2 former champions set to return soon as WWE gears up for Royal Rumble 2024: Reports

Sheamus and Xavier Woods are closing in towards making their return, the occasion could be the Royal Rumble.

2 former champions set to return soon as WWE gears up for Royal Rumble 2024: Reports

Two Former Champions set for return (via Cageside Seats)

While each PPV has its own special gimmick, it is the Royal Rumble that is known for returns. With wrestling fans eagerly waiting for major returns in 2024, it seems there are some spoilers at hand. The former WWE Champion, Sheamus, and former Tag Team Champion, Xavier Woods are ready to grace the squared circle.

Both superstars will have a lot to catch after they make their returns. While the Sheamus-led Brawling Brutes have disbanded, the last bastion of the New Day, Kofi Kingston, recently got injured. The injury came from a vicious assault by Ludwig Kaiser of the Imperium.

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Sheamus is someone who has been a constant presence in WWE programming for the last 15 years. However, his shoulder issues have had him on hiatus since August 2023. He wrestled Edge’s farewell match on SmackDown, where he took the loss. Meanwhile, Woods has been out since the Tag Team Turmoil Match on the November 27, 2023, edition of Monday Night Raw.

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Speaking of surprises, former WWE Champion Dolph Ziggler recently made a shocking appearance on TNA Hard to Kill PPV. With Royal Rumble 2024 set to take place on January 27th January, it seems both the superstars would be ready to bring their arsenal to the ring. The occasion could even act as a springboard for their upcoming feuds. While Woods might engage in taking revenge for his fallen brethren, the Creative might have something interesting in store for the Celtic Warrior.

Sheamus reflects on working with John Cena

The Great White, Sheamus has been one of the hallmark superstars of the Stamford-based company. Starting his WWE career in 2009, on 13th December he faced John Cena at TLC in a Tables Match and went on to become the WWE Champion. Speaking with Virgin Media Sports Stories, he reflected how it was ultimately Cena’s decision to consider him suitable for business. To quote him:

Sheamus and John Cena
Sheamus and John Cena at TLC 2009 (via WWE)
"Cena had a lot to do with what happened that day. It was like, ‘this is someone I can do business with. This is someone I can go around and is a believable foe,’ which is what John needed. What every good hero needs is a good villain."
Sheamus on John Cena

Additionally, the Great White went on to talk about how the 16-time World Champion was looking for a heel that could carry the story. He not only saw a newcomer’s potential in Sheamus but, someone who was loathed by the WWE Universe.

Moreover, the Celtic Warrior would state how he was a different breed in that roster. Everyone around him was filled with “long hair, short hair, super tan, tattoos”. Sheamus went on to hold the Championship for 70 days. It was at Elimination Chamber where he once again lost to the Greatest-of-all-Time.

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