The Royal Rumble is a special WWE event for many reasons. Sometimes, it involves a debuting star from NXT or another promotion, like AJ Styles in 2016.
The matches can also see the return of stars like Chelsea Greena and Nia Jax (2023) or WWE Legends like Michell McCool, Molly Holly, or JBL.
As it is the next main roster Premium Live Event, the 2024 Royal Rumble is highly anticipated. Being in January, there's always the possibility of a newly signed free agent debuting in the match.
While this year's match may or may not feature big free agents, there are current and former stars who must be a part of the contest. The following seven performers need to appear in the 2024 Royal Rumble matches.
#7 Mickie James could make a cameo
Mickie James still has it and is finished with IMPACT Wrestling. Her husband, Nick Aldis, is the GM of SmackDown. She could easily return for a one-and-done appearance or stick around longer on SmackDown or NXT.
Her release a few years ago was a black spot due to her belongings being reportedly left in a trash bag. She did return in a Royal Rumble as the Knockouts Champion last year.
Hardcore Country should get another chance and perhaps a decent run in the 2024 Royal Rumble. James could mentor the next crop of women in NXT, including Fallon Henley, who recently communicated with the veteran about forming a tag team.
#6 Kofi Kingston has shown his antics in elimination spots
One thing the Royal Rumble has featured over the last decade is stars staving off elimination in unique ways. Naomi did it a few times before she left, and Katana Chance did the same one year.
Kofi Kingston made it an annual tradition as he would walk on his hands, land in a chair, or jump to the guardrail to save himself from elimination.
He tried to do the same thing last year but unfortunately botched the attempt. Kingston needs retribution for last year, so he needs to be in the 2024 match.
#5 Otis is always entertaining
Fans love the big man of Alpha Academy. His stature should lead him to make several eliminations and have stare-downs with other hosses like Bronson Reed, Gunther, or Omos if they participate.
Unless he and Chad Gable are involved in tag team action, they'll be used to fill out the 30 spots for the Royal Rumble.
There will also be a few spots for him to do the Caterpillar to hype the crowd. Otis is a crowd-pleasing star who needs to be in the 2024 Royal Rumble.
#4 Bo Dallas should emerge from the shadows of 2023
While he hasn't competed under that ring name in 2023, Bo Dallas should be included in the 2024 Royal Rumble. It would be a symbolic selection due to his brother Bray Wyatt's passing earlier this year.
Dallas was brought back to portray Uncle Howdy, and that character has been shelved since Wyatt's untimely death.
The 2023 Royal Rumble also marks Wyatt's final match in WWE. At last year's event, he faced LA Knight in the Mountain Dew Pitch Black match. Adding Dallas would be an emotional yet fitting tribute to one of the most influential stars of the last decade.
#3 Nia Jax and #2 Jade Cargill could provide a memorable moment
The men aren't the only ones to have stare-downs between powerhouses. Jade Cargill is yet to compete in a WWE ring, but it's coming. She's been training at the WWE PC, learning a new style.
Since she wouldn't have to carry a match, the 2024 Royal Rumble would be the perfect stage for her official debut. Cargill can toss out some other women and have stare-downs with future opponents.
One of those future enemies could be Nia Jax. She has always been considered a favorite due to her size, but Cargill is a powerhouse who could toss her out of the match. The former RAW Women's Champ is also a heat magnet, so anyone she faces would be cheered.
#1 LA Knight should enter his first official Royal Rumble
As mentioned under Bo Dallas, Knight was featured in a singles match last year and did not compete in the Royal Rumble contest. The Megastar's popularity has grown exponentially, and he's become the top face on SmackDown.
He came close to beating Roman Reigns, but like every other one of his opponents, outside interference saved his title run. Knight should enter the match as a heavy favorite of both oddsmakers and the WWE Universe.
While he may not win due to some huge recent returns, he still needs to be in the match. He could even start a potential program with Logan Paul if that is his direction for WrestleMania 40.
