Former Intercontinental Champion to make WWE return after 10-year hiatus at Royal Rumble? Exploring the possibility

The WWE Royal Rumble has plenty of surprises, with stars often making long-awaited returns. Edge, John Cena, and Diesel are among those who have been surprise entrants in the rumble.

Ezekial Jackson could join that list if the former Intercontinental Champion returns at next year's rumble (February 1). His last appearance in WWE came 10 years ago, as he departed the promotion in April, 2014. However, he has hinted at a possible return to pro wrestling.

The 6ft 4in 309-pound heavyweight has been working hard in the gym. A fan on X/Twitter asked Jackson, 46, to prove he could still go in the ring, to which he responded "soon."

Check out the exchange below:

Jackson didn't manage to become a main eventer during his spell with the company. Before going solo, he first appeared on the main roster as Brian Kendrick's bodyguard.

The Guyanese-American, former TNA star, became an ECW and Intercontinental Champion. He was also a member of the Corre alongside Wade Barrett, who has also teased a Royal Rumble appearance.

Triple H's run as head of creative has been an enormous success, but he's arguably stepped away from surprise returns in the Rumble. This has disappointed fans as seeing a former WWE star re-appear was a popular angle over the years.

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What other former or absent WWE stars could appear at the Royal Rumble?

Ezekial Jackson and Wade Barrett are viable options for Royal Rumble returns. The latter works on RAW as a color commentator but could step back into the ring to ignite a feud with Drew McIntyre.

Fans long-await Brock Lesnar's return amid the Beast Incarnate's time away from the company. He was last seen in WWE in August 2023 when he lost to Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam. Some fans speculate that the next time the former WWE Champion competes, it could be his last hurrah with the promotion.

Goldberg appeared at Bad Blood earlier this month and confronted World Heavyweight Champion Gunther. He might also be eyeing a retirement match, and The Ring General would be a worthy opponent.

There is also the possibility of using talent from TNA, given their affiliation with that promotion. Some former stars are competing in Nashville, including Dolph Ziggler, the Hardys, Zack Ryder (Matt Cardona), and Santino Marella.

The Royal Rumble kickstarts the Road to WrestleMania. One star who will be making his final appearance at the Show of Shows is John Cena. The Cenation Leader is headed on a farewell tour in 2025 and might want to make one last Rumble outing.