As we saw on Monday Night RAW, “The Rated R Superstar” Edge cut a promo announcing that he would be entering the Men’s Royal Rumble match. Rather than keep the return as a secret or surprise, WWE chose to have Edge cut his return promo and announce his return on RAW instead. The reason behind this was to create a buzz for the Royal Rumble match. The company felt that had there been a live audience for the Royal Rumble, this would’ve been held off, but instead they chose to go this route.
In a related note concerning the Royal Rumble matches, Fightful Select is reporting that WWE decided to announce the #1 and #2 entries for the Women’s Royal Rumble and #30 entry for the Men’s Royal Rumble match on WWE Backstage to maximize the viewership numbers for FOX (because you know, ratings!).
Here is the updated lineup for the Royal Rumble. The event is scheduled to take place on Sunday, January 31st, streaming live on the WWE Network.
WWE Championship Match:
Drew McIntyre vs. Goldberg
WWE Universal Championship Last Man Standing Match:
Roman Reigns vs. Kevin Owens
WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship Match:
Charlotte Flair and Asuka vs. Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler
Men’s Royal Rumble Match:
Daniel Bryan, Bobby Lashley, AJ Styles, Randy Orton, Otis, The Miz, Jey Uso, Cesaro, Jeff Hardy, Shinsuke Nakamura, Sami Zayn, Dolph Ziggler, Big E, Sheamus, John Morrison, Edge, Elias, Mustafa Ali, 12 More TBA
Women’s Royal Rumble Match:
Nia Jax, Charlotte Flair, Bayley, Bianca Belair, Mandy Rose, Dana Brooke, Peyton Royce, Alexa Bliss, Shayna Baszler, Liv Morgan, Ruby Riott, Tamina Snuka, 18 More TBA
