WWE Royal Rumble Rumor Roundup: Potential spoiler on winners and surprises, Status of The Undertaker and Paige

We are less than a week away from arguably the most exciting WWE shows of the year as Royal Rumble 2022 is set to take place on January 29 live from The Dome at America's Center in St. Louis, Missouri.

WWE has done a great job in hyping up the show, especially by announcing some massive surprises and returns for the women's Rumble match. We now have potential spoilers on the winners of both the Rumble matches as well as more surprises planned.

To get you up to speed with all that's going around, here are the top rumors for WWE Royal Rumble 2022 that you need to know. Be sure to let us know your thoughts and predictions for the show in the comment section below.

---

#5 Potential spoiler on the winners of WWE Royal Rumble 2022

Continuing the tradition of the last four years, WWE will once again have two separate Rumble matches this year - one for men and the other for women. The stakes are high as always with the winner getting the opportunity to challenge a top champion of their choosing in the main event of WrestleMania 38.

As reported by Dave Meltzer on the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the favorites to win this year's men's Royal Rumble match are Big E, current WWE Champion Brock Lesnar, and Drew McIntyre.

Out of these three, only Big E has officially announced his entry into the match as of now. Lesnar is scheduled to defend the WWE title against Bobby Lashley at the show, however, there's nothing stopping him from pulling off double-duty and entering the Rumble as well.

As for McIntyre, there are chances that he might miss the show entirely due to his injury.

On the women's side, Meltzer reported that last year's winner Bianca Belair is once again the favorite this year as well. He added that former SmackDown Women's Champion Bayley could also return and win the bout.

#4 Potential spoiler on the surprises planned for the men's Royal Rumble match

Every year, the Royal Rumble presents a great opportunity for some stars from NXT to showcase themselves on a huge stage.

As per the latest report by PWInsider, two top NXT stars are set to be at the upcoming event, but there's no confirmation yet on whether they'll be used in the men's match or not. The stars in question are current NXT Champion Bron Breakker and former NXT UK Champion Gunther, fka WALTER.

"WWE is bringing at least two top WWE NXT talents in for Royal Rumble weekend, PWInsider.com has confirmed. WWE NXT Champion Bron Breakker and Gunther, the former WALTER, are slated to be in St. Louis next weekend for the Rumble event."

Previously, WrestleVotes reported that there had been talks about an "unexpected forbidden door" entrant in the men's Rumble match as well.

With WWE announcing IMPACT Knockouts Champion Mickie James for the women's Rumble match, fans are excited to see who could cross over from another promotion for the men's bout. What are your predictions?

---

#3 Paige to make her long-awaited return?

WWE has already announced a stacked field for the women's Royal Rumble match.

The returning stars include WWE Hall of Famers like Lita and The Bella Twins as well as former stars like Michelle McCool, Kelly Kelly, Mickie James, and more. SmackDown Women's Champion Charlotte Flair is also set to enter the Rumble this year.

However, another massive return could take place at the show. There is growing speculation that former WWE Divas Champion Paige could be making a one-night return at the show. Fans are sure to blow the roof off the arena if she returns.

Paige has herself teased making an in-ring return on several occasions over the last year and continues to trend on social media for the same.

#2 The Undertaker is set to be in attendance at the show

According to PWInsider, WWE legend The Undertaker is set to be in attendance at St. Louis for Royal Rumble 2022.

"PWInsider.com has confirmed The Undertaker is slated to be in attendance at the 2022 Royal Rumble in St. Louis next week."

The report adds that while anything is possible, The Phenom will most likely be there to support his wife Michelle McCool who will be entering the women's Rumble match. It was also stated that WWE could have brought him in to film some content for the WWE Network.

The Undertaker last wrestled at WrestleMania 36 in a Boneyard match against AJ Styles. Later that year at Survivor Series 2020, he had his final farewell, officially retiring after completing three decades with the company.

While the chances of him making a surprise return and competing at the Rumble are very less, one should "never say never" in WWE.

---

#1 Vince McMahon has huge plans for Austin Theory at Royal Rumble

WWE Chairman Vince McMahon is highly invested in Monday Night RAW Superstar Austin Theory. This is clearly visible with the several segments that the two have had on WWE television recently with McMahon playing a mentor sort of character to the young star.

According to Wrestlingnews.co, Vince McMahon is set to give a major push to Theory at the premium live event. A WWE source told them:

"Austin [Theory] is going to get time to shine in the Rumble match. Last I heard was he will be in the final 4 or 5 at the end of the match.”

This past week on Monday Night RAW, Austin Theory picked up a major victory over former Universal Champion Finn Balor. Could we see him win a title in WWE by the end of this year?

Are you excited for WWE Royal Rumble 2022? Comment down and let us know your predictions for the show.