WWE Royal Rumble 2016: 5 Potential Surprise Entrants

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5) Samoa Joe

This would be a fun one. Even people who don’t watch NXT are probably familiar with who Samoa Joe is, considering he’s been wrestling on major promotions since he debuted with Ring of Honor in 2002, eventually going to TNA and now WWE. The best thing about Joe possibly entering the Royal Rumble is that he doesn’t have the same problem that Finn Balor potentially would. Since Joe is one of the more experienced NXT guys, his main-roster appearance wouldn’t really have a “call-up” feel to it. In other words, people know that he doesn’t really belong in NXT and that he’s only there to help their brand and help younger guys improve, so no one would expect him to stay on the main roster after the Rumble.

Another positive of Joe entering this match is that he could actually do some damage. He’s a big, bruising guy, so he could really make his presence felt. That’s not to discount guys like Finn Balor or Sami Zayn, but the Royal Rumble is typically accompanied by the idea that big guys have an advantage, so a big guy who’s never entered before is a goldmine.

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Joe could come in and eliminate 5 or 6 guys and no one would be surprised. He could also be used as the guy who helps eliminate the other big guys, like Braun Strowman or Big Show. It’s always an adventure to eliminate those guys, so having Joe either knock out one of them singlehandedly or be the main piece of the group of guys that eventually does it would be a great role for him.

Many have wondered why Samoa Joe is still in NXT. Although he’s trying to elevate the brand, it undoubtedly feels like he should be on the main roster since he’s one of the most talented and experienced guys in the whole company. But if a call-up isn’t on the horizon, a surprise Rumble appearance wouldn’t be a bad alternative.