It’s hard to believe, but WWE’s Royal Rumble is only three months away. To take that a step further, the road to WrestleMania 33 is only stone’s throw from becoming a reality.
The first event of 2017 in the new era of the company should be well worth the show in San Antonio, Texas. I am sure I am not the only one who is curious how this will all play out. Does the winner have to challenge the champion of their brand, or will they have an opportunity to choose who they wish to meet in Orlando?
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Hopefully, this won’t turn out to be an 18-second victory for the challenger, much like it was for Sheamus when he defeated Daniel Bryan in 2012 at WrestleMania 28. Yes, we all remember the kiss that proved deadly.
Rumours are already flying around the Internet about who may and may not enter the 40-wrestler elimination match. According to inquisitr.com, The Undertaker may make an appearance at the event. The Dead Man is from Texas, after all.
Besides the usual suspects, who may surprise us with their presence is anyone’s guess. This is a match that tends to bring back the past to compete with the present stars of the company. AJ Styles made his initial appearance in last year’s Rumble match, as the second participant along with Roman Reigns.
Seems like that may have been the best move WWE has made all year.
Who will be the “shocking” entrant this year – besides ‘Taker? While Steve Austin would be a pick no one would expect, let’s assume the rumours will find their way to the “Texas Rattlesnake.” Even if there is a better chance to win the lottery, it’s still fun to think about.
Here is a look at five possible “surprise” entrants in the Royal Rumble match (besides The Undertaker).
#5 Kurt Angle
Here is another former WWE star who has expressed interest in making it back to where it all started. A lot has been said over the past year about his return. He says it will happen at some point. He’s even confirmed that the negotiations and talks of a return are on in full swing.
Also read: Kurt Angle confirms WWE return talks
Triple H hasn’t been as confident. It is only right for the former Olympian to give it one more go in WWE before he hangs up his boots for good.
What better way to make a splash on his return than in this match? Would his return lead to a “retirement” confrontation with Daniel Bryan – the one wrestler Angle said he wants to wrestle in his final match?
I’m salivating over that possibility.
#4 Jeff Hardy
Everything associated with Hardy making his way back to WWE has a lot to do with how TNA Wrestling works out by the end of the year. There is no secret to the fact Hardy and his brother have discussed their future in the business and a return to WWE.
Those rumours have heated up a bit with the sudden changes in management with Impact Wrestling. Would Hardy come back to the Rumble alone, or would he bring brother Matt along with him? Also, would they continue with the “broken” gimmick, or would we see more of the daredevil style that made them famous?
#3 Sting
Yes, he announced his retirement when he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, but I think there may still be life in Steve Borden’s wrestling career. Sting was injured at Night of Champions when he was power bombed into a turnbuckle by Seth Rollins. The “Icon” should be able to leave this business on his own terms.
Also, if Sting makes an appearance in San Antonio wouldn’t that lead to speculation that he could meet Undertaker at WrestleMania 33?
#2 Finn Balor
When Balor won the Universal Heavyweight Title and then had to relinquish it because of injury, it was believed he would be out of action for at least six months.
January is one month early, so it is not out of the question.
The former NXT champion has some unfinished business with the Universal Champion – whomever that may be. I suspect if WWE wants to push him back into the main event picture, it would not take him winning the Rumble match to make that happen.
This is the safest pick of all these so far.
#1 Shawn Michaels
The former WWE World Champion is from San Antonio and is still one of the most popular wrestlers to ever compete in a wrestling ring. Although he is retired from the ring, Michaels has moved to Orlando to work at WWE’s training center in Orlando.
Michaels is a two-time Royal Rumble winner in 1995 and 1996.
I know he continually says he is retired from wrestling again, but I would still never say never when it comes to the “Heartbreak Kid.” What if, for the sake of argument, Michaels won the match? Fans would support this move wholeheartedly.
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