Ranking the 5 best surprise Royal Rumble entrants in recent years

#2: AJ Styles makes a Phenomenal debut in the 2016 Royal Rumble

The 2016 Royal Rumble was special for many reasons. For one, instead of earning a Wrestlemania title shot, the winner would take home the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.

Defending champion Roman Reigns entered at #1, beginning the match against Rusev, who was eliminated just in time for #3's music to hit.

As soon as the unfamiliar music played, fans rose from their seats in eager curiosity. The wave of cheers that washed over the arena when "I am Phenomenal" showed up on the titantron announced the arrival of a unique talent.

AJ Styles lasted 28 minutes before being eliminated by Kevin Owens. He has since stated that the crowd reaction to his debut enabled WWE management to view him as a top talent.

This allowed him to win every championship available in the company in a relatively short time.

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#1: Edge returns from a 9-year retirement at the 2020 Royal Rumble

The 2020 men's Rumble match was loaded with great moments. WWE Champion Brock Lesnar started the match at #1, eliminating a record-tying thirteen men.

He was eliminated by eventual winner Drew McIntyre to a thunderous reaction.

However, the loudest pop of the night came when Edge made his return to in-ring action after retiring nine years earlier due to neck injuries. The Ultimate Opportunist lasted 26 minutes, being eliminated by Roman Reigns.

The pure emotion throughout the WWE Universe for his return has not been matched by any Rumble return in recent years.