This year’s Royal Rumble has kept fans on the edge of their seats amid the Vince McMahon controversy, which revolves around his resignation from TKO Group Holdings. That is following a stupefying s*xual assault lawsuit filed by a former WWE employee, Janel Grant. As the recent development continues to send tremors across the pro-wrestling industry, enthusiasts look to the premium live event, produced annually every January. Set to soon take place in Florida, it is expected to include several potential surprise entrances and the return of several familiar faces.
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These surprises are intrinsic to the mega-event and may feature renowned individuals expected to return, including celebrities, veterans, and potential debutants. As wrestling fans excitedly anticipate the surprise participants in the men’s and women’s matches, the following is a list of predicted superstar candidates who could be expected to return! If proved accurate, WWE fans would be in for a treat.
1. The Rock
One of the names speculated to return at this year’s Royal Rumble includes former multi-time WWE champion The Rock. The winner of the men’s and women’s Rumble bouts will be bestowed the opportunity to compete for the world championship at WrestleMania 40.
Ever since The Rock unexpectedly appeared on the first WWE Raw of 2024, there has been increased anticipation that he will face ‘Head of the Table’ Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40. A victory in the Rumble would clear the way for this encounter.
But given The Rock’s popularity, there are whispers that he might not even need to be at the Rumble for fans to see the destined match between the cousins. Nevertheless, The People’s Champion is among the most favored to win at the Rumble, and a surprise appearance may not be off the table. After his RAW stint earlier this month, anything seems possible.
The WWE superstar is a previous one-time Royal Rumble winner.
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2. Sasha Banks
Mercedes Moné, also known as Sasha Banks, is another former WWE talent who might surprise everyone by showing up at the Royal Rumble. After a reported creative disagreement with Vince McMahon, The Boss—one of the most renowned female WWE stars of all time—left the company in 2022. A new contract couldn’t be negotiated. Since then, fans have long yearned for the return of the superstar to the promotion. And what better occasion than Royal Rumble to do so?
Given the history of some of the most illustrious names making comebacks to the promotion even after jaw-dropping, scandalous exits, Banks could do the same.
3. Liv Morgan
Could former one-time SmackDown Women’s Champion Liv Morgan be on the verge of a return via the Women’s Royal Rumble Match after her inaction following a shoulder injury from last summer?
Previously, the in-storyline steel-chair attack from Rhea Ripley (via YouTube) was what enjoyers last witnessed of the young WWE star. Following this, fans on social media have expected to see Morgan at the Royal Rumble, with some wanting her to win for a lead-up to potential WrestleMania 40 showdown against Ripley.
It is debatable if this fight, over a speculated draw like Rhea Ripley vs. Becky Lynch, would be something the promotion opts for at their flagship event, though.
However, since the 2024 Royal Rumble is all about surprises, this might be the ideal occasion for Morgan to return.
4. Jade Cargill
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Former AEW standout Jade Cargill could be among the ones to make rumored surprise debuts at tonight’s Royal Rumble Event. The renowned one-time AEW TBS Champion signed with the Stamford-based promotion in September last year.
Her first WWE TV appearance was in October 2023 during a backstage segment at the Fastlane pre-show, where she was shown meeting Triple H, the head of creative and chief content officer for WWE. After that, there were additional cameos on Raw, NXT, and SmackDown. Besides these instances, she has yet to make her in-ring WWE debut.
With her expected in-ring arrival at the promotion fueling fans’ conjectures, many believe Royal Rumble to be the ideal debut stage. As per Fightful Select, Cargill was among the alleged entrants internally discussed for the women’s Rumble match.
These are mere reports, though. Nothing is concrete yet. Nevertheless, Cargill remains one of the undeniable favorites to win the Royal Rumble, even if a triumph is unlikely. Her debut could be the bigger draw.
5. AJ Lee
Could one of the jaw-dropping shock returns to WWE through the Royal Rumble in Tampa, Florida, involve retired pro wrestler AJ Lee? Fans would hope so. In 2015, the three-time WWE Divas Championship winner retired from professional wrestling.
Since then, fans have constantly wondered if the venerated former star of the Stamford-based promotion would ever return to in-ring performing. The 2024 Royal Rumble has given enthusiasts hope because it usually brings ample surprises.
When the former WWE superstar uploaded an Instagram story (via Ringside News) of her old pro wrestling boots in late December 2023, it didn’t help with the brewing rumors. Because it was captioned, ‘Hello darkness, my old friend,’ people deemed it a hint at future return prospects. Furthermore, with husband CM Punk’s shock return to the WWE after years of voicing harsh grievances with the organization, many believe The Black Widow’s return is not entirely impossible.
There’s no knowing if AJ Lee could set the stage on fire with a sudden appearance at Royal Rumble, but one can hope so. After all, the unexpected is known to happen in the pro-wrestling world.
The 2024 Royal Rumble commences at 8 p.m. ET / 5:00 p.m. PT tonight and will be streamed live on Peacock.
