Predicting the Surprise Entrants of the 2024 WWE Royal Rumble Matches

Is there a more exciting time of the year than the Royal Rumble? Two WWE Superstars punch their tickets to WrestleMania, and plenty more make a lasting impression.

One thing fans always look forward to are the surprise Rumble entrants. There is always someone lined up to return or debut in one of WWE's most chaotic matches.

This year will be no different, and the opportunities for major surprises are bountiful.

Many are speculating about legend appearances from The Rock to John Cena, big return performances from Andrade and Naomi, perhaps even some major NXT call-ups like Bron Breakker and Tiffany Stratton.

These are the most likely surprise entrants for the both the men's and women's Rumble matches, particularly focusing on the names who could make a lasting impression.

Andrade

Andrade looks set to return to WWE.

After El Idolo thanked All Elite Wrestling for his time there and wrapped up with the promotion, it opened the door for him to rejoin his wife, Charlotte Flair.

However, the move has not been confirmed by WWE yet, which sets the stage for a dramatic return in the men's Royal Rumble match on Saturday.

It is unclear where Andrade will fit in the current WWE landscape. He might get involved in the Latino World Order vs. Legado World Order rivalry, given his history with Rey Mysterio.

He would even the odds standing next to Santos Escobar against The Master of the 619 and Carlito, but he would likely get lost in the shuffle with so many wrestlers involved in that story.

It would be more interesting to set him on his own path, potentially clashing with Gunther, Drew McIntyre, Dragon Lee (who is mostly out of the LWO feud) or Kevin Owens (if he were to work two matches on the night).

This is a near-lock result, and Andrade is likely to appear early in the Rumble to get time to show off what he can do.

Jade Cargill

Jade Cargill has waited patiently for her moment after her signing with WWE on September 26. She was expected to make an immediate splash, but has spent the rest of the year training to learn the WWE style.

An arrival in the women's Royal Rumble would be a perfect spotlight for a potential top star for the company. As long as WWE is ready for her jump over NXT, this needs to happen.

Cargill, 31, has the star power and presentation to make an immediate impression. With Bianca Belair seemingly directionless, the two could immediately start up a feud.

It is hard imagine any arrival in the women's Rumble making more of a splash than this one. This will be Cargill's chance to make a true first impression, and she's always been great at first impressions.

John Cena

While John Cena has made an indelible mark on the legacy of the Royal Rumble with two victories in his career, he has never appeared in the match as a surprise legend.

If the WWE icon did appear, it would most likely be for a big pop and short run in the contest, possibly getting some revenge on Solo Sikoa after his last match with The Tribal Heir.

The Champ has a busy schedule that may not allow for an extended run on the Road to WrestleMania, but a one-off appearance would be a fun twist.

Cena has a big movie coming out on February 2, Argylle. This would be a great way to promote the film and allow him to continue giving back to the business.

The 46-year-old told Ellise Shafer of Variety that he will soon retire from in-ring action, so there are few opportunities like this left for him.

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Trish Stratus and Lita

Trish Stratus made a return to regular in-ring action in 2023 and could well have ended her career after a sensational steel cage match with Becky Lynch.

However, if she feels has a few more contests left in her, the women's Rumble match would be a perfect opportunity to show out.

Stratus has already warned fans that 2024 will be a special year for her:

This could be a perfect time to also bring back Lita, who mysteriously vanished just after WrestleMania 39. Stratus admitted to the deed herself but has not had her comeuppance.

Stratus and Lita brawling in the women's Rumble match sounds too perfect not to deliver while the two are still in shape for a last big fight.

Tama Tonga

Tama Tonga may be the least-known name on this list, but the four-time NEVER openweight champion is exactly the kind of star WWE could instantly sell to a fresh audience.

He bid farewell to New Japan Pro-Wrestling at The New Beginning in Nagoya on January 20. He must have a new destination in mind after spending over a decade in the company.

On Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer confirmed WWE's continued interest in signing the 41-year-old. If WWE trusts his training, he could get the AJ Styles treatment and immediately appear in the men's Rumble match.

This would certainly make a statement to his future, adding a seasoned performer who can fit in anywhere to a stacked roster.

Tonga was a founding member of Bullet Club, so he may naturally fit in with whatever plans Styles has next.

Naomi

Naomi left WWE with a point to prove. She did so by arriving in Impact Wrestling in 2023 and becoming the Knockouts world champion.

She is finishing up her run with the company, which is returning to the TNA name, after dropping her title to Jordynne Grace.

The rematch on Thursday will finish up her dates with the promotion, setting the stage for Naomi to return to WWE for the women's Rumble match and immediately show out.

Few women have made a greater impression in the iconic Battle Royal than the 36-year-old. Her athleticism jumps off the screen and will remind everyone why WWE needs her.

Assuming former tag team partner Sasha Banks is not returning with her, she would fit in nicely as a backup to Bayley after the expected Damage CTRL split.

Bron Breakker

NXT has to bring some big surprise names for the Royal Rumble matches. While Carmelo Hayes would be expected given his recent work with Austin Theory and Grayson Waller, Bron Breakker would be a more shocking arrival.

The former NXT champion is in a transition period and ready for a main roster leap. A dominant run in the men's Rumble match ahead of a future call-up would set the stage for an immediate push.

Breakker has shown time and again how impressive he can be in bursts. His explosive offense has gotten even better in the past year, shown as recently as Tuesday on NXT.

WWE has an absolute star on its hands in Breakker and would be silly not to give him a spotlight this year. It will only take five minutes for everyone watching to get invested in his future.

Tiffany Stratton

Another important NXT call-up, Tiffany Stratton has mostly outgrown the gold brand.

After a phenomenal short feud with Becky Lynch, she was made as one of WWE's top names in the women's division.

If she appears in the women's Rumble match, everyone will know who she is. Her athleticism makes an instant impression.

While she may still have unfinished business with Fallon Henley in NXT, this could work as a solid preview for her main roster future.

The 24-year-old could interact with top stars such as Lynch again, Bayley, Asuka, Trish Stratus and others.

Stratton represents another call-up that would signal investment in the future, and it's likely to happen very soon.

Sheamus

Sheamus quietly disappeared from WWE television after the August 18 edition of SmackDown where he wrestled Edge's final match for the company.

Since then, fans have speculated about the Irishman's eventual return.

The men's Rumble match would be a perfect chance to bring The Celtic Warrior back into the fold. He has plenty of history with a variety of competitors in WWE and a past Rumble victory.

Sheamus could work with the renamed Pete Dunne again as well as Tyler Bate, or he could feud with or help Drew McIntyre. He might even rekindle his rivalry with Gunther.

The possibilities are endless, and there is no reason that The Celtic Warrior should not appear in the men's Rumble as long as he is healthy enough.

Liv Morgan

There are plenty of names on the shelf who could make a splash by returning in the women's Royal Rumble.

Alexa Bliss and Carmella will remain on maternity leave, but Sonya Deville is likely close to returning. But the biggest name would be Liv Morgan, who has been off TV for six months due to a shoulder injury.

The former SmackDown women's champion is likely to be healthy soon. And if she is ready for action, she could be a major surprise appearance late in the Battle Royal.

While most have speculated that Becky Lynch will face Rhea Ripley at WrestleMania 40, Morgan has her own bone to pick with The Eradicator, who took her out six months ago.

If Morgan does return, she could become an instant dark-horse candidate, possibly pulling off a shocking win that will begin rewriting her legacy in 2024.