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With 2023 coming to a close, WWE fans are slowly starting to turn their attention towards the Road to WrestleMania.
The first major Premium Live Event in 2024 will be the Royal Rumble, a show that has given fans many exciting moments over the years, with former or injured superstars making their surprise returns to the company.
Join us as we take a look at four stars that could make their WWE return at Tropicana Field next January.
#4. A former Intercontinental Champion returns to WWE
One star that many feel has been destined to return to the company for quite some time is Matt Cardona (a.k.a Zack Ryder).
The former Intercontinental Champion has huge links to WWE at this moment in time, including his wife, Chelsea Green, and his best friend, Cody Rhodes, both huge parts of the current roster.
During a recent interview with Fightful, Cardona was asked what it would take for him to consider making a return to the place where he made his name.
"Listen, if I get a phone call right now, of course I’d pick it up and we’d have a conversation. I’d be lying if I said I never wanted to wrestle at Madison Square Garden again or wrestle at WrestleMania again, but for right now, I’m having the time of my life, I’m having so much fun, I’m making so much money. What would it take? Cash and creative, you know? There’s no guarantees in wrestling, but I’d need some intention, you know what I’m saying?" (H/T WrestleTalk)
#3. One more run for a Hall of Famer
One performer who feels he has one more run left in him is former Universal Champion and Hall of Famer, Goldberg.
The legendary star has not wrestled since February 2022, when he failed to defeat Roman Reigns for the Universal title. Since then, he has been determined to get back into the ring and retire on his own terms.
Speaking to Sports Illustrated earlier this year, Goldberg was asked if he is open to one more run in the ring before hanging up his boots.
"You never say never, especially in wrestling, and they owe me one,” says Goldberg. “That’s all I can say. I made a deal with the devil and I did my job, and they owe me a retirement match. At the end of the day, at 56, it’s not something where I’m sitting by the phone waiting for a call. I’ve got a few ideas of how to do it." (H/T Sports Illustrated)
#2. The Viper makes his comeback
One of the company's biggest names, who is seemingly very close to returning to World Wrestling Entertainment, is Randy Orton.
The Apex Predator has not wrestled a match since May 2022, where he and his teammate Matt Riddle failed to capture the Undisputed WWE Tag Team titles against The Usos.
Recently, the former WWE Champion was seen arriving at the company's performance center, with rumors circulating that he may be set for a comeback.
According to a recent report from WreslteVotes, Randy Orton may be set to make his return even sooner than the Royal Rumble, with new merchandise having been approved.
"Regarding the Randy Orton return rumors, source states new merchandise & branding has been approved. Also, WWE will present a large social media promotion / digital material for the comeback. It's indeed happening. Likely Survivor Series or that weekend." (H/T WreslteVotes)
#1. The Second City Saint punches his ticket to Mania
Since his dramatic exit from All Elite Wrestling this summer, there have been multiple rumors surrounding the potential return of CM Punk to the WWE.
The Straight Edge star also left World Wrestling Entertainment in unfavorable ways in 2014 after he walked out of the building following his poor booking during the year or so prior.
However, it seems as though his issues with multiple of his former colleagues may be squashed as he arrived backstage at an episode of RAW earlier this year, where he looked to make amends.
Now out of AEW, a recent report from Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter stated that Punk's intentions are to re-sign with World Wrestling Entertainment.
"Regarding CM Punk, there is obviously tons of talk regarding him returning,” Meltzer wrote in his newsletter. “There have been rumors that it’s happening, but those in WWE have only said that no deal is completed and those close to Punk have told us that it is his intention to return and the two sides are in talks." (H/T Sports Illustrated)
Who do you wish to see return during the 2024 Royal Rumble? Let us know in the comments section below!
A WWE Hall of Famer called out AEW fans HERE
