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On January 10, 2022, it was reported that "WWE will try for an 'unexpected' forbidden door entrant for the Men's Royal Rumble."
The report came from WrestleVotes, who regularly post behind-the-scenes tidbits via Twitter. It comes after WWE announced that current IMPACT Knockouts Champion Mickie James would compete in the 30-Woman Royal Rumble match.
It is the first time Vince McMahon's company has been seen actively promoting another promotion's champion in some time. It left many wondering if the Mickie James announcement would lead to a partnership or more surprise appearances outside the company.
For those who are not aware, the 'Forbidden Door' is the term coined to describe an agreement that allows wrestling promotions to work with each other.
All Elite Wrestling, IMPACT Wrestling, NWA, and NJPW have all come together in recent times. This has usually involved the wrestlers competing in one another's promotion. The report from WrestleVotes has the world of professional wrestling once again talking about who might show up at the Royal Rumble on January 29.
That being said, let's take a look at five potential 'Forbidden Door' entrants who could enter the Men's Royal Rumble match
#5 NJPW's Will Ospreay could enter the Men's WWE Royal Rumble match
Hot off the heels of the main event of Wrestle Kingdom 16 at the Tokyo Dome, Will Ospreay could yet make more magic happen.
Although he lost his IWGP World Heavyweight Championship match to Kazuchika Okada on Night Two on January 5, Ospreay still has a fire burning inside of him, wanting more. He has vowed to main event the Tokyo Dome again in the future.
Interestingly, Ospreay will be visiting the United States of America on January 23 to defend his Warrior Wrestling World Title against Brian Cage in Illinois.
Of course, the Royal Rumble comes just a week after Warrior Wrestling's big event. Could this mean WWE and NJPW agree upon Ospreay to stick around for a surprise appearance?
He has plenty of friends within the company. His partner, Bea Priestley, works at NXT UK. Plus, he already has some outstanding beef with the likes of Seth Rollins following their Twitter spat a few years back.
It would certainly make for an interesting entrant. He could easily come out and cut a heel promo and go to work in the ring the only way he could.
#4 Matt Cardona A.K.A. Zack Ryder could enter the Men's WWE Royal Rumble match
Since leaving WWE in 2020, Matt Cardona, the former Zack Ryder, has completely reinvented himself on the independent circuit.
His most notable work in recent times came working for Game Changer Wrestling. He portrayed a character that was pro-sports entertainment and wanted to change GCW. After Cardona won the promotion's main title, the fans even threw debris into the ring in disgust.
He currently works for IMPACT Wrestling and recently married Chelsea Green. The wedding was attended by current superstars, including The Miz and Dolph Ziggler. Are conversations happening about him appearing in the Battle Royale?
The former Intercontinental Champion appearing would be a nice throwback for the fans and a name that they are familiar with.
#3 NWA wrestler Nick Aldis could appear in the Men's Royal Rumble match
Nick Aldis recently held the NWA World Heavyweight Championship for 1,043 days. He is considered one of the greatest world champions of the modern era.
Aldis has never performed for Vince McMahon's company, but he does have connections. He is married to Mickie James, who will return at the Royal Rumble event. Could Nick come along for his WWE debut on January 29?
The former IMPACT World Heavyweight Champion has just about done it all and has performed worldwide. He would be a worthy addition to this year's Men's Rumble match.
#2 Adam Scherr A.K.A. Braun Strowman could return for one night in the Men's WWE Royal Rumble match
Adam Scherr, formerly known as Braun Strowman in WWE, has already returned to professional wrestling under the guise of The Titan.
He was released in June 2021, in which the company cited budget cuts as the reason. Scherr was regularly pushed by the company and was placed in high-profile feuds. It shocked fans when the news of his release was revealed.
Being a familiar and popular face, he could make a one-night return at the Royal Rumble. It could be a farewell and closing a chapter to help his future ventures in other promotions with his new Control Your Narrative stable.
#1 AEW's Chris Jericho could return and enter the Men's Royal Rumble match
Chris Jericho is one of the most popular stars of AEW. However, he had jumped through the 'Forbidden Door' in April 2021 when he appeared on WWE Network. He joined Stone Cold Steve Austin as a guest on his Broken Skull Sessions.
The 'Forbidden Door' could be opened once again for the Le Champion to make some noise. After all, he is good friends with Vince McMahon and a very recognizable face for the fans.
A little bit of the bubbly could be opened in St. Louis in just a few weeks.
Who would you like to see in the Men's Royal Rumble and kick through the 'Forbidden Door'? Let us know in the comments below!
