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The Royal Rumble is right around the corner and the fact that the show is usually filled with surprises is why it's become one of the most popular shows of the year. The Royal Rumble allows the winner to be granted a Championship match of their choosing at WrestleMania despite the fact that there are still two pay-per-views for the company to broadcast before they land in New Jersey on April 7th.
This year the company has seemingly taken a different route ahead of the Royal Rumble, by announcing almost the entire field for the Women's Royal Rumble match, but not focusing a lot on the men's Royal Rumble, since it's thought that either Drew McIntyre or Seth Rollins will be walking away with the victory at this year's show.
There is a lot of potential when it comes to surprises for this year's show and here are just a few names that are currently on the radar.
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#5. Shawn Michaels
Shawn Michaels returned to the ring for the first time in eight years at Crown Jewel back in November where he teamed with Triple H in a winning effort against The Undertaker and Kane.
Michaels was once rumored to be the man that the company wanted to finally end The Undertaker's career at WrestleMania. Undertaker famously ended Michaels career back at WrestleMania 26, but the former World Champion has since returned to the ring and became a thorn in the side of The Deadman once again.
Michaels could return as part of this weekend's Royal Rumble to set up the rumored match, but at present, it is unknown as to whether or not this is still the plan or if WWE has since changed The Undertaker's WrestleMania opponent. All will become clear on Sunday night.
#4. Bray Wyatt
Bray Wyatt hasn't wrestled on WWE TV since August when he lost his Raw Tag Team Championships to The B Team and Matt Hardy was then forced to walk away from the ring because of an on-going injury.
Wyatt was given time off following a car accident so that he could heal from his injuries, but he has been cleared to return for the past few months, even though the company has nothing creative for him right now. The Royal Rumble is the perfect place for any superstar to pick up a rivalry and could be Wyatt's only chance of picking up a rivalry ahead of WrestleMania.
Since Luke Harper, Erick Rowan and Bray Wyatt are all now cleared to return, it would be a shame if WWE didn't reunite The Wyatt Family if only for one night.
#3. The Rock
The Rock will be part of all of the lists of surprises when it comes to this weekend's Royal Rumble because it was thought that the former World Champion would be part of a match against Roman Reigns at WrestleMania.
The fact that Roman Reigns was forced to step away from WWE back in October has meant that WWE has had to change all of their plans for the next few months but could still decide to bring The Rock back for a match at the biggest event of the year.
The Rock is a busy man and obviously has a lot of projects coming up, but it is thought that he is one of the big names for this year's Hall of Fame class, which means that he would need to be present in New Jersey this April.
#2. Batista
Batista hasn't been seen in WWE since the 100th episode of SmackDown Live where he seemingly set up a match between himself and Triple H at WrestleMania. The Animal hasn't wrestled in WWE for more than four years, but it was hoped that he would be able to return to set up this match but Triple H's recent pectorial muscle injury has meant that this match is now up in the air.
It is thought that Batista is one of the most predictable returns for Sunday night, but if Triple H isn't fit to make his return at the same time then The Animal could well set up a match against another top star heading into WrestleMania instead. Batista is one superstar who seems to have a free schedule in the coming weeks, so he's a decent shout as a surprise entrant in The Royal Rumble.
#1. Rob Van Dam
Rob Van Dam is a former World Champion in WWE, but he hasn't been seen in the company for a number of years after having a few personal issues. RVD has still been active in the wrestling world since his departure but made a clear a few years ago that he wasn't looking to make his return to WWE unless he was going to be part of a worthy storyline.
RVD started a buzz back in December when he revealed on Twitter that the wrestling world would be hearing from him soon. This could be RVD stating that he's about to step into a new role, but many believe that he could be looking for one last run in WWE where he could be making an appearance at this weekend's Royal Rumble.
The fact that there has been no build towards a Rob Van Dam return could be why the former World Champion could be one of the biggest surprises.
