As many fans suspected, a lot of big names made unannounced appearances at the WWE Royal Rumble.
With roughly only half the field announced for each of the respective matches, the potential for some fun cameos was very much expected. Along with the possibility of returns from injury and NXT call-ups, there was also the matter of legends making their return for one night only and members of the TNA roster making the trip through the Prohibited Portal as part of the ongoing talent exchange.
From the returning AJ Styles to Jordynne Grace making her official WWE debut and a fun cameo from TNA World Champion Joe Hendry, here is a recap of every unexpected name who made their presence felt in each of the Royal Rumble matches.
Men’s WWE Royal Rumble Surprises:
- IShowSpeed – Entered the match at number 8 on short notice as Akira Tozawa was not cleared to compete. With 1 elimination, Speed was taken out with a spear by Bron Breakker and thrown over the top rope onto Otis, who threw the streamer over the announce table and onto the floor
- Joe Hendry – Entering the match at number 15 to a huge ovation, the TNA World Champion was in the match for 3 minutes and had some fun interactions before being speared and eliminated by Roman Reigns
- AJ Styles – Entering the match at number 21, Styles returned from injury and lasted 21 minutes before being thrown out of the match by Logan Paul, who dragged Styles off the apron
Women’s WWE Royal Rumble Surprises:
- Roxanne Perez – Entering the match at number 3, Perez set a new record for the most time spent in the Women’s Royal Rumble match. Making it to the final 2, Perez was thrown out by winner Charlotte Flair
- Lash Legend – Entering the match at number 9, Legend put on an impressive display in the match but was thrown out by Chelsea Green after 17 minutes
- Jaida Parker – Entering the match at number 16, Parker was eliminated by Jordynne Grace
- Jordynne Grace – Making her official debut as a member of the WWE roster, Grace entered the match at number 19 and lasted 22 minutes before being eliminated by Giulia
- Alexa Bliss – Competing for the first time in over 2 years, Bliss’ status for the match was unknown as earlier in the week there were reports of contract uncertainty. Entering the match at number 21, Bliss lasted for 11 minutes before being eliminated by Liv Morgan
- Stephanie Vaquer – Entering the match at number 24, Vaquer lasted 19 minutes before being one of many eliminated by Nia Jax
- Trish Stratus – Marking 25 years since her WWE debut, Stratus entered the match at number 25 and lasted 13 minutes before being eliminated by Nia Jax
- Giulia – Rounding out the NXT surprises, the Women’s Champion entered the match at number 28 and lasted for 10 minutes before being eliminated by Roxanne Perez
- Nikki Bella – Making her return to the ring after 3 years away and in the number 30 spot, the Hall of Famer lasted 3 minutes before being eliminated by Nia Jax
Featured image: WWE
