5 NXT superstars who should enter the Royal Rumble 

The Royal Rumble is one of the most exciting events on the WWE calendar and this year's show is just a little over a week away.

The Rumble match itself has become iconic for its unpredictable nature. Fans eagerly count down from 10 to see which superstar will be making their entrance into the match next.

Over the years, the match has featured plenty of surprise returns and shocking debuts, and this year's match looks set to be no different.

In recent years, fans have been accustomed to seeing NXT stars make their main-roster debut at the event. Last year's event saw both Andrade 'Cien' Almas and Adam Cole both make appearances in the match, while the likes of Tye Dillinger and Rusev have also made appearances in recent years.

A run in the Royal Rumble doesn't necessarily mean a full roster call-up, with the WWE often using the match to introduce stars who will be making their debuts down the line.

With all of that in mind, let's take a look at five NXT stars who could make an appearance in this year's Royal Rumble.

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#5 Velveteen Dream

How will the wider WWE Universe react to Velveteen Dream?

Velveteen Dream is undoubtedly one of the biggest stars in NXT right now, but serious question marks still hover around as to whether or not his gimmick is going to be well received on the main roster.

While the Royal Rumble crowd is likely to be an incredibly passionate and knowledgeable one, the event could still provide the WWE with the chance to run a litmus test with the Dream.

Having Velveteen Dream come down in one of his crazy outfits could provide the powers that be with a chance to gauge how the bigger WWE Universe is likely to react to him when he does inevitably take his step up to the main roster in 2019.

#4 Aleister Black

Aleister Black is ready for the main roster

When composing a list of NXT superstars ready for the main roster, the Netherlands-born former NXT Champion has to be at the very top.

Black has achieved pretty much all there is to achieve in Full Sail, and his unorthodox in-ring style and character work could be just what the main event scene on the main roster is looking for.

Unlike all of the other entries on this list, Aleister Black should not only make an appearance in the Royal Rumble, but he should also stick around on the main roster following the event.

Given the lack of fresh babyfaces in the WWE, especially on SmackDown, Black could help freshen things up on Tuesday nights and could quickly establish himself as a force to reckon with, with a strong outing.

#3 Adam Cole

Adam Cole could make his second ever Rumble appearance

Adam Cole is one of the hottest stars in NXT right now, and a call-up to the main roster feels like it is a case of sooner rather than later right now.

Cole made an appearance in last year's Rumble match and his stock has grown considerably since then. The former North American Champion has gone from strength to strength over the last year and has put himself on the radar of the wider WWE Universe with his impressive performances.

Like Velveteen Dream, an appearance in the Royal Rumble could act as a bit of a test run for Cole, who will no doubt be on the main roster come this time next year.

#2 Ricochet

Ricochet and the Rumble are a match made in heaven

In the nine months since he made his NXT debut, Ricochet has gone on to establish himself as one of the most exciting stars on the whole brand.

The former ROH and NJPW star has wowed audiences with his impressive and innovative displays and an appearance in the Royal Rumble would no doubt help him continue to establish himself as one of the company's must-see performers.

Ricochet is set to do battle with Johnny Gargano the same weekend as the Royal Rumble and an impressive display from him in the Rumble match itself could potentially inspire non-NXT viewers to give the brand some deserved attention.

His high-flying in-ring style also all but guarantees some fairly exciting spots throughout the match as well.

#1 Pete Dunne

Dunne is one of the hottest stars in the WWE

If there is any superstar who deserves a bit more attention from the wider WWE Universe, it's the reigning UK Champion, Pete Dunne.

Dunne has gone from strength to strength over the last couple of years and is now being positioned as the star of the WWE's new NXT: UK division.

A run from Dunne in the Rumble match would not only help him get himself over with the WWE Universe but it could also help draw some attention to the company's newest brand by showcasing one of its most innovative stars.

Dunne has also appeared in front of the WWE Universe before, making a surprise appearance on an episode of Raw in 2017. The Bruiserweight is destined for big things and he would guarantee one of the biggest pops of the night in Phoenix.