WWE Royal Rumble 2016: 5 Potential Surprise Entrants

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1) Sami Zayn

Let’s start with the obvious one, Sami Zayn. Zayn recently had his first action back from injury, taking on Tye Dillinger in a match that will air Wednesday on NXT. Everyone is happy to see Zayn back, especially considering his injury was sustained during not only his Raw debut, but arguably the best U.S. Open challenge match that was held during John Cena’s time with the belt.

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Zayn returning to NXT isn’t surprising, considering main-roster call-ups typically continue to appear on NXT for a few months after their debut, before they eventually move on to the main roster exclusively. But it will be interesting to see how long it is until Zayn finds his way back on Raw since he has already made an appearance there. Keeping him strictly on NXT doesn’t seem to make much sense since he’s unlikely to re-enter the title picture, and he has a dream feud waiting for him with Kevin Owens. As for his return to the main roster, maybe the Royal Rumble could be the occasion.

If Owens and Ambrose’s feud is resolved in a match at the Royal Rumble (which admittedly seems unlikely at this point), it could open the door for a Zayn-Owens feud and hopeful match at WrestleMania 32. Just picture it. Owens is in the Rumble, holding his own, throwing guys out here and there. He’s in a scrap with someone in the corner, and Zayn’s music hits. He stops what he’s doing, looks down the ramp, sees Sami, and just starts shaking his head in disbelief. Zayn sprints to the ring, they go at it, and Zayn eventually eliminates Owens, setting up their post-Rumble feud.

Now are you honestly gonna tell me you don’t want that to happen?

Next: No. 2 Daniel Bryan

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