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The WWE Royal Rumble is most famous for its surprise entrants and the loud crowd reactions that they produce. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, live fans won't be at the show this year. But WWE could still pack a few surprises into the show.
Though fans won't be in attendance, the WWE Universe can cheer these shocking moments from the comfort of their homes. One of the primary sources of these unexpected entrants over the past few years has been NXT. The Royal Rumble has seen the likes of Keith Lee, Shayna Baszler and Tye Dillinger produce memorable moments that fans fondly look back on.
Some wrestlers might use the Royal Rumble Match as a one-off appearance. For others, the event could mark their debut on the main roster. Either way, the sight of NXT stars competing at the Royal Rumble typically elicits positive reactions from wrestling fans. This year won't be any different.
Here's a look at some of the possible NXT stars who could compete in the Royal Rumble Match this year.
#5 Santos Escobar - WWE Cruiserweight Champion
Santos Escobar has been on a hot streak for a few months. Since his heel turn and the subsequent formation of Legado del Fantasma, Escobar has been one of the most compelling stars on NXT. He has reigned as the NXT Cruiserweight Champion, and he's been booked like a strong titleholder.
Escobar is surrounded by fan-favorite stars on NXT, so he's a dark horse pick to appear in the Royal Rumble. But his work has been underrated, as he has consistently delivered outstanding matches that impress the fans.
Escobar might not be as renowned as some of NXT's other stars. But he is a champion, and WWE often tends to display its NXT titleholders as genuine threats to the main roster. An appearance in the Royal Rumble could work wonders for Escobar's career, as it could introduce him to a much larger audience.
#4 WWE NXT star Bronson Reed
WWE management loves big men. These sizable stars often get called up to the main roster earlier than other wrestlers, and WWE typically pushes them as unstoppable forces. Bronson Reed has been on and off TV for a while, but Triple H has allowed him to stand out on NXT. Reed has thrived since he returned to the black-and-gold brand.
The Royal Rumble Match always has its fair share of massive competitors, so Reed would fit right in if he made his debut at this year's event. Reed has been gunning for the NXT Championship, but it is currently around Finn Balor's waist. Reed has a long way to go before he can earn a title shot. He has a lot of potential, but he'll have to wait his turn before he gets his opportunity.
In the meantime, Reed can show up at WWE Royal Rumble. There, he could play the role of the big guy that overpowers the other competitors in the match. Reed might even get the chance to eliminate a few members of the main roster. It would be fascinating to see Reed interact with some of the members of WWE RAW and WWE SmackDown, even in a brief appearance.
#3 WWE NXT star Adam Cole
Adam Cole is one of WWE's top stars, though he's still on the company's third brand. He has often been the featured player on WWE NXT, but the former champion hasn't been called up to the main roster yet. But the leader of the Undisputed ERA has had his fair share of main roster appearances.
He even defeated Daniel Bryan on an episode of WWE SmackDown in 2019. Plus, Col competed in a singles match at WWE Survivor Series. But his most relevant appearance in regards to the matter at hand is his entry into the 2018 Royal Rumble Match.
Three years have passed since Cole's first Royal Rumble Match. 2021 might be the perfect time for his second outing in the match. He is currently busy with the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic, but he could still make a surprise appearance at the Royal Rumble. Cole seems like he's prepared to spend more time in NXT, so this appearance would probably be a one-off.
Many fans would be delighted if Cole competed in the Royal Rumble Match this year. Cole would be the perfect choice for WWE to showcase NXT's star power to the general audience. Plus, if Cole has a strong performance, he could increase the credibility of NXT stars as a whole.
#2 WWE NXT star Damian Priest
Damian Priest rocketed to WWE stardom in 2020. He won the NXT North American Championship, and he became one of the brand's most prominent competitors. This successful run has prepared Priest for his call-up to the main roster. "The Archer of Infamy" was seemingly written off NXT after his recent loss to Karrion Kross, so he could be on his way to WWE RAW or WWE SmackDown.
In the last few weeks, various reports have suggested that Priest will get called up to the main roster. He was set to share the ring with Roman Reigns for a segment on WWE SmackDown, but these plans changed at the last minute. Still, it's evident that Priest's time in NXT is probably over.
Since Priest hasn't appeared on the main roster yet, he could debut at WWE Royal Rumble. He probably won't win the match, but he could impress the fans with a standout performance. That way, he'll be set up to succeed in his first few weeks on the main roster.
#1 WWE NXT star Rhea Ripley
Rhea Ripley had quite an eventful 2020 in WWE. She defended the NXT Women's Championship at WrestleMania 36, but she tapped out Charlotte Flair. Still, Ripley made history as the first active NXT wrestler who had a match at WrestleMania. After this loss, Ripley never regained the title.
Ripley has definitely improved as a wrestler since her loss at WrestleMania 36. Many fans lashed out when Ripley wasn't booked well following this defeat. "The Nightmare" never got her win back, but now that Flair has returned to WWE RAW, the two stars could clash once again.
It's only a matter of time before "The Queen" wins the WWE RAW Women's Championship. Ripley could challenge Flair for her title in an effort to avenge her crushing loss. Like Damian Priest, Ripley has been surrounded by rumors that suggest she'll be getting called up soon. She also seemingly wrapped up her NXT run after her loss to Raquel González at NXT's New Year's Evil.
Ripley could enter the Royal Rumble Match and aim to get a shot at "The Queen." She could make history as the first NXT wrestler to win the prestigious match. If she does face Flair again, their roles would be reversed. Ripley would be the challenger, and Flair would enter WrestleMania as the champion. In theory, Ripley could then defeat "The Queen" and cement her status as a top star on WWE RAW.
