It's that time of the year again. The time to watch a whole bunch of people get into a wrestling ring and toss each other over the top rope until there's one man or woman left standing. The Royal Rumble is a special time of the year where we all hope WWE has some surprises up its sleeve, whether it's old favorites or bizarre celebrities entering the main event match.
Last year, we discussed 15 surprise entrants we waned to see and actually got one right--Tye Dillinger. He was one of the two surprises in that Rumble, with the other being Undertaker. This year, there's both the men and women's Royal Rumble matches, so there is a possibility we'll see even more surprises in 2018. Because the men's roster is so stacked, this year's surprise entrants will more than likely be female-heavy--since there aren't even 30 women on the main roster. Regardless, here are 15 men and women surprise entrants we'd love to see at the 2018 Royal Rumble.
"Stone Cold" Steve Austin
One of the two highlights of Raw 25, right behind Miz beating Roman Reigns for the IC title, was Steve Austin coming out, drinking beers, and stunning both Vince and Shane McMahon. Austin looked good too. He was in shape, and while he didn't have one line of dialogue, he outperformed everyone else in the ring during the segment. We predicted him to come out last year, and he didn't. However, out of all the retired Attitude Era stars, he's the most likely to come back, especially considering his close relationship with WWE.
Beth Phoenix
There are a handful of stars from WWE's past that were especially important in the evolution of women's wrestling at the company. One of them is Beth Phoenix, who filled an important role during the Ruthless Aggression era as one of the few women during the time who was extremely talented on the mic and in the ring. Considering she's included in WWE 2K18's DLC and working commentary on the Mixed Match Challenge, her inclusion in either Royal Rumble--or both--is likely.
Trish Stratus
If Beth Phoenix was one of the most important parts of the Ruthless Aggression era, then Trish Stratus is the same for the Attitude Era. During a time when the majority of women were used as arm candy, Stratus was busy delivering some stellar performances. Because she was at Raw 25, it seems like her showing up at the Royal Rumble isn't entirely out of the question.
Lita
You can't talk about the Attitude Era and Trish Stratus without also discussing Lita. She embraced what it meant to be a unique and entertaining wrestler who had the same high-flying talents as her male counterparts. Lita still works with WWE on live events, usually during the PPV pre-shows, so there is a good chance we could see her at this year's Royal Rumble. The real question is, "Why wasn't she on/invited to Raw 25?"
Kurt Angle
The Raw general manager has already returned to the ring since he's come back to WWE, so an appearance in the Rumble seems like a pretty solid idea, especially if it's going to set something up for Wrestlemania. Angle has been cleared to wrestle, but I don't think WWE will take any huge risks with him, considering how many times he's broken his neck. That being said, the Rumble is a lower-impact match and the perfect fit for Angle.
Daniel Bryan
Having Daniel Bryan in the Royal Rumble match may just be wishful thinking as Bryan has not been cleared to wrestle yet, as far as we know. The Smackdown general manager had a staredown with The Miz at Raw 25, and because of this, we're hoping this leads to a match between the two at Wrestlemania. There is no better way to really put some fire under this rivalry than to have Bryan eliminate The Miz at this year's Rumble.
Adam Cole
Adam Cole has only been with NXT since August, but wrestling fans couldn't have been more excited to see him make his way to WWE. The former Bullet Club member has already made a name for himself in NXT, especially after his performance at NXT Takeover: Wargames. Normally, the Rumble lets at least one person from NXT join the fight, and Cole could be the one this year.
Aleister Black
Aleister Black is a really cool NXT superstar. He's got an interesting look and entrance. Unlike most other wrestlers with a unique and dark look, Black boasts an extensive martial arts background. He'll be coming to the main roster sooner rather than later, so his inclusion in the Rumble could be a great way to introduce the wider WWE Universe to him.
The Velveteen Dream
If you're unfamiliar with The Velveteen Dream, he's one part Prince and one part Rick Rude. The wrestler feels like a contemporary reimagining of the characters from the golden era of WWE. He's been on a roll recently in NXT, and his match against Aleister Black at Wargames was truly phenomenal. Maybe I'm a bit partial to the Velveteen Dream, as I love over-the-top gimmicks.
Ember Moon
The women's revolution really started because of stars from NXT coming to the main roster, like Paige, Sasha Banks, Charlotte, Becky Lynch, and Bayley. We've recently seen a third wave of NXT stars come to Raw and Smackdown with Ruby Riott and company, and there is no one more worthy from the developmental brand to come to the Rumble than NXT Women's Champion Ember Moon.
Kairi Sane
There are multiple reasons why NXT's Kairi Sane should be included in this year's Royal Rumble match. First and foremost, she's the winner of the Mae Young Classic, and she put on an extremely impressive performance. Secondly, she dresses like a pirate when she comes to the ring, which I am a huge fan of. She brings a flash and flare to her style that's undeniably wonderful, including to her elbow drop.
Nikki Cross
One of the other women of NXT we'd love to see in the Rumble is none other than Sanity member Nikki Cross. It's only a matter of time before all of the stable makes their way to the main roster, and Cross brings something special to her character and in-ring performance. She's a dynamic character and someone who would be a great fit on the female roster, which could start with Cross making her debut at this year's Rumble.
Cody Rhodes
It's no secret the American Nightmare is having a ton of success outside of WWE. He left the company on what seems to be good terms, and he's just been so much fun to watch on the indie circuit. He's breathed new life into his career and has really found his character and voice. I don't think Cody will be returning to WWE anytime soon, but a one-and-done Rumble appearance doesn't seem completely out of the question.
Ethan Carter III
TNA star EC3 left the company in mid-January, leading everyone to believe that he'll make his debut at the Rumble. There have been rumors and reports that he was spotted at the WWE Performance Center and that he's already signed with the company. Carter could follow in the footsteps of AJ Styles, who made his debut at the Royal Rumble in 2016.
Ronda Rousey
Last year, we hoped mixed martial artist Ronda Rousey would appear in the Royal Rumble--which she didn't--but we're hoping she makes her way to the ring this year. Rousey first appeared in WWE at Wrestlemania XXXI, and since then, fans have speculated when she's going to come back. Considering this year marks the first year of the women's Royal Rumble, it seems like an ideal time for her to return.
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