Known for its surprise entrants and unpredictability, the WWE certainly has work cut out for themselves.
Within the past few weeks on WWE television, the Royal Rumble card took shape with some fans speculating if multiple former wrestlers will appear at this year’s event.
Even though it has been common to have wrestling sweethearts and heroes of the past appear in the Royal Rumble match, it is typically up to no avail aside from a cheap pop with no sustainable impact on the match or future storylines.
Could this year be different?
With the rumors following the return of CM Punk to a WWE TV program via the FOX Network running rampant, and the reportedly new contact signed by WWE Hall Of Fame member Edge, awards the end of 2019. This year’s Royal Rumble has led to more speculation than years' past.
Fans have itched and groaned for the return of CM Punk to the wrestling ring since his unceremonious departure of WWE in 2014.
After Punk left the company, he initially said "Never ever" when asked if he would return to the squared circle.
But since singing with FOX and becoming part of WWE'S TV show "WWE Backstage" his initial stance on never returning to the ring has begin to lighten.
The more surprising of a return in some fans' eyes would be former WWE Champion Edge, who was forced to retire due to a life-threatening neck injury back in 2011
Edge has stayed close with the company with multiple shows on the WWE Network, and his wife Beth Phoenix serving as a commentator for the NXT broadcast team.
The last surprise entrant into the Men’s Royal Rumble match to have a sustained impact on WWE storylines was AJ Styles in 2016.
Styles, who had only worked for WWE's competitors, became within a short time a fan and corporate favorite in which the company at put the WWE Championship on him for multiple long title reigns.
Formerly a world champion with IMPACT and NJPW, Style's presence in the WWE since debuting has lived up to his nick name, "Phenomenal."
The betting odds for the Men’s Royal Rumble match has begun to reflect the rumors as well with C.M. Punk in the mix as a +600 underdog, behind the favorite Roman Reigns at -500.
Less likely but not completely out of the mix is Edge at +750.