As WWE looks ahead to its annual Royal Rumble, rumors have begun swirling about the potential of surprise entrants and who might return during the San Antonio event.
One man whose return is guaranteed is Cody Rhodes, who has been out of action since undergoing surgery for a torn pectoral muscle back in June. Though many fans expected his return to be a poorly-hidden surprise, WWE made the decision to begin airing vignettes about the injured star on the December 26th episode of Raw, and on the January 16th episode, it was officially announced that he’d be returning to in-ring action on January 28th inside the Alamodome.
According to a new report from WrestleVotes, the company’s decision to announce Rhodes’ return ahead of time came down to the fact that people assumed it was happening, but also that WWE is “more than pleased” with the other surprises it has lined up.
“Asked a source the reasoning behind Cody’s Rumble return being announced as opposed to a surprise… Source said it’s twofold, one being that nearly everyone expected it to happen already & two, source states they are ‘more than pleased’ w/ the other surprises that are lined up.”
Asked a source the reasoning behind Cody’s Rumble return being announced as opposed to a surprise…
Source said it’s twofold, one being that nearly everyone expected it to happen already & two, source states they are “more than pleased” w/ the other surprises that are lined up.
— WrestleVotes (@WrestleVotes) January 19, 2023
Speculation is already swirling about what these surprises may mean, with fans clamoring for the returns of such stars as Matt Riddle and his RK-Bro partner Randy Orton, who has been out of action with a severe back injury. Fans are especially hopeful for the return of Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, as it’s speculated he could take on Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 39 if the match is possible with his busy schedule.
Steve Austin, who returned to in-ring competition for the first time in 19 years at last year’s WrestleMania, has also fueled speculation with social media posts that show him in phenomenal shape.
A list of all confirmed entrants for the 2023 Royal Rumble can be found here.
Cody Rhodes Training With Two WWE NXT Superstars Ahead Of His Royal Rumble Return
According to a recent report from Fightful Select, Cody Rhodes has been spotted at the Performance Center in recent weeks as he trained in an attempt to be cleared for in-ring competition ahead of his return being announced.
Rhodes was seemingly able to choose who helped him prepare for his return and picked NXT stars Carmello Hayes and Joe Gacy to work with him. Hayes is a two-time NXT North American Champion while Joe Gacy has taken on the role as leader of The Schism, a group that also involves Dwayne Johnson’s daughter Ava Raine.
The report also notes that Rhodes is part of the plans for WrestleMania 39, and has been for several months now.