Five Surprise Entrants in The WWE Men’s Royal Rumble 2022
Five Surprise Entrants in The WWE Men’s Royal Rumble 2022
Royal Rumble matches are often remembered for their surprise entries. They can be either returning legends or truly shocking and make for some exciting moments in the 30-man game. Last year’s Rumble featured the unexpected debut of Damian Priest to the main roster, as well as the return of Christian, Kane and Hurricane Helms. Royal Rumble 2022 may be even more surprising, given the reduced roster due to the release of a slew from last year.
Let’s take a look at five potential surprise entries in the Men’s Royal Rumble match this year. These could be surprises from NXT 2.0 or returning faces.
1. Tommaso Ciampa
Tommaso Ciampa, a former NXT Champion, has made a few brief appearances on Main Event’s main roster. He has won some victories, including defeating Akira Tozawa (NXT Champion) and T-Bar in a series of curtain-jerker matches that barely entertained the crowd. A Rumble appearance would be a great way to gain momentum if WWE is serious about calling up ‘The Blackheart.
Although Ciampa is not well-known to all members of the WWE audience at large, he still has the potential to make a solid first impression when the main spotlight at a Royal Rumble event focuses on him. Ciampa’s appearance, intensity, and legacy as a top NXT star should propel him to success on RAW or SmackDown Live.
Tommaso is my favourite NXT star if they show up in the coming year.
2. Pete Dunne
‘The Bruiserweight,’ another NXT 2.0 star, has occasionally appeared on Main Event. The Brummy must have some faith as he has won a few wins against undercard fodder, just like his NXT colleague. Dunne was a surprise entry in the Rumble in 2019 and received a lot of attention from the live audience. He’d probably get the same reaction if he were to appear in the Men’s Rumble again this year.
Pete Dunne, a rare talent, is both young and extremely well-versed in the wrestling world. His unique style will make him stand out from the rest of the roster. However, his chances of winning are slim due to his size and WWE’s ongoing desire to over-weight everyone over 500lbs. Pete has been a hit with many fans, including the US NXT.
I am a big fan of ‘The Bruiserweight,’ and I hope to see him perform at the Royal Rumble this year. He has worked hard in NXT and deserves at most a small part of the main roster.
3. Corey Graves
Recently, Corey Graves (the perennial WWE commentator) has been cleared to compete in-ring. Graves had to retire early due to severe injuries sustained during his first run in NXT. However, high-ranking WWE officials were keen to make Graves a star.
Corey has a ‘different’ aesthetic. His commentary work doesn’t reveal that. Despite being away from competition for so long, his adaptability and loyalty to the company must keep him high in regard. Graves may not make it as far, but it would be great to try to recover his momentum and possibly even get to regular in-ring action.
It would be a genuinely heart-warming moment if Corey emerged from the commentary booth to take off his questionable jackets, storm the ring and lock in the Lucky 13! Although it may not be as memorable as Christian and Edge, it will undoubtedly be one to cherish from 2022.
4. Bron Breaker
Bron Breaker is the most anticipated newcomer to NXT 2.0. As part of the 2021 UK tour, the son of Rick Steiner has proven himself to be a star. He can absorb the experience and knowledge of others and deliver high-octane performances. Breaker is becoming a popular choice, and it’s clear that fans are firmly behind him as the next big thing. Why not make this year’s Royal Rumble a success?
Although this shouldn’t result in a win or even a spot in the final ones, Breaker could launch some smacks to the top rope during the first stages of the match. The Breaker could get a lot of attention and a big main roster debut before the year ends.
NXT Champions were used well in the Rumble past to give them the exposure they needed for the main roster. Bron Breaker might be the most outstanding to date.
5. Bray Wyatt, ‘The Fiend.
Ok, let’s face the truth; it’s very ambitious of me even to suggest that we might see Wyatt return to the Rumble this year. WWE must be aware of the enormity of Bray’s departure in 2021.
Rumours are already circulating that certain wrestlers who have been released may be welcomed back to the company to surprise the Royal Rumble. Names like Wyatt and Braun Strowman would be massive hits and surely shock the world. This will hopefully help to regain some faith and momentum.
A win at the Rumble is essential if ‘The Fiend’ made a comeback this year. A big win at the Rumble would be a huge step in restoring Bray’s faith in the character he was treated with cruelty towards the beginning of 2021.
