Last-minute Royal Rumble rumors: Multiple major returns planned, AEW involvement, Winners revealed?

We are merely a few hours away from this year's edition of WWE Royal Rumble 2022. There is massive hype and excitement for the event as fans are eager to see who will show up at the Rumble, especially with WWE kicking open the forbidden door by announcing IMPACT Knockouts Champion Mickie James for the women's match.

Fans also have three top championship matches to look forward to - Universal Champion Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins, WWE Champion Brock Lesnar vs. Bobby Lashley, and RAW Women's Champion Becky Lynch vs. Doudrop.

The rumor mill has been at its best over the last few weeks as we have multiple reports as well as potential spoilers on some massive returns planned for the show as well as who could possibly be the winners this year.

To get you all ready and geared up for the premium live event, here are the top last-minute rumors for WWE Royal Rumble 2022. Be sure to comment down and let us know your thoughts on the same and predictions for the show. Who do you think is heading to the main event of WrestleMania 38?

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#7 Multiple major surprises returns planned for the Women's Royal Rumble match

WWE has already done an incredible job with this year's Women's Rumble match. Several legends and WWE Hall of Famers like Lita, The Bella Twins, Michelle McCool, Mickie James, and many others have already been announced to return for the match.

In addition to all this star power, SmackDown Women's Champion Charlotte Flair will also enter the Rumble this year to prove her dominance to the entire roster.

The biggest rumor going around about a big Rumble return this year is that of Ronda Rousey. The former RAW Women's Champion has been away from WWE for nearly three years now and the company reportedly wants her in the bout.

Another big return discussed is that of former WWE Divas Champion Paige, who retired from in-ring action in 2018 due to her neck injuries. Other stars who could reportedly return in the women's Rumble as a surprise entrant are Asuka, Kairi Sane, Kaitlyn, and Aksana.

#6 Potential spoiler on surprise entrants for the men's Royal Rumble match

On the men's Royal Rumble side, WWE has already announced 25 out of the 30 entrants. Truth be told, the line-up doesn't look as exciting as that of the women's and the company needs to have some major surprises in the remaining five spots.

According to rumors, Shane McMahon is booked to be in the men's Rumble match this year. He last wrestled at WrestleMania 37 where he lost to Braun Strowman in a steel cage match. Another star from last year's WrestleMania who is reportedly set to return at the Rumble is Bad Bunny.

There is also a lot of speculation that either Brock Lesnar or Roman Reigns could enter the contest if they lose their title at the show to set up a WrestleMania 38 match.

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#5 Rumor killer on AEW involvement in the show

Following the announcement of Mickie James entering this year's women's Royal Rumble match, WrestleVotes reported that WWE is planning to have an "unexpected" forbidden door entrant in the men's Rumble as well.

"Had more than 1 source this weekend, w/o me directly asking, state they believe WWE will try for an “unexpected” forbidden door entrant for the Men’s Royal Rumble. Personally I’m skeptical it happens, but I can confirm WWE is at least open to the idea. Which is exciting enough," tweeted WrestleVotes.

This led to massive speculation that WWE could book an AEW star to enter this year's Rumble with possible names like Chris Jericho and even Jon Moxley being speculated to show up.

However, Dave Meltzer has put this speculation to bed and has stated that there won't be any All Elite Wrestling involvement at the show. It would be a true shocker if Vince McMahon's promotion manages to get an AEW star to appear at Royal Rumble.

#4 Potential surprise NXT call-ups at the Royal Rumble

Another tradition at the Royal Rumble over the last decade has been the surprise NXT call-ups. We've previously seen stars like Keith Lee, Rusev, and many others show up at the Rumble to give fans a taste of who the future stars in WWE could be.

According to a report by PWInsider, NXT Champion Bron Breakker and former NXT UK Champion WALTER, now known as Gunther, are in St. Louis for the show and could appear in the men's Rumble match.

"WWE is bringing at least two top NXT talents in for Royal Rumble weekend, PWInsider.com has confirmed. NXT Champion Bron Breakker and Gunther, the former WALTER, are slated to be in St. Louis next weekend for the Rumble event. There's no confirmation they will be in the Men's Rumble but they will, at least, be on deck if needed."

Both Breakker and Gunther are considered by many to be future megastars in the company. A decent showing at the Rumble could be a great way to introduce them to the casual fans who might not know or watch NXT.

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#3 The Undertaker and Kurt Angle are in St. Louis

WWE legend The Undertaker is reportedly set to be in attendance in St. Louis for the Royal Rumble this year. While he's most likely there to support his wife and women's Rumble entrant Michelle McCool, one can never say never in WWE.

"PWInsider.com has confirmed The Undertaker is slated to be in attendance at the 2022 Royal Rumble in St. Louis next week."

WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle has also been spotted in St. Louis. According to Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select, he is there to discuss with the promotion regarding an on-screen presence on their programming.

Could this also lead to an appearance at this year's Rumble match and possibly a WrestleMania program? We'll find out in a few hours!

#2 Austin Theory to get a big push

Vince McMahon is set to give a major push to Monday Night RAW Superstar Austin Theory at the Royal Rumble this year, according to WrestlingNews.co. A WWE source told them that Theory could even be in the final four or five stars at the end of the men's Rumble match.

"Austin [Theory] is going to get time to shine in the Rumble match. Last I heard was he will be in the final 4 or 5 at the end of the match.”

McMahon has been involved in several backstage segments with Austin Theory over the last few months, as his mentor. He definitely seems to see him as a huge star in the future for WWE.

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#1 Potential spoiler on the winners of WWE Royal Rumble 2022

Coming to the biggest question - who will win this year's men's and women's Royal Rumble match? The best thing about this year's matches is that it's tough to predict the winner in either of them.

Dave Meltzer reported a couple of weeks ago on the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that the favorites to win the men's Royal Rumble match are Big E, Brock Lesnar, and Drew McIntyre.

E has already announced himself for the Rumble this year and there is a possibility that Lesnar could drop the title to Lashley and then enter the Rumble and win it. However, McIntyre is likely to miss the show due to his injury.

On the women's side, Meltzer had reported that Bianca Belair is the favorite to win the Royal Rumble and also added that Bayley could also return and win the contest. However, if the reports are true and Ronda Rousey returns at the Rumble, she will definitely be the favorite to win the match.