s WrestleMania.
As for this year, Undertaker may or may not wrestle. His status for the pay-per-view is still up in the air and it is a real concern for the WWE at this moment. If he decides to get back into the ring, Bray Wyatt is the primary option.
The lack of clarity on the situation might cost Bray a big push at the Rumble as his future will depend on what decision Taker comes to before he becomes the granddaddy of them all.
#2 Goldust to retire
The curtains might be coming down on the illustrious career of Goldust after the rumor broke out about his retirement. One-half of the Rhodes brothers has been thinking about retirement for quite some time now and he will probably hang up the boots after this year’s WrestleMania.
Goldust, however, will continue to be in the WWE as an agent while his brother, Cody Rhodes is likely to remain with the Stardust character as a singles superstar.
The brothers are not involved in any kind of major angle heading into Royal Rumble and if Goldust is actually going to retire, WWE should think about booking that brother vs. brother feud which have been ignored for the past year.
#1 Rock to make a surprise appearance at the Rumble
The buzz surrounding the Royal Rumble was skyrocketed when Rock announced on the Internet that he is in Philadelphia for the weekend. The rumor mill wasted no time in suggesting a possible surprise from the Brahma bull with some even suggesting Rock wrestling at WrestleMania.
Though he might not go on to do that, we could expect a guest appearance from the Rock at Philly. The fans will be looking to hijack the show if WWE botches up any match and having Rock to calm them down will be a great idea.
Also, there is a possibility of WWE bringing back the Rusev - Rock angle and make that match happen at some point of the year when Rock will be free.
