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Royal Rumble, the maiden pay-per-view of the year, is just a couple of days away. RAW and SmackDown have confirmed a total of eight matches thus far, including a number of title bouts.
Being one of the significant shows of the year, Royal Rumble has a long history, and it will be the 33rd edition of the PPV this year. The show will be held at the Minute Maid Park in Houston, Texas. With battle royal-style matches for men and women, it should be a fantastic event. Every year, a number of unexpected names show up at Royal Rumble, surprising the WWE Universe.
In this article, we take a look at five colossal names who could make unexpected appearances at the Royal Rumble matches this year.
#5 John Cena
John Cena has been away from the squared circle for a while because he has been a busy man in Hollywood. As a matter of fact, it's been one year since the former poster boy of the company last wrestled in a WWE ring. Undoubtedly, fans would love to see him make a surprise appearance at the Royal Rumble this year.
Having missed the event with an unfortunate injury last year, he also didn't wrestle at WrestleMania 35. However, the former WWE Champion made a special appearance at the Showcase of Immortals, delivering an entertaining segment with Elias.
As WrestleMania 36 is around the corner, the Leader of Cenation would love to have a match, and Royal Rumble could be the start of a program that builds to the biggest show of the year. A shocking Royal Rumble entry from Cena could become a talking point of the show, and he might eliminate a couple of superstars along the way. Given Cena's record in Royal Rumble matches of the past, he could be a major threat to the other men in the ring.
#4 AJ Lee
Since the commencement of the Women's Royal Rumble match in 2018, it has had a couple of major surprises. While several noteworthy women from the past had come back and competed in the ring, AJ Lee, the former Divas Champion, is yet to participate in a women's Royal Rumble match.
The 32-year old hung up her boots very early in her career, announcing her retirement a few years ago, due not only to an injury but also a dissonance between her husband CM Punk and WWE. If the three-time Divas Champion decides to return for a special appearance at Royal Rumble, she could certainly do it.
With CM Punk back working in partnership company as a guest of the FOX show 'Backstage', it's safe to say that his relationship has improved with WWE. Moreover, AJ Lee's appearance could shock the fans, and she will be aiming to eliminate some women, proving why she was one of the longest-reigning women's champions in her heyday.
#3 Goldberg
Goldberg could enter the Royal Rumble match this year, considering his last match wasn't too long ago. The former Universal Champion wrestles occasionally in WWE, and the company could keep a huge surprise in store with an appearance of the WCW legend, increasing his chance of fighting at WrestleMania 36.
Goldberg wrestled in two matches last year, with one being at Super ShowDown and the other one at SummerSlam. While Goldberg crossed paths with The Undertaker at Super ShowDown in Saidi Arabia, he locked horns with Dolph Ziggler at SummerSlam. Losing to The Undertaker after a terrible performance, Goldberg got back on track with a big win against Ziggler.
Goldberg has participated in the Men's Royal Rumble match twice in his career, never winning the match. While he is not likely to win the match if he shows up at Royal Rumble this year, he could show his dominance in the match. As Goldberg was responsible for the elimination of Brock Lesnar in 2017 Royal Rumble, the latter could return the favor this year.
#2 Edge
With rumors floating for Edge's return to the squared circle, Royal Rumble could be an ideal place to make the big return. If the Rated-R Superstar makes a long-term comeback or even wrestles for one night at Royal Rumble, he could elevate the stature of the show, making this Royal Rumble a memorable event.
After suffering an unfortunate injury in 2011, Edge was forced to retire, when he was just 37 years old. Since hanging up his boots nine years ago, Edge had made a number of sporadic appearances, but he never got physical in the ring until last year. The eleven-time WWE Champion showed up at SummerSlam last year and delivered a Spear to Elias, raising the possibility of his in-ring return.
Whether Edge is cleared to wrestle or not, it remains to be seen. The current roster has many Superstars from RAW and SmackDown, who could tear the house down in a match against Edge. Furthermore, if Edge enters Royal Rumble this year, he will be a favorite to win the match.
#1 Ronda Rousey
Ronda Rousey is the obvious name to be at the number one spot on this list, and she has a big chance of making an appearance at Royal Rumble this year. The return of the former RAW Women's Champion could mean that she might actually wrestle at WrestleMania 36, after main eventing WrestleMania last year.
Making her debut at WrestleMania 34, Rousey had an impressive run of one year in WWE. Following a long unbeaten run, similar to her initial UFC run, Rousey lost the RAW Women's Championship to Becky Lynch at WrestleMania 35. After having lost the belt, Rousey hasn't been around, but it could certainly change on Sunday.
If Rousey surprises everyone at Royal Rumble, it will be a massive boost for the women's division before the Showcase of Immortals. Moreover, Rousey could be the ultimate pick to win the Battle Royal match, earning an opportunity to get her hands on Becky Lynch at WrestleMania 36. Given Lynch was the first woman to beat Rousey in WWE, the latter will be eagerly waiting to avenge the previous loss.
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