The WWE Royal Rumble is always full of surprises. Names from the past and the future both show up looking for an ultimate opportunity. With only a few spots left to grab, this year we are expecting to see NXT make their mark once again.
In the past years, the WWE Royal Rumble has been used as a proving ground for some of the upcoming talent from NXT. In the past we have seen “The Perfect 10” Tye Dillinger make his surprise debut at the number 10 position. Last year, we were treated to the surprise arrivals of then NXT Champion Andrade “Cien” Almas and Adam Cole… Bay Bay in the men’s rumble.
In the first ever Women’s Royal Rumble match, NXT made their presence with the arrivals of Kairi Sane and Ember Moon. NXT has continued to make a mark each year and we are expecting the trend to continue this year. With two more huge Royal Rumble matches coming up, we are expecting to see more of NXT’s finest showing up.
Credit: WWE.com
5. Kona Reeves
If we are going to make a list about NXT’s finest then we have no other choice than to include this man. The self-proclaimed finest, Kona Reeves has made his name known over the past year. In 2018, Kona Reeves made it his ultimate goal to prove to everybody that he is truly NXT’s finest athlete. While he did a great job of showing his skill throughout 2018, Kona is still struggling to really solidify his spot.
Although, if there was ever a place that one’s spot matters it is in the Royal Rumble. I believe that if they do call Kona Reeves number at the 2019 Royal Rumble that he will finally have the opportunity to prove himself to the WWE Universe. With a great showing in the Royal Rumble, NXT will have no other choice but to give the devil his due.
Kona has shown in the past that he has the charisma and ability to go in the ring. People are sleeping on this guy in my opinion. Not only is he the finest of NXT, Kona Reeves is the finest of surprise entrants.
Credit: WWE.com
4. Candice LeRae
2018 was a groundbreaking year for Candice LeRae. Candice started off by officially announcing her signing at the beginning of last year. Once a member of the NXT roster, Candice LeRae made a name for herself quickly. Being inserted into her husband Johnny Gargano’s then feud with Andrade “Cien” Almas, Candice made her debut by attacking Zelina Vega.
Since then, Candice has been able to handle things on her own in the ring with matches against NXT’s bests. She has held her own in the ring with NXT Women’s Champion Shayna Baszler among the names on her list. She shined in her role in the “Who Attacked Aleister Black” storyline standing up against both Nikki Cross and Aleister himself.
Now that her husband has turned heel and many of her rivals have moved on, Candice LeRae has been caught in the crowd in NXT. This is the perfect time to get Candice back on the map in a big way. By making Candice Wrestling a surprise entrant in this years rumble, you could easily rebuild her steam.
Credit: WWE.com
3. Matt Riddle
Ever since his arrival in NXT late last year, Matt Riddle has quickly raised up the ranks in NXT. Riddle made his incredible in-ring debut on Halloween night by putting down Luke Menzies. He followed up by winning his first pay-per-view match in impressive fashion. “The Knockout Artist” Kassius Ohno was knocked on in just a matter of seconds and Matt Riddle’s spot had been cemented.
While Matt Riddle is continuing his rivalry with Kassius Ohno at NXT TakeOver: Phoenix, Riddle may pull double duty over this weekend. Matt Riddle would be a great inclusion to the annual Royal Rumble match. Perhaps it is the long hair and the laid back persona but I envision a moment rivaling Rob Van Dam’s return in 2009. Riddle’s debut would be one to stop the rumble in its tracks.
Once he makes it to the ring, Matt Riddle is a man that has the skill and background to make him a true threat to anybody that would be in the ring with him. He isn’t afraid to step into the ring with the biggest and the baddest. Entering the ring to face off against 29 of other WWE’s top talents is exactly what Matt Riddle is all about.
Credit: WWE.com
2. Shayna Baszler
It is hard to argue that 2018 wasn’t the year of the “Queen of Spades” Shayna Baszler. She won the NXT Women’s Championship not once, but twice. Ever since Shayna defeated Ember Moon to become champion for the first time, Shayna has left a list of opponents behind her along her way. She has been able to gain her retribution against her Mae Young Classic rival, Kairi Sane. Although, she did have a little bit of help on her side.
Now that she has her fellow Four Horsewomen Jessamyn Duke and Marina Shafir by her side anf the Women’s Championship around her waist, she’s more unstoppable than ever. If Shayna would be a surprise entrant this year, she would instantly become a favorite to win the entire thing. Like Matt Riddle, Shayna has a MMA background and would find herself right at home in a rumble.
It is hard to argue that once Shanya is in the ring, she will be a huge threat to anyone in her path. This could be a huge moment of the show if done and done correctly. I personally would love to see Shayna come out to face off with old rival Ember Moon in the middle of the rumble. If Shayna has the title or not come this Sunday, Shayna should have her moment to shine in this year’s rumble.
Credit: WWE.com
1. The Velveteen Dream
In 2018, there was only one question that this man was asking. That question was – and remains – “Are you watching, Vince?” The Velveteen Dream has become one of NXT’s biggest stars in a short period of time. It wasn’t that long ago whenever The Dream was just wanting everyone to say his name. Now, it is a name that nobody is going to forget anytime soon. And he is a man who Vince McMahon better be watching.
The NXT TakeOver: Phoenix card is looking stacked for this Saturday however is lacking The Velveteen Dream. Although, this weekend could be used for a huge importunity for Velveteen to shine. The Royal Rumble is a match that The Velveteen Dream would love to be in. Velveteen Dream loves when all of the eyes are on him. Whatever number that Velveteen could get, eyes are going to be all on him when he makes his arrival.
I would personally love to see The Velveteen Dream be this year’s iron man of the Royal Rumble and be the very first entrant. This way we will also be treated to the always grand entrance of Velveteen Dream. This will be an opportunity for Dream to show that he can carry his own with some of the finest in the WWE. I am dreaming for this one.