10. Lita- This potential surprise entrant may be a bit more fantasy than realistic, but it’s not impossible. Lita now works in creative at WWE so she’s always around and can make an appearance. She’s in great shape and can no doubt still hit that Litacanrana off the top turn buckle.
Women have wrestled in the Royal Rumble before so the idea isn’t ridiculous. Although the number of female entrants is few, the talent of these women is phenomenal and Lita fits the bill. There’s no other female wrestler in the company today that can be taken seriously in the Royal Rumble. WWE is making them out to be too dainty against the guys. Also, with a Divas Revolution going on why not have the Diva, who originally had a key role in revolutionizing the Women’s Division, enter the Royal Rumble.
9. Jake “the Snake” Roberts- Though an unlikely candidate to enter the Royal Rumble this year, Jake the Snake Roberts would be the WWE Legend to make a surprise entrance in the main event this Sunday. Just like no one expected each commentator to enter the match two years ago.
Roberts was actually hoping to enter the Royal Rumble back in 2014, but the WWE passed on this idea due to Roberts induction announcement into the WWE Hall of Fame of the same year. Almost a whole year later, rumors started circulating that Roberts could make a possible appearance in the 2015 Royal Rumble match, but after Roberts was admitted to the hospital and induced into a coma-like state to treat pneumonia, these rumors were put to rest. Roberts hasn’t had any severe medical issues since, so he still has another match left in him. With the release of his new DVD recently, 2016 could be the year that Jake the Snake Roberts enters the Royal Rumble.
8. Jeff Hardy- Although still under contract with TNA, Jeff Hardy being a surprise entrant at the Royal Rumble would be nothing short of awesome. Jeff Hardy’s contract with TNA expires in February and he’s been stating in various interviews that if he were to end his career, he wants to do it in WWE. After all, WWE is where The Hardy Boyz started their careers.
7. Randy Orton- Randy Orton has been out of action due to injury and it’s uncertain if he will return but most likely, fans haven’t seen the end of the Viper. The Royal Rumble would provide a great platform for a returning Randy Orton, who of course has unresolved business in WWE. Not to mention, the return of a veteran right now is necessary. If Orton were to return, he’ll probably be a heel.
6. Hideo Itami- Itami was one of the top performers on NXT before suffering a shoulder injury around the summer time last year. For a while it was uncertain whether Itami would return to WWE, but recently he’s teased fans with a tweet saying, “My turn #WWENXT.” There’s plenty of room for guys from NXT to fight in the Royal Rumble and Itami is one of the guys that deserve a shot at fighting with the main roster.
5. Samoa Joe- Samoa Joe has worked on NXT since he debuted in the WWE. Samoa Joe is no newbie to wrestling, competing at the highest levels in TNA, ROH and more. The Samoan Submission Machine is more than ready to step onto the big stage of WWE’s main roster.
4. Sting- Does this really need explanation? Of course Sting is out due to injury, but even John Cena could pull off returning before the speculated time of recovery. The Royal Rumble is a match in which Sting has never competed and giving “The Icon” a spot could help with the “old school” factor, (if WWE were to pass up on Jake Roberts) which every Rumble seems to seek. Sting doesn’t need to win the match, just competing in it is something he can check off his bucket list. The Royal Rumble is also a good chance to build to the match that Sting wants: Undertaker vs. Sting at Wrestlemania.
3. Daniel Bryan- Daniel Bryan has just been reportedly cleared by doctors to return to in-ring action. However, that was not by WWE doctors so his return is still in question. He can not only make his return at the Royal Rumble, but also use it as an opportunity to win back the WWE World Heavyweight Title he never lost.
2. The Undertaker- It’s been clear that Undertaker could possibly be retiring soon. With all of the sporadic appearances lately, the Dead Man could just show up Sunday. He doesn’t have to win, but his presence certainly would make the event more interesting. Just think, if Undertaker and Sting are both in the Royal Rumble and ‘Taker eliminates Sting. That could build up to the fantasy match of Undertaker vs. Sting at Wrestlemania.
1. A.J. Styles- A.J. Styles, like Sting, is a wrestler that most fans thought would never, ever see competing in WWE. Especially last year, when he left after TNA and WWE didn’t take an initiative to hire Styles. With recent rumors stating that Styles will be at the PPV Sunday, entering (and possibly winning) the Royal Rumble could be in the works. Styles is one of the best wrestlers in the world and now it’s time to shine in the biggest wrestling company. Don’t forget that a significant few of the top spot wrestlers on the main roster are out due to injury, having Styles aboard can help fill in this gap.
