Royal Rumble 2020: 4 potential surprise entrants for the Men's Royal Rumble match

The Royal Rumble match is a regular staple in WWE. It is overwhelmingly popular with the fans and is one of the most eagerly anticipated events of the year. The eponymous pay-per-view is one of WWE's traditional "Big Four" events. It is also the first pay-per-view of the year, and subsequently the decade, making it all the more auspicious.

This year, the Royal Rumble pay-per-view will emanate live from the Minute Maid Park in Houston, Texas. The mega-event will stream live on the WWE Network and pay-per-view.

One of the key reasons fans enjoy Rumble matches so much is because of the shock-factor it carries with itself. A good Rumble match is never short on surprises. The surprise entrants always generate a positive and passionate response from the WWE Universe. Who could ever forget the thunderous ovation AJ Styles received on his debut at Royal Rumble 2016? What about the reaction John Cena received upon his astonishing and astounding return from injury at Royal Rumble 2008?

The surprises always bring joy and elation, they have a profound influence on the overall quality of the match.

This article will focus on four potential surprise entrants for the Men's Royal Rumble match at the upcoming pay-per-view.

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#4 Jinder Mahal

Jinder Mahal could return at Royal Rumble 2020.

Jinder Mahal has been out of action for quite some time now due to a knee injury. The Modern Day Maharaja has been absent for about seven months. Fortunately, he has undergone rehabilitation and an extended period of convalescence.

A report emerged a few weeks ago that indicated that Mahal was nearing a return. The former WWE Champion was expected to be out of action for six to eight months. That time has almost elapsed, hence there is a possibility that Mahal could be returning to in-ring action sooner rather than later. Moreover, he even teased a possible return at the pay-per-view.

In the event that Mahal is cleared to return, it would best to hold off his impending return till the Rumble match. It would be a pleasurable and enjoyable sight to watch the Modern Day Maharaja emerge once again.

#3 Big Show

Father time has caught up with Big Show.

Big Show's career is winding down, and he doesn't have much gas left in the tank. The Giant is at the tail-end of his career and the injuries he sustained over the course of the last two decades are taking their toll on his body. 2019 was one of the rare years where Show didn't work a single wrestling match. With that said, it seems unlikely that Big Show will return to WWE programming as a full-time, active in-ring performer.

However, that doesn't rule out a one-off Rumble match appearance. The Rumble match is notorious for one-off appearances by legends. Jeff Jarret made a cameo appearance at last year's event, Rey Mysterio did the same two years ago at Royal Rumble 2018. Therefore, a one-off Big Show appearance at Royal Rumble 2020 makes perfect sense.

Moreover, Big Show is one of the most prolific and accomplished Rumble competitors. He has tossed over more than 30 men in the Rumble match and has made it to the final-four numerous times. The last time he entered the Rumble was in 2017, where he was quickly eliminated by Braun Strowman.

Before riding off to the sunset, The World's Largest Athlete should enter the Rumble match once again. It would be a nostalgic and euphoric occasion.

#2 Velveteen Dream

Velveteen Dream is the real deal!

Velveteen Dream is one of the most over stars in WWE, let alone the NXT roster. The Dream has a captivating personality and he knows how to use it to his advantage. Putting on stellar matches night after night, The Dream is held in high regard by the fans and WWE management. The former NXT North American Champion is currently dealing with an injury and has been conspicuously missing since September.

The Dream is one of the few stars that was considered to be "too good" for NXT in the first place, many reckoned that he should've been called up to the main roster a long time ago. Well, the current NXT roster is loaded with the likes of Matt Riddle, Tomasso Ciampa, Pete Dunne and the Undisputed Era taking the spotlight. It seems as if the charismatic Velveteen Dream might get lost in the shuffle. Therefore, it would be a rational decision to call him up to the main roster.

Even if it just is a one-off, it would still be a sight to behold.T \he Royal Rumble match provides the perfect platform for the Dream to shine under bright lights. Last year, Johnny Gargano, Aleister Black and Pete Dunne emerged (to the applause of the WWE Universe) in the Royal Rumble match. Could The Dream follow suit and enter the Royal Rumble match this year?

#1 Edge

Edge could return to the ring.

At first sight, it may seem ludicrous to contemplate a possible in-ring return for the infamous Rated-R Superstar, Edge. The Hall of Famer was in his prime when he was forced to retire due to a life-threatening neck injury which could've seriously endangered his well-being, However, it isn't beyond the realms of possibility. After all, the hints and signs are there to see.

At SummerSlam 2019, Edge made an unannounced return on the Kickoff show to silence Elias and deliver a spine-rattling Spear. The fans were absolutely delighted to watch their hero return. A couple of months later, in December, a report emerged stating that Edge had signed an in-ring contract with WWE. This fueled speculation and rumors about a potential return began circulating like wildfire.

Another report suggests that WWE wants him back for a WrestleMania match. Although these rumors need to be taken with a pinch of salt, Edge also stated that he could return for one more match. This happened after his return at SummerSlam. Shawn Michaels came out of retirement in 2018 and Edge may follow suit.

When the timer clicks to zero and the buzzer sounds, it would be music to our ears to hear Edge's theme song play.