The Royal Rumble has long been one of WWEs premier annual events. Its highlight the 30-man Royal Rumble match is not only a focal point because its winner goes on to headline WrestleMania but also because of its reputation for having an element of surprise. In an era of professional wrestling were WWE is arguably far too predictable, the Royal Rumble is the one match of the year that almost guarantees a few surprise cameos from former WWE alumni, legends and the return of a previously inactive Superstar every now and then. Over the years the Royal Rumble has provided unexpected cameo roles for the likes of Jimmy Snuka, The Honky Tonk Man and Goldust. This article will look at the most surprising of entrants in previous Royal Rumble matches, whether it by a WWE legend or an unexpected and returning WWE Superstar.
10. Booker T (2011)
In WWEs only 40-man Royal Rumble match, Booker T returned to WWE at the Royal Rumble to the huge surprise of the WWE audience. Booker had been absent from WWE for over three years and spent the majority of that time in TNA where he celebrated a Legends Championship reign and Tag Team Championship gold with fellow WCW-alumni Scott Steiner. Booker was eliminated in his surprise Rumble outing by New Nexus Mason Ryan but he stuck around in WWE. Booker became Smackdowns Color Commentator on February 1st and briefly feuded with Cody Rhodes, and last year he became the General Manager of Smackdown.