WrestleMania season has arrived, and to kick that off the annual Royal Rumble event is right around the corner, and the excitement among the WWE Universe is palpable. Two wrestlers are set to book their tickets to the main event of WrestleMania 39, while there are a host of other engaging matches set to take place.
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Of course, because this is one of the biggest shows of the year there are plenty of rumors flying around the wrestling world about what may or may not be happening at the show in San Antonio, Texas later this month. Some will pan out and become a reality, while others will fade away into Rumble folklore, but there's no shortage of possibilities this year.
8 Logan Paul Returns From Injury
Logan Paul has not been seen since his match against Roman Reigns at Crown Jewel last year, which saw him suffer a knee injury during the encounter. However, it has been rumored that the YouTube star is expected to make his return at the Royal Rumble, likely in the 30-man match itself.
Of course, Paul is a major star outside the world of wrestling and the company will certainly want him to be part of WrestleMania later this year. Putting him on this show could be the way to start that, with a possible Rumble elimination being the seed that sets up a storyline for him.
7 Edge & Beth Phoenix Appear
Two other wrestlers that have not been seen for a while are Edge and Beth Phoenix, but all that is rumored to change at the Royal Rumble, as this is apparently the date they will be returning. Whether they are both in the respective Rumble matches remains to be seen, or if they will simply be focusing on The Judgment Day.
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It had previously been reported that Edge and Finn Balor were going to have a Hell in a Cell match at this show, but that hasn't become reality. However, the idea of the Hall Of Fame couple getting back in the ring for the busiest time of the year in WWE is certainly a believable rumor.
6 Doudrop As A Surprise Entrant
Doudrop is another wrestler that hasn't been seen for a while in a WWE ring, but she has also been rumored to return at the upcoming Royal Rumble event. The company needs to put 30 women into the Rumble itself, therefore there are plenty of spots to fill for potential surprises.
Seeing Doudrop make her return to the company would be a fun moment during the match and would be a solid addition to the women's division heading into WrestleMania season when it is all hands on deck for everyone in the company.
5 New Japan Stars Debut
In the past, WWE has used the Royal Rumble as a place to debut new talent, with AJ Styles having that experience. This year it is being rumored that could happen again, and once more with talent from New Japan Pro-Wrestling aiming to make their first appearance in the Rumble.
Jay White and Tama Tonga are the two names that have been thrown around for this, which would both be a huge deal. They're two experienced wrestlers with a lot of star power and Bullet Club connections, and debuting in the Rumble would potentially be a great way to start things off.
4 Rhea Ripley Wins
The women's division is currently loaded with great talents, and that makes the upcoming Royal Rumble match quite an unpredictable one. However, the current rumor is that Rhea Ripley is set to win the match and book a slot at WrestleMania later this year, either against Charlotte Flair or Bianca Belair.
She has been putting on some great performances as of late and The Judgment Day has been getting a lot of attention. Ripley winning would be a first-time-ever moment as well, which could create something historic if it takes place.
3 Vince McMahon Appears
Vince McMahon has been the name everyone is talking about at the moment due to the fact he has returned to the Board of Directors, which has certainly been a controversial decision. He has yet to impact creative or appear on television, but there have been rumors that a return is coming.
It has been speculated that McMahon will be making an on-screen appearance at the Royal Rumble, which would be a large stage for him to make a statement on. It would likely just be a promo from him, but it remains to be seen whether it happens because it would anger a lot of people.
2 KAIRI Is A Surprise Entrant
Surprise entrants are expected in both the Royal Rumble matches, but they are usually free-agent stars that are easy to bring in for one night only. However, one name that has been rumored to be involved is KAIRI, who is better known to WWE fans as Kairi Sane.
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The former NXT Women's Champion is currently working for STARDOM and New Japan Pro-Wrestling, and would therefore have to enter the Forbidden Door to be involved in this match. She kept a strong relationship with WWE over the years since her departure, but her appearing would still be a huge deal.
1 The Rock Will Appear
The biggest rumor heading into the 2023 Royal Rumble is surrounding The Rock. The WWE legend has been speculated and rumored to be wrestling at WrestleMania this year, with a possible dream match against Roman Reigns seemingly on the cards if his schedule will allow.
Throughout the speculation of him competing in one more singles match has been the idea that he is first going to show up at the Royal Rumble to kick things off, which was only enhanced by the poster featuring lots of lightning. Whether this is in the 30-man match or to simply confront Reigns remains to be seen, but The Rock appearing would get WrestleMania season started in an electrifying manner.
