WWE Royal Rumble 2018: Predicting 10 Biggest Spots

2. Big Dave's Big Return

Daniel Bryan
WWE.com

Though WWE may take the easy option and fill this year's surprise quota with performers who returned for Raw 25, that would be dull. So, so dull.

There's nothing special about somebody we saw just six days prior appearing in the Royal Rumble. Sure, a guy like Shawn Michaels would draw a massive pop, but The Godfather? APA? X-Pac? Not so much.

Some of these performers will likely appear regardless, but with 13 spots to fill, it feels very much like WWE are gearing up for at least one huge surprise. Fortunately, the biggest comeback they could possibly pull off is seemingly ready and willing to make a full-time return, despite his burgeoning acting career.

Any residual heat from Batista's flopped 2014 run dissipated yonks ago. Four years is a long time in wrestling, and with the man himself claiming in December that he'd already held comeback talks with Vince McMahon, what better place to pull it off? His absence from Raw 25 keeps Batista fresh, and increases his chances of a great reception. WWE would be insane to have him win, of course, but if they book him smartly, there's no reason they can't propel 'The Animal' into a money-spinning WrestleMania program.

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.