All surprise entrants at WWE Royal Rumble 2024

Royal Rumble 2024 was the first major event in the PLE calendar of WWE. It heralds the beginning of the road to WrestleMania. The excitement was on a whole different level as speculations and reports suggested quite a few exciting possibilities.

Continuing the tradition, the PPV kicked off with the women’s Royal Rumble match that not only featured high-octane action but, also returns that brought the audience to the edge of their seats. The returns not only consisted of major champions and former superstars from rival brands but, also saw massive debuts.

On the other hand, the Men’s Royal Rumble Match not only featured big names like the Best in the World, CM Punk, but even current champions like Gunther. The event proceeded like a rollercoaster that showed the caliber of class WWE bookings.

Without further ado, here are the names and personalities that graced the WWE Squared Circle and amazed the fans with their returns. For the time being, fans are excited about how their addition might influence the current bookings on the roster.

1. Naomi

Fans didn’t have to wait quite long for a surprise this Rumble. Not only did the Women’s Royal Rumble Match kick-off grandly, but it also saw the second entrant as none other than Naomi. She was the first superstar who received mega applause from the crowd on her return. The WWE Universe finally felt the glow.

Naomi, along with Sasha Banks, left the Company back in 2022. While there was mixed response from Banks, Naomi was quick in making up her mind. Soon the reports suggesting her return started flooding the scene which eventually came true.

2. Pat McAfee

The proactive colored commentator has become a special edition to the bigger WWE PLEs. While most of the fans expected him to only commentate, he seemed to have other thoughts. Entering at No. 22, McAfee went inside the ring against the likes of Omos and Bron Breakker.

What was noteworthy was his elimination. McAfee after analyzing the tough situation he was in, decided to climb the top rope and hopped out to eliminate himself. He was only able to last a mere 38 seconds.

3. TNA Knockouts World Champion, Jordynne Grace

At first, it seemed that Mickie James was an odd case in 2022 as she entered the Royal Rumble with her Knockouts World Title. However, the entry of Jordynne was a development that made the fans quote the beloved concept of opening the ‘Forbidden Door.’

Unlike Naomi, Grace’s entry was oblivious to the reports. She had a fabulous start in the Rumble and even got to showcase her powerhouse capabilities. Her night came to an end when Bianca Belair delivered a massive KOD on the apron.

4. Omos

At number 21, The Nigerian Giant made his dominant return to the ring. Accompanied by MVP, he exuded a dominant presence as he took out several big names in the match. His presence alone sent the likes of McAfee out of the match.

His face-off with the NXT Superstar, Bron Breakker remains notable. Despite the size advantage, Bron was able to throw him out at an unreal pace. The Colossal One looked significantly improved since his last appearance at Slim Jim Battle Royal at SummerSlam 2023.

5. Jade Cargill

The Big Jade was a huge storm promise that finally made her presence felt at the Royal Rumble 2024. Entering the Rumble at 28th, she not only cleared many names but even made her presence felt against huge names like Bianca Belair, Becky Lynch, and, Naomi.

Jade Cargill could not only outmatch others on the field of strength but also took everyone by surprise as she eliminated the irresistible force, Nia Jax. She even got to be one of the last three women in the Rumble.

6. Andrade

After nearly four years, Andrade made his return to WWE. Entering at number four, he faced several superstars like Jey Uso, Carmelo Hayes, and many more. His athleticism generated incredible cheers among the fans.

His previous three and a half years were spent in AEW where he was a part of a lot of grumblings. Facing Miro at AEW Worlds End, became his last match as he moved to WWE following a lackluster time in the Tony Khan-led promotion.

7. Roxanne Perez

At number 27, fans received the first NXT entrant inside the Women’s Royal Rumble. She was none other than the Prodigy, Roxanne Perez. The 22-year-old received heavy cheers and she gave her absolute best. This was her second appearance since last year.

The former NXT Women’s Champion is slated to square off against Lyra Valkyria. The NXT Women’s Championship will be on the line as they lock horns at NXT Vengeance Day.

8. Carmelo Hayes

The former NXT Champion made another stand-out appearance as he once again displayed his prowess in the Royal Rumble Match. Following Andrade at number five, Melo would go on to deliver some high-octane action against several superstars.

At present, Melo has set his sights on the NXT Dusty Rhodes Classic Tournament. Joined by his brother-in-arms, Trick Williams, both of them have shown competitive acumen as they advance on the ladder towards the finals of the Tournament.

9. Tiffany Stratton

Coming at number 29, she followed the former TBS Champion, Jade Cargill into the match. Tiffy had a fabulous time as she not only eliminated Roxanne Perez but, even got to be among the final five for the match. After that, she got tossed out by the Role Model, Bayley.

Complimented for her consistency, Stratton has made her mark on the NXT Roster by capturing the NXT Women’s Title as well as giving a match of the year contender with the Man, Becky Lynch.

10. Bron Breakker

Another former NXT Champion, Bron Breakker entered the ring at number 20. His methods were full of dominant takedowns and fierce tackles. Finally, at number 21, he got to challenge the Nigerian Giant and successfully managed to eliminate him.

The dream ended for Breakker when the former North American Champion, Dominik Mysterio, threw him from behind. Additionally, Breakker has been accompanying the former King of the Ring, Baron Corbin as they look forward to making the NXT Dusty Rhodes Classic there.

11. Liv Morgan

The 29-year-old superstar had been sidelined from active competition since the summer of last year. Moreover, her adventures and excursions had been making several headlines that altogether lifted the curiosity of fans around her return.

Entering number 30, Morgan made her comeback look like a WrestleMania story. Becoming one of the last three, she even managed to take care of Jade Cargill. However, she fell short against the Role Model. Consecutively, she ended up being the runner-up for another year.

12. Sami Zayn

Sami Zayn entered the match infuriated as he delivered a helluva kick to McIntyre. Struggling a bit with Priest, he’d go on to eliminate him as well. However, his momentum soon got disrupted by the Scottish Warrior who eliminated him to begin the last cycle of the match.

Sami Zayn was last seen struggling on the Red Brand against the Scottish Warrior, Drew McIntyre. Eventually, an injury would force the 39-year-old to go on a brief hiatus before coming to surprise everyone at the Royal Rumble.

In case you missed it:

• “He taught me well,” Rhea Ripley credits her 2023 Royal Rumble victory to current AEW star
• Triple H finally breaks silence on the lawsuit that led to Vince McMahon quitting WWE after successful Royal Rumble 

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