Fans can expect to see several surprise returns as part of the upcoming Royal Rumble event, it has been reported.
The WWE 2024 Royal Rumble premium live event will take place on Saturday, January 27 from Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. It will be the 37th annual Rumble event and the seventh event to feature both men’s and women’s Royal Rumble matches.
SE Scoops will have a live correspondent on hand for the Royal Rumble. Stay tuned for more information about exclusive content coming to the site, social media and YouTube from St. Petersburg.
Wrestling fans are eagerly anticipating some surprise entrants in the men’s and women’s matches. Less than three weeks out as of this writing, the first round of rumored names include Sean Waltman, Naomi, and Liv Morgan, according to reporting from PW Insider.
Who Not To Expect In The 2024 Royal Rumble
Hulk Hogan
Okay, let’s get this one out of the way, because we must address it. Hulk Hogan’s name was not churning in the rumor mill for the 2024 Royal Rumble match until he put it there. The Hulkster showed up on RAW this week and said he may have one more match left in him. That is not happening this year. I asked around about this right after Hogan’s promo, and everyone gave me a resounding “No way” and/or “Hell No!” when I asked whether Hulk Hogan is coming in for the match at Tropicana Field.
This goes without saying, but I received a resounding "NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!" when asking if Hulk Hogan is scheduled to be in the Royal Rumble match this Saturday…
— Aaron (@AaronVarble) January 23, 2024
Shane McMahon
Shane McMahon used to have a lot to do with the Royal Rumble match, as he also used to help produce it. I asked around as late as this week and was able to confirm that Shane-O Mac is not in any discussion for the 2024 Royal Rumble match. So, despite many expected surprises, Vince McMahon’s son will not be one of them either.
As if this needs to be said, but I'm still reporting it, cause I CAN.
I've asked around and no, Shane McMahon is not involved in the 2024 #RoyalRumble planning, nor is he slated to be in the match.
— Aaron (@AaronVarble) January 26, 2024
Royal Rumble Potential Surprise Entrants
Sean Waltman
Waltman was recently at the WWE Performance Center which is also in Florida. On January 12, the nWo and DX alum said he can still go in the ring, but there’s “zero chance” he’ll be there:
There was talk last week at the PC about Waltman being in Florida over the Rumble weekend. Last year, Waltman told a fan “maybe” when asked about competing in the match. Waltman is a two-time WWE Hall of Famer. His most recent match for WWE was a 10-person tag-team match on the July 8, 2002, edition of Monday Night Raw.
I can still go at the drop of hat, at least for a few minutes. I can do all my kicks, except the one in the corner & I can do that again with a few weeks training. I'm at least month away from taking my shirt off in public, so zero chance I'll be in the Rumble.
— Sean Waltman (@TheRealXPac) January 12, 2024
Naomi / Trinity Fatu
Former WWE star Naomi is among those being discussed for a return in the Women’s Rumble match. The reigning IMPACT/TNA Knockouts World Champion competes as Trinity but is expected to finish with that promotion at tapings later this month. The belief within WWE is that she will be returning once her run with IMPACT/TNA expires. Naomi/Trinity famously walked out of WWE in May 2022 alongside Sasha Banks (now Mercedes Mone) due to creative differences with WWE.
Liv Morgan
Liv Morgan is also said to be in the mix, as there were talks back in November of her returning from her shoulder injury. Morgan was recently arrested for marijuana possession, but there is little to no heat on her from WWE management. Her legal issue has not changed plans for her, and she recently saw the most serious charge against her dropped.
Giulia
Giulia’s status is a very interesting one. Rumors have been flying around about WWE interest in here. In face, it was reported that AEW backed off of her completely after interest from WWE was evident. Only time will tell if Giulia shows up at the Royal Rumble. She has not been to the WWE Performance Center yet, but the idea of her showing up in Tropicana Field is certainly possible.
Mercedes Mone/Sasha Banks
Mercedes’ free agent situation is very interesting. The former Banks, who is notorious for keeping her contracts close to the vest, is now bound for another company after her NJPW deal expired. Although rumors of a WWE return are strong, those in WWE still believe that she is heading to AEW. Others, like Sean Ross Sapp have indicated the same. There were talks between WWE and Mone, but they hit a financial roadblock.
Jade Cargill
A lot of things are going on with Jade Cargill, and WWE has big plans for her. As a former TBS Champion in AEW, World Wrestling Entertainment didn’t jump right to debuting her in the ring. Instead, they opted for a slow burn debut, where she showed up at Fastlane. Then, they placed her in the WWE Performance Center, so she could polish up her skills and get ready for her big moment. It will be interesting to see if WWE pulls the trigger on her debut at the Royal Rumble, and just how much time they give her in the match.
Kazuchika Okada
Okada is leaving NJPW, and that news broke the pro wrestling world wide open. We have not heard any explicit report of a WWE contract offer, but the man has been on WWE’s radar for years. It may be possible that NJPW would allow Okada to perform at the Royal Rumble, even if he has more dates with them. Obviously, Okada’s addition to WWE would also greatly shake up the WrestleMania landscape as well.
Kamille
Although it is expected that Kamille may debut for NXT first, WWE has their eye on the former NWA Women’s Champion. She was just backstage at AEW Dynamite, but that was only because they were very close to her home. That didn’t give any indication that Tony Khan is close to snatching her away from WWE. By all appearances, Kamille is going to WWE, where she will probably be a major player when the time comes.
This page will be updated in the weeks and days leading up to the Royal Rumble.