It’s that time again. The first stop on the road to WrestleMania, the Royal Rumble. With few names already announced for the Men’s Royal Rumble, I take a look at the NXT roster and highlight five Superstars I think should be in this year’s match.
KYLE O’REILLY
During his most recent matches The Undisputed Era‘s Kyle O’Reilly has proven to everyone that, when given the opportunity, he can shine as a singles star. His incredible performance in the Gauntlet match to become the #1 contender for the NXT Championship measured up with the performances in both of his title matches against champion Finn Balor and has really shown what O’Reilly can do when left to his own devices outside of The Undisputed Era.
Adam Cole and Roderick Strong have already entered a Royal Rumble match in their own right, with Cole entering in 2017 and Strong entering the Greatest Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia in 2018, having Kyle enter this year’s Royal Rumble match adds just another accomplishment to his already great career while in the WWE as he is won the Dusty Cup with Adam Cole and a two-time NXT Tag Team Champion alongside Bobby Fish. O’Reilly could even go the distance if he were to enter early on into the match. Kyle has proven on NXT that he can take advantage of any opportunity when it is given to him and what better way to really prove that by entering the Royal Rumble match.
DAMIAN PRIEST
A former NXT North American Champion, Damian Priest would be a very intimidating factor if he were to enter the Royal Rumble match. Standing at six foot five, Priest could easily use his size to his advantage by chucking out anyone smaller than him. Priest has proven time and time again on NXT that he can go with the best of them and what better way to really prove that than by entering the Royal Rumble match.
Priest entering the Rumble match may even turn into a full-time main roster call-up, with rumors that he was scheduled to be called up a few weeks ago to work as a tag team partner for Kevin Owens. Putting Priest in the ring with guys like Owens and even Universal Champion Roman Reigns and Jey Uso would be huge for his career and would show that WWE has big plans for him. Entering Priest into the Royal Rumble could really show what he can do when given that huge chance.
JAMES DRAKE
If we weren’t living through a pandemic right now, I’d suggest Zack Gibson for a spot in the Royal Rumble but I think Drake could use a spot this year with Gibson possibly entering the Rumble match once fans are allowed back into stadiums. Gibson entering the Royal Rumble with a microphone in his hand would be a great watch, as Gibson has unmatched charisma and can garner heat from a crowd without even saying a single word.
Having Drake enter the Royal Rumble match could also get more eyes on NXT with the Dusty Cup about to begin. Even if Gibson doesn’t enter the match, I would still have him come down to ringside with Drake for moral support. Gibson could help Drake evade elimination and that could get more heat on him with the viewers, especially if it leads to a fan favorite being eliminated.
ONEY LORCAN
Out of every single member of the new stable, The Kings of NXT, I think Oney Lorcan could be an incredible entrant into this year’s Royal Rumble match. As Pete has already entered the Rumble before, having Lorcan in the match would do wonders for the Kings, especially if he does incredibly well. Pat McAfee could use Lorcan’s performance in the Rumble match as a way to brag to the other stars of NXT and that could easily set up a new feud.
Oney is an incredible performer and has been ever since joining NXT in 2015 and has made many appearances on 205 Live, really showing just how versatile he is as a performer. Lorcan is currently one half of the NXT Tag Team Champions, alongside tag partner Danny Burch, and is another person that could get more eyes on NXT if he were to enter the Royal Rumble match.
KUSHIDA
Having KUSHIDA enter the Royal Rumble match would be yet another great accomplishment in his career. In recent months, KUSHIDA has targeted and defeated The Velveteen Dream, and is even squaring off with current NXT North American Champion Johnny Gargano, recruiting Shotzi Blackheart in his battle with Gargano’s stable The Way. KUSHIDA entering the Rumble could even inspire him to chase after the NXT Championship, currently held by Finn Balor.
Seeing KUSHIDA square off with main roster names like Kevin Owens, Cesaro, and Shinsuke Nakamura would be incredibly exciting for any viewer of the Royal Rumble, and having him put on a great performance in the match could even inspire his main roster promotion sooner rather than later.
The Royal Rumble is always exciting and never fails to create magical moments and guarantees to always have a few surprises in store, so what better way to showcase talent than by entering in a few NXT Superstars?