WWE Royal Rumble 2021: 10 Surprise Entrants We Could See
8. Wade Barrett
It's often assumed that when a healthy, able-bodied wrestler returns to WWE in a non-wrestling capacity, they will eventually be convinced to return to the squared circle, no matter their assertions to the contrary. Either the itch will grow too unbearable not to scratch, WWE will throw a big pile of money their way, or both. The assumptions are often correct.
Wade Barrett has resisted this thus far, but only for the best part of five months. The former Nexus leader signed a one-year contract for his current NXT commentary position in 2020. He is a complimentary presence alongside Beth Phoenix and Vic Joseph on Wednesday nights, but will that be enough for a wrestler who stepped away from the wrestling business at just 35 years old in 2016?
"The only thing I didn't achieve in WWE that I always wanted to was to become WWE Champion, and that title is now held by an old friend of mine, Drew McIntyre," said Barrett when interviewed by Digital Spy last year. Winning the Royal Rumble would let him chase that goal at WrestleMania 37.
Appearing in the Rumble is a longshot, let alone winning it, as Barrett has previously distanced himself from ever competing again and seems fulfilled in his current role. Still, he's there. He's in the system. The prospect can't be ruled out entirely.