WWE Royal Rumble winners who didn't officially declare their entry 

#1 John Cena (WWE Royal Rumble 2008)

@JohnCena I want to feel that 2008 rumble entrance at royal rumble this month in mens match but as thuganomics pic.twitter.com/UuC5XQ2n7e

— Andrew Quinn 🎄 (@AndyQui31450677) January 5, 2021

2-time Royal Rumble winner John Cena has been quite a divisive character in WWE. While many claim he's responsible for the dawning of the PG era in the company, others say his drawing capacity is completely unmatched. However, the one night where Cena was cheered across the diverse wrestling fan base was during his surprise return at Royal Rumble 2008.

Cena, who had been out of action since October 2007, was scheduled to make his return sometime later in the year. So, his return turned out to be quite a swerve that pleased the viewers. Lasting for around 8 minutes in the match, the 16-time WWE Champion eliminated four participants, with Triple H being his final victim.

His journey to WrestleMania 24, however, turned out to be quite convoluted. Choosing to face the then champion, Randy Orton at No Way Out 2004, instead of waiting until the Mania, Cena won the match by disqualification, with The Viper retaining his title.

Cena earned another opportunity for the title at WrestleMania 24, in a three-way against Orton and HHH. However, he came up short, with Orton retaining his title yet again.