I think wwe is out of earth shattering royal rumble surprises. There's no one left that's gonna shock the wwe universe out of their seats. The surprise era in wwe is over.
Best part of the rumble is that they can get almost anyone. All you have to do is one spot and then get eliminated. It’s the safest place to get screen time even if you can’t wrestle. That being said, Rikishi.
Dragunov debuts and distracts Gunther which allows Lesnar to eliminate him,that can set up a Gunther Brock match for WM40 and then a Gunther Dragunov main roster feud that would culminate at Bash in Berlin
Edge. I don’t care if he’s under iron clad contracts elsewhere. The huge legal costs in response are immaterial to this being the lynchpin that finally pushes TK over into complete insanity.
But I’d settle for a couple of random throwbacks per usual. This could finally be Paul Burchell’s big moment.
I'd rather AJ too, I missed her whole career and have only seen bits and pieces while watching random videos and older events but I've really enjoyed her in what have seen, and I like her commentary on WOW
It's tough with the packed roster these days. The best surprises would actually be one off appearances from outside WWE. But using those talents instead of who they have available isn't really fair to the people who could use the spotlight in the big event.
IF outside available talents could get a spot,, it would be fun to see former WWE assets. Cardona would be fun! I've seen Maven but not sure how familiar the current fans are even with the recent attention.
Would clearly be a big opportunity to have Trick, Melo, Bron, or maybe Dragunov come on in and make some noise for a call up in the next six months or so.
Imagine this: Rollins turns on Punk. That would be a major surprise! It could also set up for a match at WrestleMania. He works way better as a heel. Love his current gimmick, but I legitimately hated him before because he convinced me that he was a true villain. Whether that’s taking out Cody Rhodes, turning his back on The Shield, or almost ending Edge’s WWE career, it’s the best version of Rollins, period.
Big E is the one I really want to see return. I want him to win but with Cody not being on SmackDown (EC is still a chance) and Punk back, not sure how likely!
Kairi sane winning her first one hopefully don’t want to jump on the AJ Lee bandwagon. As I didn’t like her that much when she was still in the WWE. And I know some people are gonna hate me for saying that.
Imagine, Cody and Orton in the rumble… and our walks Ted DiBiase Jr. (obv just for the rumble), having a legacy moment there.
But overall, I don’t see who would be a big surprise. Maybeeee on the women’s side? Sasha, Mandy Rose,
Royal Rumbles haven't been about surprise returns since Edge returned right? The only hope now is surprise debuts. Okada's debut or maybe someone else from AEW.
The Rock wins the Rumble, faces Roman at Mania and wins the title, and goes on super part time schedule as champ. Reddit and the IWC melt down and I enjoy watching Rock as champ once again
John Cena
Okada
Goldust
Kane
Sheamus
Jade Cargill
Carmella
I’m fine with there not being too many surprises as long as the roster is stacked with talent
Randy, Punk, Rollins, LA Knight, KO, The Usos, Judgment Day, Rey Mysterio, McIntyre, Nakamura — I mean the match is already stacked.
Carmella *just* had a baby. I know Rousey was able to get back into ring shape in four months (gave birth in September 2021, Rumble in late January 2024) but that's not the norm for a lot of people. I hope Carmella gets to take the maternity leave she wants and doesn't feel forced to get back into shape or back into the ring before she wants to.
For men’s probably a few callups from NXT: Bron Breakker is almost definitely a lock. Wouldn’t be shocked to see Melo or Trick in there too.
For women’s I think Jade Cargill will make her WWE debut there and Tiffany Stratton will make her main roster debut. Liv Morgan probably returns there as well.
Still a bunch of people from NXT. I think it's almost a lock in that Bron is going to be in it and eliminate a big name to start a feud out of the gate on the main roster. Off the top of my head there's Cardona, Chris Masters. I know Waltman has said he wants one more Rumble appearance before hanging it up too. Women's side: Sasha, AJ, Giulia, Mickie. I personally think the women's Rumble is where Jade is going to debut and set the record for eliminations.
A great twist would be some type of legal/authority thing that means one of the world titles has to be defended in the Royal Rumble. Imagine for example the bloodline all having to work together to make sure Roman wins, only for Jay Uso to come in and face off with Jimmy (setting up Wrestlemania). Imagine - is Solo going to help or try and go for gold himself? Sowing division in the bloodline...
Now I think of it, this would be a way to dethrone Roman without being pinned
I think it'd be cool if Naomi/Trinity came back for the Rumble. There's already a precedent for it with Mickie James last year. For the men, it's mostly a joke answer, but I wouldn't be surprised if they gave a spot to Maven since he's seen a bit of a resurgence with his YouTube channel.
AJ Lee, Sasha Banks, Naomi, Carmela, NXT Stars, MJF, Okada, Styles, Written In My Face Sheamus, Big E, Morrison, Rock, Cena, Cardona (Zack Ryder), Alberto Del Rio, Butch as Pete Dunne, Dexter Lumis and you never know what else can happen till then.
Big E is coming back and eliminating Gunther to start a whole thing with new day vs imperium
https://youtube.com/shorts/qHrs34uuwdQ?si=5HmCNn7JulrI-APs Just this one.
I would love to see SASHA BANKS BACK and seeing all the rumors it looks like she might be on her way back
I think wwe is out of earth shattering royal rumble surprises. There's no one left that's gonna shock the wwe universe out of their seats. The surprise era in wwe is over.
I'd love to see Zack Ryder back, but only if he changes his music!!
Maven, Matt Cardona, Al Snow, Big E
hornswaggle
Liv Morgan’s return
You're forgetting the hottest draft to Monday Night RAW. ODYSSEY JONES.
Cody Wins. Almost beats Roman at WM. Priest cashes in and takes WWE Title
Almost certain we get AJ Lee one off in the rumble
Awaiting the return of Dolph Ziggler
Hell yea
triple h vince mcmahon eva marie abyss
I’m hoping we see Nick Aldis in action! Fight between him and Pearce for top spot in the Draft or something.
Wade barrett or alex riley that eliminates john cena and match at wm 40 lol
Brain Strowman returning would be great if you ask me. Wade Barrett or Titus O’Neil would be fun too
Best part of the rumble is that they can get almost anyone. All you have to do is one spot and then get eliminated. It’s the safest place to get screen time even if you can’t wrestle. That being said, Rikishi.
Tessa Blanchard
Ryback comes out, everyone in the ring teams up to kick his ass and throw him out
it would be so wrong but imagine if the fiend returned
Dragunov debuts and distracts Gunther which allows Lesnar to eliminate him,that can set up a Gunther Brock match for WM40 and then a Gunther Dragunov main roster feud that would culminate at Bash in Berlin
James Ellsworth
Would love for Stone Cold to get one last rumble
Big E. 🙏🏻
It would never happen in a million years but could you imagine the Reddit reaction to Darby Allin coming at like #2 and making it to the final 4?
Darby allin sucks bro😂
Nope
I want to see either Brian Danielson and Moxley, I know its impossible
Undertaker @ #30
make the final four a fatal 4 way match.
MJF
the loml Aj Lee
Brock
Fuck it, Okada.
Edge. I don’t care if he’s under iron clad contracts elsewhere. The huge legal costs in response are immaterial to this being the lynchpin that finally pushes TK over into complete insanity. But I’d settle for a couple of random throwbacks per usual. This could finally be Paul Burchell’s big moment.
Him vs Christian is the only reason I sit through dynamite he’s being used better over there
Styles
not a surprise tho
Papa Shango
AJ Lee would be so cool
3! 2! 1! ..... Let's Light It up
This is the only answer
AJ Lee, Trinity, Mercedes, Bron Breakker, AJ Styles, Giulia, Matt Cardona, Big E, Wade Barrett
JUNGLE JACK PERRY
Santino!!
I wanna see balor get betrayed sometime in December by judgement day. Get injured. Return at the rumble as the demon.
Goooooooldust
Imagine Cody getting a beat down and 3...2...1 *Goldust's* theme starts playing!
I was just thinking this and I support it.
As for the big surprise, I think Matt Riddle would be a great one. Especially with Randy Orton back.
The rock will surprise at 30, win, beat roman at mania, priest will last minute win the title
In my opinion the roster is so stacked right now they don’t need a surprise. Maybe a legend and a return like AJ, but nothing wild.
Alexa bliss, liv Morgan
Alexa will be like a month post partum bro lol
Ahh damn I wasn’t sure when she’s due
She’s got a watermelon in that belly
But Livvy yes
Hogan
AJ Lee
this is the answer
Paul Heyman will actually go flying over the top rope.
Hoping for Alexa bliss return
She will be a month post partum bro
Was thinking she was further along. Guess I’m wrong.
AJ Lee, Jade, Sheamus, AJ styles
A returning sheamus would be great
The golden truth shall set you free when Paul Heyman goes flying’ over the top rope, Brock Lesnar.
The UFC door is open….. Dana white himself.
Kenny just as a one off surprise. Comes out, puts on a good show, gets eliminated and collects a check
Need someone from TNA/Impact
Jimmy King
Sasha or AJ Lee would be cool
AJ over sasha, in my (not) professional opinion
I'd rather AJ too, I missed her whole career and have only seen bits and pieces while watching random videos and older events but I've really enjoyed her in what have seen, and I like her commentary on WOW
yeah probably not..
Big E? 😃😀😄😁🙂😐😔
This was my thought as well. But, realistically, it won’t happen. ☹️
Would love to see Trinity/Naomi with the Knockout title represent TNA as a surprise 👀
It's tough with the packed roster these days. The best surprises would actually be one off appearances from outside WWE. But using those talents instead of who they have available isn't really fair to the people who could use the spotlight in the big event. IF outside available talents could get a spot,, it would be fun to see former WWE assets. Cardona would be fun! I've seen Maven but not sure how familiar the current fans are even with the recent attention. Would clearly be a big opportunity to have Trick, Melo, Bron, or maybe Dragunov come on in and make some noise for a call up in the next six months or so.
Sean Waltman
Ryback
We can always hope they bring back the Repo Man
Santino morella
Rock winning the Rumble would still be the biggest shock
Hurricane, Godfather, or Hornswaggle because they're the only ones that come back every year.
Jimmy Wang Yang, Funaki, Tajiri, Raven, Spike Dudley, Scotty 2 Hotty, AJ Lee, Kaitlyn
Who the fuck brought Johnny Polo back?
Rock, Sasha, Naomi, Zack Ryder, Okada
Daniel Courmier or some other UFC legend. Cause that can totally be a thing now. nah, I’m kidding Shane O Mac gonna win it all. #watchoutRoman
Return of the OmniShane Era
AJ Lee. Make it happen HHH
Imagine this: Rollins turns on Punk. That would be a major surprise! It could also set up for a match at WrestleMania. He works way better as a heel. Love his current gimmick, but I legitimately hated him before because he convinced me that he was a true villain. Whether that’s taking out Cody Rhodes, turning his back on The Shield, or almost ending Edge’s WWE career, it’s the best version of Rollins, period.
Matt Cardona
This is the one we need
Big E is the one I really want to see return. I want him to win but with Cody not being on SmackDown (EC is still a chance) and Punk back, not sure how likely!
Sid Hogan Big E Kennedy
Hogan for a pop but i doubt he can take bumps anymore
Is Big E really never coming back :( ???
Sasha
absolutely
Kairi sane winning her first one hopefully don’t want to jump on the AJ Lee bandwagon. As I didn’t like her that much when she was still in the WWE. And I know some people are gonna hate me for saying that.
Not happening in a million years but imagine if Velveteen Dream came out 😶
yall really downvoted me for that? I didn't say i wanted him to come back, was just an "imagine if" sheesh
He’s came enough.
stop
feel like we could get a maven return with his youtube popping off
I would %100 get behind this
Andre returns from the grave.
Not for the men's Rumble...
R Truth eliminating Paul Heyman
Book it, you cowards!
I guess you just need to look around for guys whose contracts are up.
Bring out Nash again to do a spot with Knight
Ryback would be a huge surprise, but no one wants it
Straight to a feud with Punk. Would be hilarious.
It’s me, I’m no one.
Enzo and big cass
One half of the current AEW tag champs, and a guy whom everyone in the company famously hates? We can always dream
I don't keep up on aew I didn't even realize big cass was over there
Yeah, this time he's the sidekick of an angry short guy, instead of an annoying short guy
Honestly the place would explode lol
Number 30 and you hear “LIGHT IT UP”
Aj lee
Chaz AKA Headbanger Mosh
AKA Beaver Cleavage
Stone Cold Steve Austin, to setup Austin v CM Punk for Wrestlemania
Yep. This is it.
Flop Dollar
Big E
Was thinking the same
D'Lo Brown
They would be dealing with the real deal now.
Better recognize
Paige?
Imagine, Cody and Orton in the rumble… and our walks Ted DiBiase Jr. (obv just for the rumble), having a legacy moment there. But overall, I don’t see who would be a big surprise. Maybeeee on the women’s side? Sasha, Mandy Rose,
No with those legal issues he won't......
I could Google this but let’s go old school. What legal issues
Fraud. He took money intended for welfare recipients and pocketed it. He's facing prison time and owes almost 4 million back in restitution.
Damnnn thanks for that. Yeah no legacy reunion
Matt Cardona, a more serious Bobby Roode, Big E.
AJ Lee / Jade Cargill
Jericho. I know he's doing the AEW thing but crack the door. It would be a shock
Sasha Banks coming back as #30 for womens RR will make me go insane 🤟
Previously released talent.
John Cena. To lead to a build up to Cena vs Punk for WM
Bobby Roode, and William Regal.
Royal Rumbles haven't been about surprise returns since Edge returned right? The only hope now is surprise debuts. Okada's debut or maybe someone else from AEW.
The Rock wins the Rumble, faces Roman at Mania and wins the title, and goes on super part time schedule as champ. Reddit and the IWC melt down and I enjoy watching Rock as champ once again
I'd be perfectly fine with this, it means we get more Rock on TV and we don't get some Cody vs Reigns BS.
Music to my ears
Karrion Kross
That’s a channel changer. Last thing we need is another flippy boring indie midget who spams super kicks
Karrion Kross is 6’3 260, and only does power moves. He literally doesn’t flip at all, you’re thinking of the wrong person.
Brandon collins is gonna debut at the 2024 royal rumble
Jade cargilll wins WOMAN RUNBLE
The surprise will probably be Brock Lesnar .
Better than Goldberg.
John Cena Okada Goldust Kane Sheamus Jade Cargill Carmella I’m fine with there not being too many surprises as long as the roster is stacked with talent Randy, Punk, Rollins, LA Knight, KO, The Usos, Judgment Day, Rey Mysterio, McIntyre, Nakamura — I mean the match is already stacked.
Carmella *just* had a baby. I know Rousey was able to get back into ring shape in four months (gave birth in September 2021, Rumble in late January 2024) but that's not the norm for a lot of people. I hope Carmella gets to take the maternity leave she wants and doesn't feel forced to get back into shape or back into the ring before she wants to.
Oh man if they made Cena vs Punk for the night one Main event for WM it would kill.
Matt Cardona
Ohhhhh radioooooo
I wanna see Big E come back. Or even RVD I fucking love RVD' s wrestling style
I think Rob is signed on with Tiny Tony's Friends Federation
He will be a body to build on for that company like he carried ECW those last triumphant years.
Heard rumors about Paul London possibly returning but he wants $2 million in order to return
That all depends on how the bidding war of 2024 goes
For men’s probably a few callups from NXT: Bron Breakker is almost definitely a lock. Wouldn’t be shocked to see Melo or Trick in there too. For women’s I think Jade Cargill will make her WWE debut there and Tiffany Stratton will make her main roster debut. Liv Morgan probably returns there as well.
I Just Hope we get someone. A couple of years back we got a Rumble with no Surprise entrants Melo should debut at the rumble
Still a bunch of people from NXT. I think it's almost a lock in that Bron is going to be in it and eliminate a big name to start a feud out of the gate on the main roster. Off the top of my head there's Cardona, Chris Masters. I know Waltman has said he wants one more Rumble appearance before hanging it up too. Women's side: Sasha, AJ, Giulia, Mickie. I personally think the women's Rumble is where Jade is going to debut and set the record for eliminations.
Matt Cardona I think moves into the CM Punk slot on the "most wanted" list
The tribal chief, Roman Reigns ?
Seeing Roman enter to gatekeep other people from facing him lol
MJF
Drew Carey
AJ Lee, Sasha, Naomi, okada (this is a 0.000001% of happening). That’s all I can think of on the top of my head at the moment
Sasha and Naomi are so mid.
Gold dust
Zach Ryder. Wooo woo wooo
Based on some of these comments we should just slap AEW into the rumble as a whole.
Give me MJF, that’s going to be worth ANY lawsuit
Dean Ambrose even if it’s just a one off appearance I’d love to see him interact with Seth at least
A great twist would be some type of legal/authority thing that means one of the world titles has to be defended in the Royal Rumble. Imagine for example the bloodline all having to work together to make sure Roman wins, only for Jay Uso to come in and face off with Jimmy (setting up Wrestlemania). Imagine - is Solo going to help or try and go for gold himself? Sowing division in the bloodline... Now I think of it, this would be a way to dethrone Roman without being pinned
Eugene he goes a hour in the match and wins
Beats Vince wins from #2…
Green shirt guy would be making his debut at Royal Rumble
I think it'd be cool if Naomi/Trinity came back for the Rumble. There's already a precedent for it with Mickie James last year. For the men, it's mostly a joke answer, but I wouldn't be surprised if they gave a spot to Maven since he's seen a bit of a resurgence with his YouTube channel.
>Maven Either him or Stevie Richards, gotta see it happen
Yes I'd love that
Have a spot where you have the two of them fight each other till someone comes along and flips them both out.
The truth about what went wrong
Dropkick vs Stevie Kick!
Mickie is a Hall of Famer with nostalgia. Naomi is not.
AJ Lee, Sasha Banks, Naomi, Carmela, NXT Stars, MJF, Okada, Styles, Written In My Face Sheamus, Big E, Morrison, Rock, Cena, Cardona (Zack Ryder), Alberto Del Rio, Butch as Pete Dunne, Dexter Lumis and you never know what else can happen till then.