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The upcoming 35th annual WWE Royal Rumble is set to take place on Saturday, January 29, 2022. It will be the first Royal Rumble takes place in front of the WWE Universe since 2020.
The winner of the traditional 30-Man over-the-rope battle advances to WrestleMania to challenge for their respective brands world title.
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In recent years, NXT Superstars have entered the match. Last year saw Damian Priest enter whilst still performing on NXT. The year before that, Keith Lee and Riddle entered the star-studded match-up.
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It is likely once again that a couple of names from WWE's third brand will be called upon. In the last few months, NXT has undergone a rebranding, so this may be WWE's opportunity to showcase its talents to a wider audience.
Let's take a look at five WWE NXT 2.0 Superstars who could be added to the 2022 Men's Royal Rumble match.
#5 Tommaso Ciampa could enter the WWE Royal Rumble match for the first time
One surprising fact about Tommaso Ciampa's tenure in WWE is that he has never competed in a Royal Rumble. Could this year finally be the year he breaks his duck?
Many other NXT legends over the years such as Adam Cole, Andrade and Johnny Gargano have all entered the match bar him.
Ciampa recently lost his NXT World Championship to Bron Breakker, leaving the door wide open for the possibility of his appearance. He also recently performed in a dark match prior to SmackDown on January 7 against Pete Dunne. That could signal that a move to the main roster could be on the horizon.
In a recent interview with Sports Illustrated, Ciampa revealed that it has always been his dream to compete in the match:
"I know people in WWE dream about wrestling at WrestleMania, but for me, it was always the Rumble. The idea of seeing who would return, the surprise of who would debut, even watching what Edge did last year, that’s always been the Rumble has always meant a lot to me. There are so many people I’d love to have an opportunity to share the ring with. So if that opportunity knocks, I’m answering." (h/t Cultaholic)
In just a couple of weeks, his dream may become a reality under the lights in St. Louis at the Premium Live Event.
#4 Grayson Waller could enter the Royal Rumble
In recent weeks leading up to the Royal Rumble, Grayson Waller and AJ Styles have been exchanging back-and-forths on NXT 2.0.
The pair battlled one-on-one on January 11, but that doesn't necessarily mean their feud will end there. If WWE wants to continue to further establish the Australian Superstar, they could have him appear in the 30-Man Rumble.
Waller could be an entrant in the match and collide with AJ Styles in the ring before eliminating him from the match. It would be a huge moment for the 31-year old, whose career is just beginning in WWE.
#3 Pete Dunne could enter the Royal Rumble match
The last time we saw Pete Dunne competing on the main roster was during the Survivor Series in 2019. Dunne was defeated by Adam Cole in a match for Cole's NXT Championship.
Since then, Dunne has been a regular for the NXT brand, and has been a part of the rebrand. In the last few weeks, the former NXT UK Champion has made two appearances for the main roster in non-televised matches.
The first was on December 26 at Madison Square Garden, where Dunne challenged Tommasso Ciampa. The second was on the January 7 SmackDown taping where he faced Ciampa again in a dark match.
This could point to an eventual call-up to the wafer-thin SmackDown roster for Dunne. The Royal Rumble match would be the perfect way to reintroduce him to the WWE Universe.
#2 WALTER could make an impact in the Royal Rumble
If WALTER's music hits during the Royal Rumble, then the superstars in the ring better beware.
The longest-reigning NXT UK Champion is one of the most feared performers in recent memory. His mighty chops strike fear in the hearts of any human.
The leader of the Imperium could be another superstar who is about to break onto the WWE main roster. Recent reports in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter have suggested the same.
It would be an introduction to the main roster like no other if he was to enter the Rumble and go face-to-face with someone like Omos. There are plenty of Goliath vs. Goliath encounters for him to have.
#1 NXT Champion Bron Breakker could enter and be introduced to the WWE Universe
There are big things on the horizon for the brand new NXT Champion, Bron Breakker. Rick Steiner's son has been impressive since his debut, showcasing his power and unique athleticism.
He stood out during WWE's recent tour of the UK in November 2021, facing Tommaso Ciampa and Sami Zayn. He has WWE Superstar written all over him and the company would be foolish not to let him figure in the Rumble match this year.
Breakker could get his first taste of what it is like to be on the main roster at the Royal Rumble, as a call-up is likely sooner rather than later.
