To many fans, the Royal Rumble is the most exciting PPV of the year because of its unpredictability. Fans are left on the edge of their seats every time the countdown takes place. Dreams of returning superstars or debuting wrestlers sell the mystique of the pay-per-view.
Rumours constantly run wild in the lead up to the Rumble and fans convince themselves that wrestlers have risen up from the dead to perform in the WWE again.
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This year is no different, name upon name has been rumoured to be coming to the Alamodome and we're all pretty excited about it. However, we know not all of them can make it or would even want to come, so here are 5 wrestlers that MUST appear in the Rumble match at all costs.
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#5 Samoa Joe
Months upon months of speculation must come to an end at the Rumble. Ever since he lost the NXT Championship to Shinsuke Nakamura, fans have been eagerly awaiting the 37-year old's main roster debut. Wherever Joe goes, he's a main event level talent.
If Joe's not in the title picture down in NXT he should be on the main roster main-eventing PPVs. It's time for Joe to debut and receive his inevitable ovation from the WWE Universe.
Also read: 5 Unlikely WWE Superstars who could win the 2017 Royal Rumble
Imagine the potential stare-downs we could get with Joe in the Rumble, a face-off between him and Goldberg or Lesnar or the Undertaker would be a Kodak moment. Potential square offs like that could elevate the status of Joe with the casual viewers at home.
Joe's music needs to hit and the commencement of a successful career needs to happen.
#4 Shawn Michaels
It wouldn't be Wrestlemania season without Mr Wrestlemania himself. As old as Michaels is, we all know his selling ability and in-ring psychology will never deteriorate.
I don't know about you but I'm tired of seeing all these knock-off sweet chin musics being performed on WWE TV today, I want to see the real deal one more time. Even if Michaels were to just come in the Rumble match and deliver several sweet chins, I'd be satisfied.
In a time where the star power of the current roster is dwindling, legends like Michaels need to grace us with their presence to put over younger talents. HBShizzle needs to turn up in his backyard of Texas and help us 'Remember the Rumble.'
#3 Kurt Angle
The only world champion the WWE has seen to win an Olympic gold medal is back. When the news broke that Kurt Angle would be inducted into this year's WWE Hall of Fame, every single WWE fan pictured the former WWE champion in a WWE ring again.
At the age of 48, Angle is still in better shape than half the current roster. He can still go and his star power would deliver in high-profile bouts.
Having Angle in the Rumble would increase its wrestling legitimacy and truly add to the magic of the Wrestlemania season. I for one want to see an Angle showdown with Lesnar, Taker and Rusev.
I want Angle to make his in-ring return at the Rumble, get eliminated by Rusev and challenge him to a match at WM33.
The symbol of American Pride versus the Bulgarian Brute screams money and boosted TV ratings. Angle needs the Rumble and the Rumble needs Angle.
#2 Kenny Omega
When Seth Rollins in a recent WWE video stated that he wanted Kenny Omega to appear at the Rumble, the Internet blew up. Within hours of the statement, the new Japan star was trending and his mentions were ablaze.
When Kazuchika Okada defeated Kenny Omega for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship at WK11, many speculated whether this would signify the end of Omega's time in Japan.
With his contract rumoured to be up in the near future, would this not be the perfect time for the 33-year old to make the transatlantic switch to the WWE?
With Triple H firmly controlling the talent recruitment behind the scenes, the signing of Kenny Omega is much more likely in 2017 than it would have been a few years ago. I for one can't begin to imagine how deafening his pop would be from the 60,000 fans at the Alamodome, reminiscent to AJ's ovation last year.
#1 CM Punk
60,000 fans chanting 'CM PUNK! CM PUNK!' is what's best for business. After a failed UFC career it's time for the prodigal son to come home. Can you believe that it's been almost three years to the day that CM Punk stuck a middle finger up at Vince McMahon & Triple H?
CM Punk had left claiming that he was sick & tired of the backstage politics, broken promises and endless work schedule. Instead, he opted for a career path in MMA/UFC but was found out to be way out of his depth.
To be the only man to come close to John Cena in merchandise sales and drawing power of the past decade is special and the WWE needs him back. His star power and effect on millions of people speaks for itself.
The fact that arenas across the country still ferociously chant his name is a testament to how much of a star he is and what value he could still bring to the WWE. Nobody expects him to come back, so now is the best time to pull the trigger, Vince.
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