This year’s WWE Royal Rumble promises to be an event full of unexpected moments, with Chris Jericho not being the only surprise that could show up. The pay-per-view event will launch the Road to WrestleMania 42 and is set to take place on January 31st in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Jericho is widely rumored to be returning to WWE, possibly making his comeback during the Royal Rumble. However, fans have also been speculating about other potential surprise entrants, including one of professional wrestling’s most prominent free agents.
In the past, WWE has used the Royal Rumble to boost emerging stars, but this year’s event might also mark the end of a chapter. AJ Styles, known as The Phenomenal One, is putting his career on the line against Gunther at the same PLE. If he loses, he will retire that same night—an exit that could coincide with the debut of former IWGP Heavyweight Champion EVIL, who recently announced his departure from New Japan Pro Wrestling.
Reports suggest WWE has shown interest in signing EVIL, although there is some uncertainty about whether his New Japan contract expires before the Royal Rumble. Fans are buzzing with theories that EVIL will make a surprise appearance in Riyadh, fueling excitement about his possible WWE debut.
Former AEW star Powerhouse Hobbs has also signed with WWE, and many expect both Hobbs and EVIL to compete in the Rumble, alongside returns from wrestlers like Chris Jericho and Chad Gable. EVIL, once a prominent member of the Bullet Club and one of NJPW’s top villains, has seen mixed reactions due to his reliance on faction interference in recent years.
EVIL’s arrival in WWE would be a strong fit for the NXT brand, especially as many of its leading stars have recently been promoted to the main roster. With NXT’s men’s division needing fresh talent, EVIL could follow a path similar to Jordynne Grace, who initially appeared at the Rumble before joining the NXT roster. Whether he will move straight to WWE’s main roster or start in NXT remains to be seen, but with Triple H’s influence, a direct leap is possible—as was the case with AJ Styles and is expected for Hobbs.
Fan Take: This buildup highlights how the Royal Rumble continues to be WWE’s prime platform for major returns and debuts, raising the stakes for fans eagerly awaiting surprises. If EVIL and other top talents join the roster, it could significantly reshape WWE’s landscape and inject fresh excitement into the sport.
