Royal Rumble 2021: 5 reasons why WWE announced Edge's return in advance

Edge appeared on WWE TV for the first time since the RAW after Backlash 2020. He spoke about the World Heavyweight Championship that he never lost in 2011, and his desire to regain World Champion status again.

Edge proceeded to declare himself as an entrant to the Royal Rumble match, and that adds a whole new level of interest to it. But why didn't WWE keep it as a surprise? Here are a few possible reasons:

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#5. It doesn't make sense to have a surprise return for Edge two years in a row

The return of 2020

Edge's return to WWE in the 2020 Royal Rumble sent shockwaves throughout. While there were rumors that Edge had agreed to a new deal with WWE, nobody could fathom the idea that The Rated-R Superstar, who suffered a career-ending injury, could possibly make a return to the ring.

But Edge followed Daniel Bryan's path, and at the 2020 Royal Rumble, his music hit to the biggest pop of the night. It was a massive surprise - the biggest one that any WWE fan could ask for.

He returned and faced Randy Orton at WrestleMania 36 in what would be his first singles match in nine years. His injury put him on the sidelines, and the timeline of his expected return was for January 2021. That's exactly what happened, and WWE decided to have Edge declare himself as an entrant to the 2021 Royal Rumble match.

It was likely done because WWE didn't feel the need to have the same surprise entry two years in a row. It wouldn't have been as effective, and given the circumstances, not as big a moment (even though it would be a great one). Watching Edge return is always great, but perhaps WWE didn't want to repeat the same moment from 2020.

#4. Edge's return adds more interest to the Royal Rumble

Edge

As much as fans love to discredit part-time Superstars, the older generation has far more drawing power than the current one. As great as the current roster is, none of them have the larger-than-life feeling that the older Superstars bring.

With the recent announcement of the WWE Network moving to Peacock, it's a good way to promote the pay-per-view - by having a legend like Edge announce his return for the Royal Rumble.

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#3. No big crowd to create the moment anyway

There won't be a crowd for the 2020 Royal Rumble PPV

The Royal Rumble is made special by the entrances, moments, and crowd reactions. There won't be any crowds this time, which undoubtedly takes away from a big surprise moment that way.

With that in mind, there isn't much of an incentive for WWE to have Edge as a surprise return. The fact that they're planning to announce the 30th entrant of the Men's Royal Rumble Match on WWE Backstage is an indicator that there may not be as big surprise.

#2. Another major surprise awaits at the Royal Rumble apart from Edge

Edge on the RAW after Royal Rumble

It's possible that there is an even bigger surprise waiting in store at the Royal Rumble that isn't Edge. While it was hard to beat his return last year, there could be another name that WWE is holding back on as a surprise entrant.

Announcing Edge in advance could be WWE's way of throwing fans off guard for a potentially bigger surprise.

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#1. To set up Edge as a potential favorite to win the Royal Rumble

Edge in 2020

Edge could automatically become one of the favorites to win the Royal Rumble match. While Daniel Bryan is highly-regarded as a favorite, The Rated-R Superstar being in the Royal Rumble adds a whole new element to the match.

There were rumors of Edge having a World Championship match (against Randy Orton) at WrestleMania 37, and it's hard not to see him getting World title No. 12 at some point down the line. Could WWE announcing Edge in advance have to do with him being a favorite to win the Men's Royal Rumble Match?