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Every year the Royal Rumble is bound to have a couple surprises. With so many Superstars from the past who would love to make an appearance in Philly, there are a lot of people WWE could call. On the other hand, there are also plenty of other pro wrestlers from NXT and the indies who wouldn't mind having their number dawn either.
With the 2018 Royal Rumble coming up fast, let's take a look at some of the people we don't want to see as surprise entrants during the big over-the-top-rope melee. Don't get me know, I still love all of these guys, but with so many options on who could surprise us, WWE has a few better choices they could make.
So let's take a look at 5 people who shouldn't be surprise entrants in the 2018 Men's Royal Rumble Match.
#5 Kevin Nash
We all love you, Big Daddy Cool... but your knees are shot. At this point, Kevin Nash just showing up to wave hello would be a great treat. Judging by the advertising for the event, he's expected to be at the Raw 25th Anniversary Special which is also the go-home Raw before the Royal Rumble. But Kevin Nash doesn't need to be in the actual Royal Rumble match.
His body just can't take it at this point. He's racked up so many surgeries that he's probably punched enough holes in his "surgery card" that he's due for a couple free ones at this point. It's always great to see him on television because Kevin Nash is still just as cool as ever, but the Kliq member doesn't need to be actually getting involved in the Royal Rumble Match.
#4 Jake "The Snake" Roberts
This is a rather bittersweet one to include on this list because, in all honesty, nothing would make me happier than to see Jake Roberts return at the Royal Rumble and win to go on and defeat Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 34 with a DDT. It would be awesome television and would turn a lot of attention to the product. But alas, that isn't in the realm of possibility.
Roberts has done a lot to his body through his life and although some of his peers might still have some gas left in the tank, Jake Roberts might be better off just to take it easy and keep working to better himself.
#3 The Velveteen Dream
I haven't been more impressed with someone's evolution into a character in a long time as I have been with Patrick Clark as he morphed into the Velveteen Dream. The Tough Enough hopeful who created a social media outrage when he was unjustly eliminated has gone on to prove all of his doubters wrong and even outshine the guy who went on to win this season of the show.
The Dream's performance against Aleister Black at NXT TakeOver: WarGames was amazing and after it was over, everyone was saying The Velveteen Dream's name. But he should remain off of this year's Royal Rumble event. His debut needs to be executed carefully due to his unique character and a place like the 2018 Royal Rumble just doesn't seem like the best place for him... yet.
#2 Ricochet
I'm torn on this one because much like Jake Roberts I would actually love to see Ricochet jump right to the WWE main roster and start checking names off of his list. But it doesn't seem like Ricochet would get the proper treatment if he debuted this year.
With so many stories going on toward WrestleMania and the main event seemingly already booked for the Universal Title with Lesnar vs Reigns, Ricochet's debut might be best served for NXT TakeOver: Philadelphia instead if he does appear in WWE.
Then again, AJ Styles came in at the #3 entrant during the 2016 Royal Rumble and although he didn't win he still had a great showing and went on to have an amazing first year with the company. But unless WWE plans on strapping a rocket to Ricochet's back (like he deserves) it might be a good idea for him to remain a spectator this year.
#1 Triple H
Do I really need to say it? Triple H is always a hot draw when it comes to bringing prestige to a match and it's always special to see him work a match. But WWE's COO doesn't need to be getting involved in the Royal Rumble match this year.
He could very well have a program lined up toward WrestleMania with someone like Kurt Angle or even Shane McMahon -- a triple threat match between the three of them would be money. But Triple H's involvement isn't necessary this year and he might just get in the way.
After all, he doesn't need to work the Royal Rumble pay-per-view because he's got plenty to do in other areas right now. Let Triple H gear up for whatever he's got lined up for WrestleMania 34 and he can take the night off in Philly.
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