WWE Royal Rumble 2021: 10 Surprise Entrants We Could See

9. Eva Marie

The Rock Royal rumble
WWE.com

'All Red Everything' is likelier to show up at the Royal Rumble than most names on this list. While she is yet to make her onscreen comeback, Eva has been back under WWE contract since last September and has been backstage at several tapings, preparing for her return. Speculation had linked her to a role alongside Angel Garza, though the former NXT Cruiserweight Champion and his mystery romance storyline have since disappeared from Raw.

Eva Marie appearing in the Rumble would be a surprise, but not necessarily a welcome one. One of the most divisive performers in modern WWE history, Eva drew venom and bile from fans throughout her last run, which effectively came to an end in 2016 (Eva was released the following year). Positioned opposite popular stars like Asuka and Bayley, Marie's presentation split opinion between those who understood WWE was attempting to work them by creating anxiety for her potentially beating those seen as more "worthy" than her and those who did not.

An instrument of trolling, Eva's act depends more on crowd reactions than most. Bringing her back in the ThunderDome isn't ideal. Still, WWE don't know how long they'll be waiting for packed arenas to return.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. 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.