5 possible surprise entrants for the 2022 Royal Rumble

The Royal Rumble match is one of the unique match types in WWE. One superstar tries to outlast 30 (or 40 in the 2011 edition) others to achieve a championship opportunity at WrestleMania against the world champion of their choice. The only way to do it is to stay in the ring until everyone else is thrown out.

Apart from the interesting stipulation, the match is also known for its surprise entrants, which often include former superstars that haven’t appeared on television in extended periods, Hall of Famers, and even celebrities.

This list looks at five potential surprise entrants for the 2022 edition of the Royal Rumble match. As always, leave your thoughts on this list in the comments below and tell us which of these returns is the most likely to happen according to you.

---

#5. Corey Graves could return in the Royal Rumble

Corey Graves has reportedly just been cleared to wrestle. This revelation before Rumble could be interesting as WWE may want to include him in the match to surprise the fans.

While the majority knows Graves as a commentator, but he also competed in NXT, even winning the tag team championships with Neville. His last match was a six-man tag team match against The Usos and Sami Zayn, almost seven years ago.

Corey Graves's future could be exciting, as even after the Rumble, WWE could use him in feuds in the main roster. He might have a dream match against current co-commentator and rival, Byron Saxton who also competed in NXT.

#4. The Hurricane may enter his third Royal Rumble in 5 years

Gregory Shane Helms' performances in the 2018 and 2021 Royal Rumbles were nothing short of incredible. At 49 -years old, he can still wrestle well. Because of this, likely, he could again be a surprise entrant in the 2022 edition, especially since his The Hurricane gimmick is still popular among wrestling fans.

The return could place him in front of the WWE Universe for the first time in four years, and it would be interesting to see how the fans' reaction compares to 2018's. A comic segment between The Hurricane and R-Truth could also be incredible if planned well.

---

#3. Kane could return in front of fans for the first time in years

Despite being very busy outside WWE, Kane surprised fans when he returned at the 2021 edition of Rumble. With the Royal Rumble being in front of a live crowd for the first time since 2020, The Devil's Favorite Demon may want to return to see the WWE Universe once again.

If he returns, fans should expect it to be a one-off appearance as the Knox County mayor's may not allow him to work full-time with WWE.

#2. John Cena could surprise fans with a Royal Rumble return

A John Cena Royal Rumble return could be another sure-fire way to bring fans to tune in to the “Show of Shows.”

While he has some films to be released this year, it is possible that he could still appear on WWE TV during the build-up to WrestleMania. Of course, his availability depends on his schedule, but John Cena has promised fans that his career in the ring is far from over.

A feud with Shinsuke Nakamura for the Intercontinental championship could be interesting as it is the only championship Cena has never held. This would make the championship feel relevant again, as it seems WWE currently has no plans for it.

---

#1. Could Jeff Hardy return and debut a new gimmick?

Jeff Hardy’s WWE release was shocking, to say the least, as WWE has never hinted at the possibility. It is also quite strange that the reason behind his release is still not confirmed even now.

Before being drafted to SmackDown, Jeff mentioned becoming a “new version” of himself. It is quite possible that his lay-off was to instate a gimmick change that might debut on the upcoming premium live event.

Jeff has been known to use several names and gimmicks throughout his career. In TNA (aka IMPACT Wrestling), he wrestled as Willow The Wisp, a darker, more sinister alter-ego. If he was to debut a new gimmick, Royal Rumble is the best place for it.