Royal Rumble 2012 predictions: Five potential returns

The 25th annual Royal Rumble event will be held on January 29, 2012 at Scottrade Center in St. Louis, Missouri. Billed as the second biggest WWE event of the year, the Royal Rumble event is filled with exciting matches and surprise returns. The 30 man Royal Rumble is often described as the most unpredictable WWE match of the year. Every year we have shocking returns and surprise entrants in the Royal Rumble match. In 2010, we witnessed Edge’s return and Beth Phoenix’s involvement in the Royal Rumble match. In 2011, Booker T and Kevin Nash made heads turn by returning to the WWE. 2012 will be no different. So, here is a list of the Top 5 surprise returns that we may see this Sunday.

1. Christian

Christian

Coming sunday, the peeps will rejoice as ‘Captain Charisma’ Christian will make his comeback at Royal Rumble 2012. Christian has fully recovered from the ankle injury that forced him out of action during the latter half of 2012. So, he is fit and ready for ‘one more Wrestlemania match’. He will probably return as a participant in the Royal Rumble match. Moreover, the BOK Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma is advertising the return of SmackDown’s Christian for the Febuary 7 Smackdown TV tapings. So, it would make perfect sense if he returns at the Rumble and has a sizable impact on the match.

Probability of Christian’s return at Royal Rumble 2012: 90%

2. Goldust/Dustin Rhodes

Goldust

Goldust a.k.a. Dustin Rhodes is another sure-shot returnee at this year’s Royal Rumble match. Goldust was last involved in a match with Ted Dibiase in December 2010 and thereafter, he was sidelined with a Shoulder Injury. Recent rumors about a Wrestlemania match between Goldust and his brother Cody Rhodes indicate that Goldust will be involved in this year’s Royal Rumble match. He may eliminate Cody Rhodes thereby shattering his dreams of doing a Ultimate Warrior – being the reigning Intercontinental champion and World Champion at the same time.

Probability of Goldust’s return at Royal Rumble 2012: 90%

3. Rey Mysterio

Rey Mysterio

Rey Mysterio updated his status for Wrestlemania 28 earlier this week, saying that he will be there at Miami. This may indicate a return at the Royal Rumble where the road to Wrestlemania officially begins. Though this may not happen, he will return within the next few weeks. But he needs a new feud for a match at Wrestlemania and returning at the Royal Rumble will enable WWE to decide a possible opponent for Mysterio at Wrestlemania 28.

Probability of Rey Mysterio’s return at Royal Rumble 2012: 70%

4. The Undertaker

The Undertaker

The road to Wrestlemania is all set to begin and still we haven’t had the return of the Undertaker. Last year, he returned on February 21 after a series of vignettes promoting his return. This year, he may return a tad earlier at the Royal Rumble wherein he may eliminate Triple H or Wade Barrett or even Chris Jericho leading to a match at Wrestlemania. His return at Royal Rumble will be surprising as well as logical.

Probability of Undertaker’s return at Royal Rumble 2012: 60%

5. Alberto Del Rio

Alberto Del Rio

Destiny’s favorite child – Alberto Del Rio, the winner of last year’s Royal Rumble match, is currently recuperating from a groin injury. The doctors have set a timeline of 4 weeks for a complete recovery after surgery and are optimistic about Del Rio’s return before Wrestlemania. Hence, Del Rio may return on a one-night only basis, on Sunday.

Probability of Del Rio’s return at Royal Rumble 2012: 40%