5 shocking returns that may happen at the 2019 Royal Rumble

With us nearing the end of 2018, it won't be long until January next year, and we all know what that means: the Royal Rumble and the road to WrestleMania 35.

For years, the 30-Man Royal Rumble Match has been one of the most exciting matches of the year, with that excitement doubled earlier this year with the introduction of the Women's Royal Rumble.

The match has seen some classic moments, from Stone Cold's three Rumble wins, to Maven's shock elimination of The Undertaker in 2002.

But as 2019 rolls around, there's plenty of Superstars who will be hoping to add their name to the illustrious list of winners, that includes The Rock, Hulk Hogan, John Cena and Triple H.

There is often surprise Rumble entrants, usually wrestlers from days gone by, who want one final shot at headling WrestleMania.

Here are five shocking returns that may happen at the 2019 Royal Rumble

#5 Batista

Upon returning, and leaving the WWE in 2014, Dave Batista has become a true success.

Not just a multiple-time former World Champion, Batista has become a leading man in Hollywood, working in franchises such as Blade Runner, James Bond, and most prominently, working as Drax The Destroyer in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

But if you've seen any interviews with the Animal, you'll know that he cannot shake the wrestling itch, with a rumoured match between him and Triple H scheduled for WrestleMania 35.

Whilst that match is now up in the air, given the Game's injury at Crown Jewel, the Rumble match proves to be a great return spot for the Animal, regardless of Mania plans.

Already a two-time winner (2005 and 2014), Batista's second victory was not received well by fans, who wanted Daniel Bryan.

Hopefully, the Animal will get a better response in 2019.

#4 Shawn Michaels

At Crown Jewel, Shawn Michaels came out of an 8-year retirement, teaming with Triple H to defeat the Brothers of Destruction.

Despite HBK saying this would be a one-off return, the rumour going around is that Shawn is to have a handful of matches in 2019.

Perhaps one will be the Royal Rumble, a match that Michaels has won twice already, in 1995 and in 1996.

Even if he didn't win the 2019 match, his return (which would be made perfect at #30) would definitely be an OMG moment for the year, and could easily lead into Shawn's first WrestleMania match since 2010.

Perhaps there could even be a showdown against the Undertaker, with one or both men eliminating the other, to build to an epic third match at the Showcase of the Immortals.

We all know the Deadman is slowing down, perhaps HBK will be the man to end the career of the same man who ended his.

#3 David Arquette

When fans think of David Arquette, they probably think of the pipsqueak weasel of WCW, whose brief reign as World Champion was the final nail in the coffin of the company.

But in 2018, Arquette has returned to the wrestling world, working well in every role he's been given, either as an underdog, pasty babyface, or a cocky, Hollywood star heel.

A return at the Royal Rumble could certainly make for a shocking moment, as well as a feel-good experience for someone who is genuinely one of the nicest guys in all of wrestling.

Perhaps Arquette could even get an elimination, probably over some lower rung heel, though I'd like to see him stick it to the WWE's resident A-Lister The Miz, proving himself as the true star of the Silver screen.

Whatever happens, an appearance by the Scream star in the Royal Rumble would be great.

#2 Rob Van Dam

Rob Van Dam is no stranger to returning as an entrant of the Royal Rumble match, as the former ECW star did just that in 2009.

Once considered the greatest star to never win a World title (until he did in 2006), the Royal Rumble match victory is one of the very few accolades that Van Dam has yet to accomplish.

RVD though has not exactly warmed himself up to the company, verbally berating WWE COO Triple H a few months ago, in what could not have been pleasant listening for the Game.

Despite this, money talks, and getting RVD back, at least for one night, would certainly get fans more interested in the product.

If he was to stay longer than just the night, there's no shortage of younger, newer talent who Mr Pay Per View could feud with, perhaps a member of 205 Live?

#1 The Rock

Possibly the biggest What If on this list, The Rock has become arguably the biggest Superstar outside of the ring.

One of the highest earners in Hollywood ever, it seems that there'd be no reason for the Great One to lace up his boots once again, with his last match setting a WrestleMania record for shortest match, in 2016.

Despite this, The Rock has been rumoured for the match, and has, at least at some point, been the bookies favourite to win the contest.

This presumably, was because of a rumoured Roman-Rock match at WrestleMania, which is obviously not happening given the Big Dog's leukaemia diagnosis.

In its place though, Rock-Brock 2 could be an excellent substitute and would have plenty of backstories, as it was a young beast that dethroned the Brahma Bull in 2002 to win his first WWE Championship.

A rematch would certainly have star power.