WWE Royal Rumble 2018: Predicting 13 Wrestlers Not Yet Announced

11. Batista

Royal Rumble 2018 Mystery Entrants
WWE.com

This Royal Rumble needs a few surprises, particularly with Chris Jericho ruled out. Fortunately, there are plenty of options on the table, and while WWE could conceivably turn to anyone who returned as part of Raw 25, the most exciting prospect didn't appear on Monday at all.

Batista had the internet buzzing by talking up a potential return towards the end of last year. He's 49-years-old, and deeply entrenched in a successful Hollywood career, but 'The Animal' wants one last run, and given that him and Vince McMahon have already discussed the matter, there's an excellent chance of him showing up in Philadelphia.

This would be a risk, as Batista's last run isn't exactly fondly remembered, and he'd need to clear a massive space in his acting schedule. It'd be a great moment, though. The ex-Evolution man is now a bigger mainstream star than when he first left the wrestling industry, and his arrival would give the Rumble some much-needed star power.

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.