One of the biggest pay-per-view (PPV) events of every single year in WWE is the "Royal Rumble" and 2017 shall be no different. As of this writing, only eight names are confirmed for the 30-superstar bout and more will be added, but there are always surprise entrants that shock the world.
WWE has already started building the line-up for the "Royal Rumble" match with seven names from "Monday Night Raw" confirmed: Chris Jericho, Braun Strowman, The New Day, Goldberg, and Brock Lesnar. Baron Corbin is the only "SmackDown LIVE" superstar to have entered at this point.
As exciting as the match is as a whole, the surprise entrants always end up being the most fun. Some can be old-school stars and some could be called up from NXT -- while others are new to WWE entirely, but let's check out six rumored names for this year's battle royal.
Kurt Angle
For the last year, Kurt Angle has been performing on the independent circuit after announcing his plans to leave TNA. While it is possible that he could return to Impact Wrestling, many believe he will have one more run in WWE before finishing off his career. There is also the fact that Angle has been telling promoters of the indies that he is returning to WWE and can't accept bookings past March.
Samoa Joe
After he lost the NXT Championship to Shinsuke Nakamura, everyone thought he was heading to the main roster, but then they kept trading it back and forth.
Now, he's without the belt and in prime position to make the jump, but will it happen at the "Royal Rumble" in a few weeks? Samoa Joe has been in NXT a long time now and it's time for WWE to bring him up.
Finn Balor
At "SummerSlam," Finn Balor won the WWE Universal Championship before anyone in wrestling history. Unfortunately, he suffered a shoulder injury that sidelined him for a long time.
There has been confusion as to when he may return, and maybe the "Rumble" is his time. Balor has said that he will be back in time for "WrestleMania 33," but maybe he just isn't letting on that he is going to be a surprise entrant.
Tye Dillinger
One of the most popular superstars in all of NXT is likely on his way to the WWE main roster soon, and it needs to happen.
His Perfect Ten gimmick is fantastic and Tye Dillinger would make a huge splash if he were to debut at the "Royal Rumble" later this month. The crowd's reaction alone would be worth giving him a slot.
The Undertaker
"The Deadman" is set to make his return to "Monday Night Raw" next week, and that is a big enough deal in itself. Many feel as if this is when The Undertaker will announce he's officially entering the "Royal Rumble" which is taking place in his home state of Texas. Rumors are swirling that he could go on to actually win this year's battle royal and main event at "WrestleMania 33" in Orlando.
Shelton Benjamin
WWE had already promoted his return last Summer when the brand extension was returning and Shelton Benjamin was set to head to "SmackDown LIVE." Rotator cuff surgery ended up sidelining him, putting him out of action, and putting an end to his return. Once fully healed, Benjamin said he would still be back in a WWE ring, and the "Royal Rumble" is as good a time as any.
