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One of the greatest attractions of the Royal Rumble is the element of surprise. The feeling of anticipation that grips the viewer when the 10-second countdown appears on the titantron is surpassed by a few others.
You never know what lies on the other side of that buzzer. It could be a nostalgic reunion, new feud, phenomenal debut, or mind-blowing return.
There have been so many surprise entrants in Rumble history, such as John Cena and Batista returning in 2008 and 2014, respectively, Nia Jax entering the Men's match in 2019, and so on.
This list looks at five of the best surprises that Vince McMahon pulled out of his sleeve that excited fans in recent years.
#5: Christian returns from 7-year retirement at the 2021 Royal Rumble to share a wholesome moment with his best friend
The 2021 Royal Rumble was the first (and only so far) iteration of the event held in the ThunderDome. The lack of a live crowd made it hard to feel the emotion in the building.
However, one moment was so heartwarming that it brought fans worldwide down with nostalgic fever.
Entering at #24, 4-time WWE World Champion Christian, who had retired in 2014 due to concussion-related injuries, made his return. Captain Charisma lasted 18 minutes in the battle royal before being eliminated by Seth Rollins.
The highlight of his appearance was the hug he shared with his childhood best friend and long-time tag partner Edge. The Rated R Superstar had returned from a 9-year retirement himself at the previous year's edition.
It was a moment the WWE Universe and the two performers never thought they would see again. The pure emotion on both men's faces made the entire scenario extremely surreal.
#4: Rey Mysterio ends months of contract speculation by entering the 2018 Royal Rumble
On January 29th 2018, the Biggest Little Man in WWE history entered the Royal Rumble at #27 after months of speculation surrounding his status.
Getting one of the biggest crowd reactions of the night, he lasted almost 10 minutes before being eliminated by Finn Balor.
It was later announced that he had signed a full-time deal with WWE.
#3: Becky Lynch takes Lana's spot and wins the 2019 Royal Rumble
The 2019 Women's Royal Rumble match was a rollercoaster ride.
Going into the event, Becky Lynch was by far the most popular superstar in the company, but was not announced for the match.
This put the company in jeopardy of having a disaster on their hands similar to the 2014 men's match which was hijacked by the Daniel Bryan-crazed crowd.
However, the Man came out to claim Lana's #28 spot since the latter suffered a storyline ankle injury in the pre-show.
A brief negotiation with WWE official Fit Finlay unfolded before The Irish Lass Kicker's music finally hit, much to the delight of the Arizona crowd.
Lynch received the loudest reaction of the night 13 minutes later, when she won the match, booking her place in the main event of Wrestlemania 35.
#2: AJ Styles makes a Phenomenal debut in the 2016 Royal Rumble
The 2016 Royal Rumble was special for many reasons. For one, instead of earning a Wrestlemania title shot, the winner would take home the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.
Defending champion Roman Reigns entered at #1, beginning the match against Rusev, who was eliminated just in time for #3's music to hit.
As soon as the unfamiliar music played, fans rose from their seats in eager curiosity. The wave of cheers that washed over the arena when "I am Phenomenal" showed up on the titantron announced the arrival of a unique talent.
AJ Styles lasted 28 minutes before being eliminated by Kevin Owens. He has since stated that the crowd reaction to his debut enabled WWE management to view him as a top talent.
This allowed him to win every championship available in the company in a relatively short time.
#1: Edge returns from a 9-year retirement at the 2020 Royal Rumble
The 2020 men's Rumble match was loaded with great moments. WWE Champion Brock Lesnar started the match at #1, eliminating a record-tying thirteen men.
He was eliminated by eventual winner Drew McIntyre to a thunderous reaction.
However, the loudest pop of the night came when Edge made his return to in-ring action after retiring nine years earlier due to neck injuries. The Ultimate Opportunist lasted 26 minutes, being eliminated by Roman Reigns.
The pure emotion throughout the WWE Universe for his return has not been matched by any Rumble return in recent years.
A WWE Hall of Famer called out AEW fans HERE
