10 Surprise Entrants WWE Needs at the Royal Rumble
The Royal Rumble is one of WWE’s most anticipated annual events, known for its high-energy atmosphere and shocking surprises. Each year, the 30-man and 30-woman over-the-top-rope battles provide a perfect platform for unexpected returns, thrilling debuts, and monumental moments. With the focal spotlight on nostalgia, rising stars, and long-awaited comebacks, the element of surprise is a defining trait of this event that heightens fans' anticipation during the road to Wrestlemania. In this list, we explore 10 entrants WWE needs at the Royal Rumble, featuring a balanced mix of five female and five male superstars. From long-time legends and opposing company talents to contemporary stars making their returns, this list encapsulates the excitement and unpredictability that make the 2025 Royal Rumble unforgettable.
10. Charlotte Flair
After suffering a torn ACL, MCL, and meniscus in December 2024, Charlotte Flair’s journey back to WWE is one of resilience and determination. While an official timeline for her return is unconfirmed, Flair is reportedly listed on the internal active WWE roster. A surprise entry in a marquee event like the Royal Rumble could provide the perfect stage for her return. It would reestablish her position as one of WWE’s most iconic performers, reigniting rivalries or forging new storylines.
9. Carmella
Another superstar currently on maternity leave, “The Princess of Staten Island,” Carmella, has been notably absent from WWE programming. Carmella’s resume as a former SmackDown Women’s Champion, Money in the Bank winner, and mixed tag team standout makes her an ideal candidate for a surprise Royal Rumble appearance. The Royal Rumble’s unpredictable atmosphere is a perfect setting for Carmella’s flashy style and knack for dramatic moments, making her a welcome addition to the event’s legacy. Seeing Carmella’s over-the-top attitude against similar talents, such as Tiffany Stratton and Chelsea Green, would make for compelling storylines that could lead to watch-worthy matches and promo work.
8. Alexa Bliss
At the time of writing, Alexa Bliss is still assumed to be on maternity leave following her pregnancy announcement in May 2023. Her last WWE appearance in an active wrestling capacity was at the Royal Rumble in January 2023, where she lost to Bianca BelAir in a match for the Raw Women’s Championship. Since then, Bliss has been away from in-ring action, focusing on her personal life and the upcoming birth of her first child. Her absence has left fans eagerly speculating about her eventual return to WWE and the potential storyline directions she might take upon her comeback. Although Bliss has not indicated a timeline for her return, the Royal Rumble would make for a perfect opportunity to face the likes of Nikki Cross, who was once Bliss’ former tag-team partner and is now portraying Abby the Witch from the Wyatt Sick6 stable in which Bliss has ties to from her previous alliance with "The Fiend."
7. Meiko Satomura
Meiko Satomura’s inclusion as a surprise entrant in the Royal Rumble would be a fitting way to celebrate her illustrious 30-year career in professional wrestling. Known as “The Final Boss,” Satomura has left a lasting impact on both the international wrestling scene and WWE, where her hard-hitting style and technical prowess have helped elevate the women’s division during her time in NXT UK. That said, the Royal Rumble could be a perfect stage for Satomura to face or pass the torch to another competitor who embodies the Japanese wrestling tradition in WWE. Potential encounters with stars like Asuka, Iyo Sky, or Kairi Sane could showcase her legacy while acknowledging her contributions to popularizing the Japanese style in American wrestling. A moment of this could create a storyline that honors her career, introduces new narratives, and connects her influence to the next generation.
6. A.J. Lee
Yes, it is definitely an unlikely long shot. However, when in WWE, the phrase “never say never,” is always emphasized. A.J. Lee’s impact on WWE cannot be overstated. Arguably the inception point of the Women’s Revolution, A.J. was instrumental in the pivotal shift of the perception of female talent in WWE. At a time when the “Divas Era” was characterized by short matches and underdeveloped storylines, A.J. broke the mold with her captivating pipe bombshell promo, nuanced character work, and overall in-ring talent.
Since stepping away from WWE, A.J. Lee has channeled her energy into various endeavors, including acting, writing, and advocating for mental health and animal welfare. Her book, Crazy Is My Superpower, became a bestseller, reflecting her ability to inspire fans far beyond the squared circle. Lee’s interest in wrestling has never ceased, and the Royal Rumble would be the perfect moment for her return. This would bridge generations of women’s wrestling, blending the foundation she laid with the evolution it has undergone.
5. Bubba Ray Dudley
After his return to in-ring action at NXT 2300, WWE Hall of Famer Bubba Ray Dudley has once again proven why he’s one of the most enduring and impactful legends to return as a Royal Rumble entrant. Proving that the “You Still Got It!” chants from the crowd are more than accurate with his intense charisma, hardcore nature, and of course, his vintage taped glasses and tie-dye/camo ring attire. Bringing Bubba back for the Royal Rumble would be a perfect way to bridge eras, offering long-time fans a dose of ECW nostalgia. It would also give the current generation a chance to witness his unmatched energy.
4. Joe Hendry
After making his championship pursuits known at NXT, "The Prestigious One" himself, Joe Hendry, had a run during his time in NXT as TNA proved that their partnership with WWE was long overdue as it mutually benefited and peaked fans' interests on both ends. That said, the positive reception of this working relationship highlighted the mutual benefits of such collaborations. For Hendry, it provided a global stage to amplify his prestige, while for WWE, it drew the interest of Impact Wrestling’s loyal fanbase. After his feud with Ethan Page in NXT, “ Hendry demonstrated why his reputation precedes him. His time down in NXT became a highlight of WWE’s collaborative efforts with TNA, showcasing how cross-promotional partnerships can captivate fans and bring fresh storylines to both rosters. That said, why not one more time? Despite his immediate dismissal at NXT’s 25-man battle royal, Hendry proved we hadn’t seen the last of him as he captivated audiences with his charisma, in-ring abilities, and singing altogether.
3. Nic Nemeth - Dolph Ziggler
After WWE demonstrated its ability to maintain a professional relationship with TNA, the stage is set for a remarkable Royal Rumble surprise in the form of Nic Nemeth, formerly known to WWE fans as Dolph Ziggler. He is widely regarded as one of the best in the business at elevating his opponents through his incredible selling and storytelling. However, Nemeth’s transition to the TNA World Champion has only cemented his legacy as a world-class performer. Reintroducing Ziggler as Nic Nemeth would add excitement to the rumble while offering a nostalgic callback for longtime fans and showcasing his evolved persona. Nic Nemeth could signal a fresh start by reintroducing him under his real name while paying homage to his accomplished career.
2. Big E
It’s been over 1,000 days since Big E last wrestled after sustaining a severe neck injury during a match on SmackDown. While he has transitioned into a role as a panelist for premium live event pre-shows, the WWE Universe has eagerly awaited his potential return to the ring. Speculation intensified after storyline developments where New Day teammates Mr. Royal Rumble himself Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods turned heel, blaming his absence for their struggles. Whether or not Big E is ready, or chooses, to step back into the ring, his entry into the Rumble would electrify fans and offer a resolution to these lingering storylines if he were to return and give a glimpse of a long-term feud with his former New Day teammates. Whether he’s returning to wrestle full-time or for a single appearance, his presence in the Rumble would electrify the crowd and provide closure, or spark a new chapter, in his storyline with Kingston and Woods.
1. Matt Cardona
After proclaiming, “Zack Ryder is dead, but long live Matt Cardona,” the former WWE star has reinvented himself as one of the most notable figures on the independent wrestling circuit. Cardona’s transformation from the fun-loving Zack Ryder persona to a more aggressive, determined Matt Cardona has allowed him to thrive outside WWE, capturing numerous championships and building his reputation as a versatile and self-made talent. A surprise return to WWE at the Royal Rumble would be a statement moment, showcasing Cardona’s growth and reintroducing him to the audience who would embrace his return with one of the loudest pops. His entry would not only generate massive fan reactions but also offer an opportunity for more relations working with independent talents. Whether as a one-off cameo or the start of a longer storyline, Matt Cardona’s inclusion in the Rumble would be a perfect blend of nostalgia and modern wrestling evolution.
