WWE officials are said to be very pleased with the surprises planned for the Royal Rumble.
Cody Rhodes’ return to WWE for the Royal Rumble was widely anticipated, but WWE surprised many this week when they officially announced him for the 30-Man Royal Rumble match.
A new report from WrestleVotes notes that there were two reasons for WWE announcing Cody’s return rather than having him return as a Rumble surprise. For one thing, nearly everyone expected Rhodes to return at The Rumble, and for another, officials are said to be “more than pleased” with the other surprises planned for the big event.
WrestleVotes stated, “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.”
As of this writing, there has been no confirmation of Rumble surprises, but names like The Rock and Logan Paul have been mentioned.
The 2023 WWE Royal Rumble Premium Live Event will be broadcast live from The Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas on Saturday, January 28. The current card is as follows:
Live Performance: Hardy performs his “Sold Out” single
30-Man Royal Rumble Match
WWE United States Champion Austin Theory, WWE Intercontinental Champion GUNTHER, WWE NXT Tag Team Champion Kofi Kingston, Ricochet, Seth Rollins, Bobby Lashley, Baron Corbin, Santos Escobar, Rey Mysterio, Cody Rhodes, 20 other competitors TBA
Winner earns a title shot at WrestleMania 39.
30-Woman Royal Rumble Match
Rhea Ripley, Candice LeRae, Liv Morgan, Raquel Rodriguez, 26 other competitors TBA
Winner earns a title shot at WrestleMania 39.
Undisputed WWE Universal Title Match
Kevin Owens vs. Roman Reigns (c)
RAW Women’s Title Match
Alexa Bliss vs. Bianca Belair (c)
Pitch Black Match
Bray Wyatt vs. LA Knight
