10 Shocks You Could See At WWE Royal Rumble 2017
Taking a look at the biggest surprises we could see on Sunday night.
Even during the most uninspiring of years, the Royal Rumble is an exciting time to be a wrestling fan. Much of it has to do with the fact that anything could theoretically happen; WWE could switch gears and throw everything into doubt as it begins the mythical 'Road to WrestleMania', hurling a few surprises at an increasingly cynical fanbase. It truly is a special time to follow the promotion, made even more so by the fact that the event only comes around once a year.
Another factor is that the Rumble is simply a very cool stipulation, built upon suspense, surprise, and unpredictability. In theory, any of the 30 entrants could win and progress to WrestleMania, and that sheer range is always compelling - especially as there's always a little room for surprise returns and potential debuts.
This year's Rumble is one of the least predictable in years, with a whole host of possible winners...
10. Finn Balor
Finn Balor's return is reported to be for somewhere nearer WrestleMania itself, but we've seen injured superstars make a hurried January return. Both 2008 and 2010 saw sidelined wrestlers return and win the match (John Cena and Edge, respectively), to the shock of pretty much everybody in attendance.
You might question the wisdom of having Balor return in such an immediate and explosive fashion, especially if he wins, but his main roster debut was similarly dominant - defeating Roman Reigns clean in the main event.
Rumours have swirled regarding a potential 'Mania bout between Finn and The Undertaker, but should he instead win the Rumble, he has a pair of tailor-made opponents in the form of Reigns or Owens. One the man he beat to immediately become a main eventer, the other his old NXT rival.