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Following the events of the final SmackDown before Royal Rumble, a total of 21 Superstars have been confirmed to enter the Men's Royal Rumble Match. This includes Braun Strowman, who made his return at the end of the show and whose Royal Rumble status is all but guaranteed.
This leaves nine spots open, heading into the weekend. Some of them may end up being taken before the event begins, while WWE could hold a qualifying match on the Royal Rumble Kickoff Show. With that being said, there is a lot of potential in terms of surprise entrants. Whether they are former WWE stars, a part of NXT, or a complete wildcard, there is a lot of scope for excitement heading into Sunday.
Who has been confirmed for the 2021 Men's Royal Rumble Match so far?
Randy Orton, Edge, AJ Styles, Big E, Daniel Bryan, Sheamus, Jeff Hardy, Bobby Lashley, Jey Uso, Cesaro, The Miz, John Morrison, Otis, Sami Zayn, Shinsuke Nakamura, Dolph Ziggler, Mustafa Ali, King Corbin, Rey Mysterio, Dominik Mysterio, and Braun Strowman
Anyway, here are nine Superstars who could round out the field of the 2021 Men's Royal Rumble Match.
#9 Keith Lee
Despite being a prominent part of RAW, Keith Lee has been missing from TV for the last two weeks. We have not heard too much about his absence, but he might have possibly been in quarantine. Lee did tweet a picture yesterday with the caption, 'Fighting'. A cryptic message which leaves us in intrigue.
If he is able to, Keith Lee is an absolute no brainer to enter the Royal Rumble Match. He would instantly be one of the favorites to win it, although it is not that likely this year. If The Limitless One does miss the Royal Rumble on Sunday, his spot could be taken by somebody like Ricochet in a qualifying match.
#8 Riddle
With his US title rival Bobby Lashley entering the Royal Rumble, it only makes sense for Riddle to show up in the 30-man melee himself. It doesn't seem likely that the two of them will face off for the United States Championship at the event anyway, so Riddle might as well confront Lashley in the Rumble itself.
The King of Bros has been constantly beaten down by Lashley at nearly every turn so maybe, Riddle could spring a surprise and eliminate the CEO of The Hurt Business. This will certainly boost his stock ahead of the title match between him and Lashley.
#7 Elias
It seemed like Elias had confirmed himself for the Royal Rumble by declaring his entry on RAW Talk but as established beforehand, not everybody can declare for the Royal Rumble. That being said, WWE's resident guitarist could still find his way into the match. There is always a spot for some music in the Rumble.
Elias could walk to the ring, sing a song, and strum his guitar. That's what he did three years in a row. His Royal Rumble stay isn't very likely to be memorable though. Elias would just be there to entertain on his way in, and maybe get carried to the back by Jaxson Ryker.
#6 Xavier Woods
Following his multiple showdowns with members of RETRIBUTION over the past few weeks, it is likely that Xavier Woods makes his way to the Royal Rumble Match. He probably would have accompanied Kofi Kingston to the ring but with the former WWE Champion out with a broken jaw, Woods could step in and show out.
The New Day member would likely have a confrontation with Mustafa Ali at Royal Rumble, possibly being overwhelmed by the numbers game again. Xavier Woods could also fight alongside his (former) New Day brother, Big E, who is one of the favorites to win the entire Royal Rumble.
#5 Apollo Crews could have a strong showing in the Royal Rumble Match
While he did not appear on SmackDown, it seems like Apollo Crews now has a new lease on life in WWE. The promos that Paul Heyman cut on him on Talking Smack were incredible and elevated a previously lower card character to a relevant position on SmackDown.
Crews is still in the hunt for the Intercontinental Championship and could turn heel to win it from Big E. A strong showing at the Royal Rumble would be a great way to build him up further. Apollo Crews might even eliminate a few Superstars from the match.
#4 Carlito could be the nostalgia entrant in the Royal Rumble Match
Now, onto the true surprise entrants of the 2021 Men's Royal Rumble Match. We begin with a nostalgia pick - Carlito. He was initially supposed to be a part of RAW Legends Night and was even advertised for the show, but he informed WWE that he did not want to 'travel across the country, just to do a two-minute cameo'.
The fact that Carlito was not on RAW despite being advertised disappointed a lot of fans. However, it does seem like he is interested in returning to WWE to do something more prominent. That is why a surprise return in the Royal Rumble Match is not out of the question.
This spot is perfect for somebody like him. Carlito is looked back upon fondly, specifically for his apple-spitting skills. He could show up and hit a few backstabbers, before eventually getting eliminated by a current Superstar.
The former United States and Intercontinental Champion had a solid career in WWE, although he had the potential to get even better. Carlito could have a spot similar to MVP in last year's Royal Rumble Match, although he may not be able to replicate the run MVP has been on since then.
#3 Damian Priest could make his WWE main roster debut in the Royal Rumble Match
Every year, there is at least one NXT Superstar who enters the Royal Rumble Match. Sometimes, it's just a one-off and sometimes, it is a tease for the Superstar joining either RAW or SmackDown a few months later. However, in Damian Priest's case, it might just be an immediate call-up from NXT.
The Archer of Infamy has had a solid run on NXT. He won the North American Championship and had high-profile matches against the likes of Johnny Gargano, Finn Balor, and Karrion Kross. In fact, after his defeat to Kross at NXT New Year's Evil, Priest has not been seen on TV.
This is pretty much an indication that he will debut in the Royal Rumble Match. Priest could enter early on - around No. 7 or 8 - and have a strong showing. There may not be a better way to introduce him to the WWE fans than that. Priest is a big guy as well, so it shouldn't be that tough.
There may be another NXT cameo or two in the Men's Royal Rumble Match, with Kyle O'Reilly instantly coming to mind. However, with limited spots left, it is unlikely that anybody will add to Damian Priest as NXT's representatives in the 30-man melee.
#2 Samoa Joe could ditch commentary to return as a surprise in the Royal Rumble Match
WWE currently has two commentators in their books who would be fantastic surprises in the Men's Royal Rumble Match. Wade Barrett is a potential name who might show up for one night only but since he has been gone for five years and he will be around for a while, he might want to return to the ring when fans are present.
Meanwhile, Samoa Joe has been out of action for almost a year and is most likely cleared to compete. He has stated that he is not done in the ring and has a lot to offer. Joe truly does, as he is one of the few WWE Superstars who are equally good in the ring and on promos.
A return in the Royal Rumble Match, either from the back or from the commentary table, would be extremely popular among WWE fans. Samoa Joe may make an instant impact at the Rumble and considering Braun Strowman just returned before the Royal Rumble, WWE may be planning on freshly unleashing a different monster on Sunday.
Following Royal Rumble, Joe could have a run on either RAW or SmackDown. There are several opponents on each brand that would certainly interest him. The biggest one may be a Universal title match between Samoa Joe and Roman Reigns. There is a lot of storytelling potential in that feud.
#1 Seth Rollins could make his grand return to WWE in the Royal Rumble Match
Over two months after he was written out of WWE TV, Seth Rollins could make a surprise return in the Men's Royal Rumble Match. In fact, he might be the biggest one of all. Rollins had taken time off to be with his fiancee Becky Lynch, as they welcomed their daughter, Roux.
His return may be imminent, having previously been set for the first SmackDown of 2021. Rollins has remained off TV and could come back as a man reborn. The Messiah had a cleansing of sorts, when he sacrificed himself and took a Brogue Kick from Sheamus to get eliminated from the Men's Survivor Series Match.
From one 'Big Four' staple to another, Seth Rollins might be babyface upon his likely Royal Rumble. However, that is an unlikely prospect. He will probably remain a heel and have exciting interactions with the likes of Daniel Bryan and Big E, among others. Let's just hope he avoids Rey and Dominik Mysterio.
With such an unpredictable field for the Men's Royal Rumble, who knows - Seth Rollins might even win the entire match. He would make for an interesting challenger for Roman Reigns and the Universal Championship at WrestleMania. Either way, The Architect's next feud could very well begin on Sunday, after he makes a surprising and grand return to WWE in the Royal Rumble Match.
A WWE Hall of Famer called out AEW fans HERE
