Now, the WWE Universe is trying to guess who will make a surprise appearance at this year’s over-the-top-rope event.
The company has already announced several surprise entrants for the 30-Woman Royal Rumble match. The likes of Kelly Kelly, Michelle McCool, The Bella Twins, Summer Rae, WWE Hall of Famer Lita, and IMPACT Knockouts World Champion Mickie James will all enter.
On the men’s side of things, a whole host of currently active WWE Superstars have been confirmed, but the surprises have remained tight-lipped.
Even though some unexpected entrants have already been announced in the Women’s Rumble, it doesn’t mean there won’t be any on the night. There’s nothing quite like that feeling of the clock counting down, and when it strikes zero, an old theme song blaring out.
That being said, let’s take a look at five WWE Hall of Famers who could return for the 2022 Royal Rumble matches.
#5. WWE Hall of Famer Rob Van Dam could return in the Men’s Royal Rumble match
Rob Van Dam is one of the most decorated WWE Superstars of all time. Last year, he took his place in the Hall of Fame, being inducted during a ceremony days before WrestleMania 37.
In recent times, RVD has been seen in the shape of his life, as he maintains his health and physique in case an opportunity comes knocking. Although currently working on other business ventures, he would surely be unable to turn down an opportunity to perform in front of the WWE Universe once again.
His last recorded match was in September 2021, where he teamed up with Bully Ray defeating Marq Quen and Matt Hardy in Battleground Championship Wrestling. His last appearance in the ring for WWE was in August 2014 on Main Event against Seth Rollins.
The former ECW Champion has always been popular with WWE fans, and a return to entering the Men’s Rumble match could spark a frenzy of excitement. It would be a welcome return and one that would be extremely unexpected.
#4. WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus could return for the Women’s Royal Rumble match
Could Trish Stratus be a surprise entrant in the Women’s Royal Rumble match?
In December 2021, Trish Stratus was set to appear at a live event in her hometown of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The former WWE Women’s Champion was to host the event, but it was ultimately postponed due to COVID restrictions.
Her involvement with WWE recently could signal that she is open to working more with the company moving forward.
Trish last entered the Rumble in 2018 before she was eliminated by Sasha Banks in the inaugural match. There are still plenty of dream matches we’d love to see that involve Stratus. Entering the over-the-top-rope battle royal would give us a small taster of those interactions coming to life with a cameo appearance.
#3. WWE Hall of Famer Torrie Wilson could return for the Women’s Royal Rumble match
WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2019 inductee Torrie Wilson competed in last year’s Women’s Royal Rumble match. She entered at #17 but was eventually eliminated by Shayna Baszler after just 03:59 minutes.
As a fitness guru and entrepreneur, Torrie keeps herself in shape whilst inspiring others through her social media channels.
If the former WCW star was to enter, she would bring back, once again, nostalgia. It would also allow her to perform in front of the WWE Universe after missing out last year. The event took place inside the ThunderDome with no fans in attendance due to COVID, so this year, she’d get her moment.
#2. WWE Hall of Famer Goldberg could return for the Men’s Royal Rumble match
If WWE wants to bulk up their Men’s Royal Rumble match, then surely Goldberg has to be on that list.
Goldberg last competed at Crown Jewel 2021. He defeated Bobby Lashley in a No Holds Barred Falls Count Anywhere Match. It has been reported that the two-time Universal Champion has one match left on his current WWE contract.
Of course, what better place to set up a feud leading into WrestleMania than at the Rumble? We’ve seen a lot more of Brock Lesnar recently than we usually do. Maybe WWE can convince Goldberg to do the same, starting with a surprise appearance on January 29.
#1. Two-time WWE Hall of Famer X-Pac could make a shocking return
Could it be the year that we see X-Pac return to compete in the WWE for the first time since 2002?
There is every possibility. X-Pac has been working hard to get himself ring-ready throughout 2021. He even stated last summer that he intended on being ready for the Royal Rumble itself. He’s now been medically cleared to compete.
The last time he competed in a Rumble match was in 2000 during The Attitude Era. It would be a shock for the WWE Universe, but one to savior to see him perform once again on the big stage.
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