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The Royal Rumble has always been my favourite PPV outside of WrestleMania, and my all-time favourite gimmick match.
So with that being said, who could make a surprise return or debut this year to shock the WWE Universe?
#6 The Undertaker
The Undertaker is retired, it's true. I was there in Orlando when he laid down the gloves and hat.
Something tells me, however, that the 25th-anniversary edition of RAW in January that Taker is advertised for, will give him a good reason for one more match at Wrestlemania.
I would throw in my lot with John Cena being the final opponent for the Undertaker and would love to see a Buried Alive match to finally say goodbye to the Deadman.
#5 Neville
This would be a non-active roster return for Neville and would be greatly received by the WWE Universe given his perceived gripes around his position on the show and how over he was before he left.
Neville is one of the best physical performers in the company, and his heel run as the King of the Cruiserweights was his best work in WWE. Neville can hang with the best of them and guys like Seth Rollins, Finn Balor and Kevin Owens all provide great matchup possibilities.
He is still an active roster member according to WWE.com, so, he could be back in the fold very soon.
#4 Shawn Michaels
This is pure fantasy, but as much as Shawn denies he will ever return to the ring, he has been hanging around NXT for the last few months and has also done some special guest referee spots.
Could Mr WrestleMania lace the snakeskin boots up one more time and enter the Rumble for the last shot at gold before really calling it a day? Never say never.
#3 Ricochet
Now, this rumour has some substance. Ricochet has been a free agent for a while after confirming he has wrestled his final match in NJPW and Lucha Underground had aired his episodes in Season 3.
A major wrestling promotion is on the cards and would point to either WWE or Impact. Given his relationship with Tessa Blanchard and friends throughout the organisation, my money is on King Ricochet popping up in WWE very soon.
His high flying ability is well renowned and could have a great match with many WWE or NXT superstars.
#2 Daniel Bryan
The one we all want. Instead of Roman Reigns or Batista or Rey Mysterio, imagine if "Flight of the Valkyries" hits the titantron and Daniel Bryan makes his way down to the ring with deafening "Yes" chants blowing the roof off Philly. Could it happen?
His recent active participation in a PPV match as goes referee and teased physical altercation with Shane McMahon suggests its possible, but WWE must be absolutely sure he is OK to compete before allowing any appearance so fingers crossed!
#1 Kenny Omega
There are so many reasons why this may and probably will not happen, but suspending our disbelief, for now, could "The Cleaner" finally join the WWE roster? We have seen all previous Bullet Club leaders going to the organisation, from Finn Balor to AJ Styles to Adam Cole. Kenny is wrestling a dream match on January 4th against WWE legend Chris Jericho at Wrestle Kingdom 12 for NJPW and hasn't signed a new contract following that date. If free agent but for all intents and purposes WWE talent Chris Jericho can wrestle for NJPW, why couldn't Kenny do the same for WWE? The pure wrestling fan in me sees this being the biggest "pop" since Daniel Bryan won the World Championship at WrestleMania 30, but contracts and egos will ultimately decide if this dream will become a reality.
What do you think? Who would you like to hit the WWE squared circle as the timer hits the zero? Leave a comment!
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