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We are less than a day away from the Royal Rumble, with a total of 25 names confirmed for the 30-man free-for-all. This leaves only five spots open ahead of the event.
Some of them may end up being taken by full-time stars on RAW and SmackDown, but there is tremendous potential for surprise entrants. A few of them have been reported ahead of time, including some interesting external names and a few from NXT.
Here are five WWE Superstars who could round out the field for the 2022 Men's Royal Rumble Match, along with a few alternative entrants.
#6 Potential replacements for current WWE Superstars already confirmed for the Royal Rumble Match
In recent years, WWE has removed a couple of announced participants from the Royal Rumble Match. Vince McMahon can change his mind at any time. As a result, we have mentioned a couple of potential replacements.
16 RAW Superstars have been announced for the Men's Rumble, so WWE may consider switching a couple of them around. Any team of The Street Profits, Dirty Dawgs, or Alpha Academy could suffer this fate. If that happens, two other full-time stars can take their place.
Despite Vince McMahon giving up on his push, Finn Balor is too big a star to be omitted from the Royal Rumble. He would add some name value amongst several tag teams in the match.
On SmackDown, Cesaro has been severely underutilized recently. Interestingly, he has been left out of the Rumble while his tag team partner Ricochet is in it. From a strength and endurance perspective, he can add so much to the match.
#5 NXT Champion Bron Breakker
A few stars from NXT 2.0 could enter the Men's Rumble Match, with the opportunity to make a decent first impression. Among those who would thrive in this spot, Bron Breakker could be a part of the 30-man contest. The NXT Champion would have a solid showing in this setting.
Breakker can eliminate a few participants and show his incredible strength during the annual free-for-all, instantly telling the fans that he is a force to be reckoned with. While he may not come close to winning this year, Breakker is a potential Rumble winner in the next few years.
#4 NXT star Gunther
WWE fans may not be overly receptive to WALTER's name being changed to Gunther. But a big showing in the Royal Rumble Match would ease those concerns. The Austrian should also represent NXT in the 30-man contest and showcase his in-ring excellence.
Gunther can spend some time in the Rumble and possibly eliminate a few entrants, although he will probably be serenaded by 'WALTER' chants. As long as his booking isn't radically overhauled, The Ring General should be fine.
#3 Shane McMahon
Reports have indicated that Shane McMahon will be returning to the Royal Rumble Match. Furthermore, a fan currently in St. Louis tweeted this picture with the former SmackDown commissioner, which may be another indication of his return.
If Shane O'Mac really shows up, it might be to set up a match at WrestleMania 38. He can slot into Vince McMahon's storyline on RAW with Austin Theory and put the 24-year-old over at The Show of Shows.
#2 Bad Bunny may have another memorable Royal Rumble moment
Bad Bunny, another returning star rumored for the Royal Rumble, would be a welcome surprise in the match. Last year, he impressed the wrestling world, putting on one of the greatest celebrity showings in WrestleMania history alongside Damian Priest against The Miz and John Morrison.
The Grammy-winning music artist could pick up where he left off at the Rumble, potentially setting up another 'Mania match. If nothing else, Bad Bunny's presence would create some mainstream buzz, considering his star level.
#1 Brock Lesnar can earn redemption if Bobby Lashley wins the WWE Championship
Looking at the field for the Men's Royal Rumble Match, there isn't a clear-cut standout who seems destined to win. Big E seems the closest to it, but his apparent move to SmackDown might be detrimental.
As a result, WWE could opt to confirm Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar for WrestleMania 38 this weekend itself. While The Tribal Chief could lose to Seth Rollins and win the Rumble, The Beast Incarnate doing double duty is a larger possibility.
Lesnar might drop the WWE Championship to Bobby Lashley, who he actively dismissed on RAW. Then, later in the night, the eight-time world champion can enter the Royal Rumble and win it.
This is a likelier prospect than a "forbidden door" entrant in the 30-man Rumble.
