WWE Royal Rumble 2022: 10 Surprise Entrants We Could See

4. Asuka

Asuka WWE
WWE

Out of action since July, Asuka should now be free and clear to return to a WWE ring following a lengthy period on the sidelines.

Asuka's last WWE bout was the women's Money in the Bank ladder match. The former Raw and SmackDown Women's Champion took time off after that, revealing that she was finally undergoing dental surgery after having at least one tooth knocked out in a Shayna Baszler match back in February. That her arm was in a sling as she posed for a photograph with her dentist suggested further injuries, too.

Perhaps WWE has been holding off on bringing her back because they know the Rumble is right around the corner? It makes sense, as Asuka has been gone long enough for her re-emergence to feel like a big, refreshing surprise. Really, she is the perfect person to leave unannounced for the women's match, which can be used to trigger her full-time comeback.

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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.