5 Superstars who could return at 2020 Royal Rumble

The 2020 Royal Rumble, the very first PPV of the year, is just weeks away, and is set to be an entertaining affair. The PPV has had a slow build so far, which is surprising as it is one of the most important shows for the company. But, WWE is surely going to up their game in the weeks leading up to the show to make it one hell of an event for fans.

Royal Rumble could see the return of several Superstars, either from injury or a break, or even retirement! While CM Punk is the one name that most fans want to see return to the WWE ring, it's highly unlikely that the current WWE Backstage analyst will step foot in the ring anytime soon.

Let's take a look at 5 Superstars who could return at 2020 Royal Rumble:

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#5 Cain Velasquez

One of the big signings of 2019 was former UFC star Cain Velasquez, who immediately squared off with Brock Lesnar. Velasquez and Lesnar have history, as the former defeated The Beast back in UFC.

Velasquez was brought in by Rey Mysterio during his feud with Lesnar. Lesnar and Velasquez then went on to feud and face off in Crown Jewel, where Lesnar defeated the former UFC star in quick fashion.

Velasquez has not been in WWE television since, due to an injury, but there's a huge possibility that he could return at the 2020 Royal Rumble. Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Newsletter revealed last month that Velasquez has been booked for the Royal Rumble PPV.

Brock Lesnar will also be a part of the men's Royal Rumble match, with Paul Heyman announcing that The Beast will be the first entrant. We could perhaps see Lesnar and Velasquez feud in the match to set-up a possible WrestleMania rematch.

#4 Nia Jax

Former RAW Women's Champion Nia Jax, has not been on WWE television for a long time, having last appeared at WrestleMania 35. She was a part of a fatal four-way tag team match, tagging with Tamina to face off against The IIconics, Bayley and Sasha Banks, and Beth Phoenix and Natalya.

Jax's absence is due to her needing surgery for both her knees following an anterior cruciate ligament tear. But, Jax should be ready ahead of the Royal Rumble, with Dave Meltzer reporting that there's a possibility of her returning.

There's also been some reports of her recording something for camera which possibly indicates that she's close to a return. She has been back training in the gym and in the ring at the Performance Center.

Jax was a shocking entrant in the men's 2019 Royal Rumble match, taking R-Truth's spot, and arriving as the last entrant. She eliminated Mustafa Ali, but couldn't last till the end and was eliminated by Rey Mysterio. Jax was also a part of the women's Royal Rumble match earlier in the night, eliminated by the eventual winner, Becky Lynch.

#3 Jinder Mahal

Another Superstar who has been out for a long time due to injury is former WWE Champion Jinder Mahal. He had to undergo knee surgery last year which was set to keep him out for 6 to 12 months.

It seems that he is ready to return, with the most recent report stating that there's a possibility of him returning in January. Mahal was drafted to RAW in last year's WWE Draft, and with several names from RAW already being announced for the men's Royal Rumble match, Mahal may not make the cut.

But, if he's fit and WWE want to add a Superstar for a comedic angle, they could perhaps bring back the former United States Champion at Royal Rumble. He has been posting several videos and photos of him working out in the ring, which indicates that he is nearing full fitness.

Mahal was the 7th entrant in the men's Royal Rumble last time around, but he didn't last long and was eliminated in 30 seconds.

#2 Jeff Hardy

Jeff Hardy is another Superstar that has been out due to a long-term injury. The WWE legend suffered a leg injury last year which has kept him on the sidelines. He has been in the news for all the wrong reasons after having been arrested twice last year.

His brother Matt is reportedly set to leave WWE on the expiry of his contract, which is set to happen in March this year. But, Jeff's deal is not set to expire any time soon, as WWE are set to add a few months to his contract due to his absence from WWE television due to injury.

WWE will still want to use him on television and he could return at the Royal Rumble PPV. Hardy could very well be one of the 30 men in the Royal Rumble match and could perhaps set up a feud with another Superstar during the match.

He was also a part of the 30-man Royal Rumble match last year. He lasted just under 8 minutes before being eliminated by Braun Strowman and Drew McIntyre.

#1 Edge

One of the biggest rumours leading up to this year's Royal Rumble has been about the return of WWE Hall of Famer Edge, who last wrestled way back in 2011. The 46-year-old legend is reportedly set to return to the ring for one last time as per various reports after having reportedly signed a new deal with the company.

Sportskeeda's very own Gary Cassidy spoke to Triple H regarding an in-ring return for Edge, and this is what The Game had to say (you can read the entire interview here):

If you do, maybe it's an option but it's a medical decision. If our medical experts say that they believe this person has done whatever to rehab their situation, and there are multiple situations, they've done all of that and are safe to get back into the ring, then we allow it.

So it seems that if Edge has been cleared by WWE's medical personnel, he could very well return. With Edge claiming last year that he could have one more match in the ring, we can't rule out a return which would surely blow the roof off the place at Royal Rumble 2020.