WWE Royal Rumble 2023: 10 Surprise Entrants We Could See
9. Abyss
Of course, the Hurricane isn't the only cheap, convenient option.
The former Abyss, Christopher Park, also works for WWE as a Producer. WWE wouldn't have to arrange additional travel or other expenses for the purposes of a cheap pop.
Look at that picture. He can already do a shocked kick-out face. That's half the job!
Although: is Abyss familiar to the modern WWE audience?
Probably not, but then again, the modern WWE audience didn't recognise two thirds of the entrance themes at last year's Rumble event, so an Abyss appearance falling flat wouldn't stand out as an embarrassment. Besides which, the character boasts such a cool and distinct look that he'd grab people's interest regardless. He's 49 now, but wouldn't be doing much. He could transmit that monster aura, eliminate some nobody or other, and then get chucked out by Braun Strowman in a neat enough passing of the torch moment.
If nothing else, Park hasn't appeared on WWE programming as the Abyss character, and the most loyal, dedicated fans would get a cheap thrill out of it. There's a sticking point to consider, however.
Abyss might not actually own the rights to his old TNA gimmick, but WWE could always chuck Impact a tenner.