WWE saw a few surprises during the 2024 Royal Rumble event. Naomi and Andrade both returned to the company, and now we have an update on what is next for them.

WWE’s Plan for Andrade

Andrade concluded his tenure with AEW at World’s End, in a loss to Miro. It was pretty clear that his return to WWE was happening. Despite expectations for an earlier debut, Andrade made his way back during the 2024 Royal Rumble event. 

Sean Ross Sapp reported on Fightful Select that Andrade was scheduled for tonight’s WWE Raw. Charlotte Flair, who advocated for his return, showed support backstage at the WWE Royal Rumble, as she helped prepare him for his big moment. 

Charlotte, who is on the Smackdown brand, is currently sidelined with a terrible knee injury. She may be out for about a year at this point, so the fact that they are on different brands isn’t a big deal.

Plans for Naomi in WWE

Naomi also returned during the 2024 Royal Rumble match. The Glow is anticipated to be featured on the Smackdown brand. 

Having previously performed in TNA under her real name, Trinity, Naomi openly communicated her return to WWE and likely participation in the Royal Rumble. TNA sources reportedly mentioned that it became apparent by the start of the year that Naomi would be concluding her time with TNA. 

WWE maintained interest in Naomi for over a year, but due to an informal hiring freeze, her return was delayed until after her TNA obligations were fulfilled. Now, she is back, and ready to battle on the blue brand, where her husband, Jimmy Uso, is still a top act as part of The Bloodline. 

Fans can expect to see several surprise returns as part of the upcoming Royal Rumble event, it has been reported.

The WWE 2024 Royal Rumble premium live event will take place on Saturday, January 27 from Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. It will be the 37th annual Rumble event and the seventh event to feature both men’s and women’s Royal Rumble matches.

SE Scoops will have a live correspondent on hand for the Royal Rumble. Stay tuned for more information about exclusive content coming to the site, social media and YouTube from St. Petersburg.

Wrestling fans are eagerly anticipating some surprise entrants in the men’s and women’s matches. Less than three weeks out as of this writing, the first round of rumored names include Sean Waltman, Naomi, and Liv Morgan, according to reporting from PW Insider.

Who Not To Expect In The 2024 Royal Rumble

Hulk Hogan

Okay, let’s get this one out of the way, because we must address it. Hulk Hogan’s name was not churning in the rumor mill for the 2024 Royal Rumble match until he put it there. The Hulkster showed up on RAW this week and said he may have one more match left in him. That is not happening this year. I asked around about this right after Hogan’s promo, and everyone gave me a resounding “No way” and/or “Hell No!” when I asked whether Hulk Hogan is coming in for the match at Tropicana Field.

This goes without saying, but I received a resounding "NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!" when asking if Hulk Hogan is scheduled to be in the Royal Rumble match this Saturday…

— Aaron (@AaronVarble) January 23, 2024

Shane McMahon

Shane McMahon used to have a lot to do with the Royal Rumble match, as he also used to help produce it. I asked around as late as this week and was able to confirm that Shane-O Mac is not in any discussion for the 2024 Royal Rumble match. So, despite many expected surprises, Vince McMahon’s son will not be one of them either. 

As if this needs to be said, but I'm still reporting it, cause I CAN.

I've asked around and no, Shane McMahon is not involved in the 2024 #RoyalRumble planning, nor is he slated to be in the match.

— Aaron (@AaronVarble) January 26, 2024

Royal Rumble Potential Surprise Entrants

Sean Waltman

Waltman was recently at the WWE Performance Center which is also in Florida. On January 12, the nWo and DX alum said he can still go in the ring, but there’s “zero chance” he’ll be there:

There was talk last week at the PC about Waltman being in Florida over the Rumble weekend. Last year, Waltman told a fan “maybe” when asked about competing in the match. Waltman is a two-time WWE Hall of Famer. His most recent match for WWE was a 10-person tag-team match on the July 8, 2002, edition of Monday Night Raw.

I can still go at the drop of hat, at least for a few minutes. I can do all my kicks, except the one in the corner & I can do that again with a few weeks training. I'm at least month away from taking my shirt off in public, so zero chance I'll be in the Rumble.

— Sean Waltman (@TheRealXPac) January 12, 2024

Naomi / Trinity Fatu

Former WWE star Naomi is among those being discussed for a return in the Women’s Rumble match. The reigning IMPACT/TNA Knockouts World Champion competes as Trinity but is expected to finish with that promotion at tapings later this month. The belief within WWE is that she will be returning once her run with IMPACT/TNA expires. Naomi/Trinity famously walked out of WWE in May 2022 alongside Sasha Banks (now Mercedes Mone) due to creative differences with WWE.

Liv Morgan

Liv Morgan is also said to be in the mix, as there were talks back in November of her returning from her shoulder injury. Morgan was recently arrested for marijuana possession, but there is little to no heat on her from WWE management. Her legal issue has not changed plans for her, and she recently saw the most serious charge against her dropped.

Giulia

Giulia’s status is a very interesting one. Rumors have been flying around about WWE interest in here. In face, it was reported that AEW backed off of her completely after interest from WWE was evident. Only time will tell if Giulia shows up at the Royal Rumble. She has not been to the WWE Performance Center yet, but the idea of her showing up in Tropicana Field is certainly possible.

Mercedes Mone/Sasha Banks

Mercedes’ free agent situation is very interesting. The former Banks, who is notorious for keeping her contracts close to the vest, is now bound for another company after her NJPW deal expired. Although rumors of a WWE return are strong, those in WWE still believe that she is heading to AEW. Others, like Sean Ross Sapp have indicated the same. There were talks between WWE and Mone, but they hit a financial roadblock.

Jade Cargill

A lot of things are going on with Jade Cargill, and WWE has big plans for her. As a former TBS Champion in AEW, World Wrestling Entertainment didn’t jump right to debuting her in the ring. Instead, they opted for a slow burn debut, where she showed up at Fastlane. Then, they placed her in the WWE Performance Center, so she could polish up her skills and get ready for her big moment. It will be interesting to see if WWE pulls the trigger on her debut at the Royal Rumble, and just how much time they give her in the match.

Kazuchika Okada

Okada is leaving NJPW, and that news broke the pro wrestling world wide open. We have not heard any explicit report of a WWE contract offer, but the man has been on WWE’s radar for years. It may be possible that NJPW would allow Okada to perform at the Royal Rumble, even if he has more dates with them. Obviously, Okada’s addition to WWE would also greatly shake up the WrestleMania landscape as well.

Kamille

Although it is expected that Kamille may debut for NXT first, WWE has their eye on the former NWA Women’s Champion. She was just backstage at AEW Dynamite, but that was only because they were very close to her home. That didn’t give any indication that Tony Khan is close to snatching her away from WWE. By all appearances, Kamille is going to WWE, where she will probably be a major player when the time comes.

This page will be updated in the weeks and days leading up to the Royal Rumble.

WWE’s Royal Rumble event is set to go down at Tropicana Field on January 27th, and the pro wrestling world can’t wait to see how Triple H books his first Rumble without Vince McMahon’s creative oversight. Now, we have a couple possible spoilers about whom to expect during one of the big matches.

The Women’s Royal Rumble match

Mike Johnson from PW Insider reported that Sonya Deville and Jade Cargill could be potential entrants in the upcoming women’s Rumble match. Both of them are reportedly scheduled to be at the Royal Rumble event, but there’s no assurance that they will actively participate in the Rumble match.

Sonya Deville has been on the mend from a torn ACL, focusing on her recovery. Her inclusion in the Rumble match would mark a significant return for Deville, adding anticipation to her comeback in the wrestling scene.

Jade Cargill Has Been Training Hard

Jade Cargill is undergoing training at the Performance Center, gearing up for her WWE in-ring debut. While her participation in the Rumble match is not confirmed, fans are eager to see how her training translates into her first official WWE match.

I asked around specifically about Jade’s status for the Royal Rumble match this Saturday. Although I did not pull down any concrete spoiler on her participation, one tenured member of the creative team told me that, “I’ve heard lots of things regarding Jade Cargill.”

As the 2024 Royal Rumble event approaches, the potential involvement of Sonya Deville and Jade Cargill add an element of unpredictability to the women’s Rumble match, keeping the excitement high for wrestling fans.

Another Possible Royal Rumble Surprise

Trinity finished up her time with TNA Wrestling. She also gave a heartfelt speech after her final television taping event for the company. Her WWE return has been reportedly in line for several weeks. That being said, Naomi’s return is also expected for the Royal Rumble event.

That being said, the Women’s Royal Rumble match could include some big surprises this year, with The Glow, Deville, and Jade Cargill’s names in the situation, anything can happen.

Trinity has been honored and privileged to be a part of the TNA Knockouts division, amid reports of her upcoming exit from the promotion. 

The former Knockouts Champion is expected to finish with TNA soon and swiftly return to WWE. Trinity (then Naomi) walked out of WWE alongside Mercedes Mone (Sasha Banks) over creative differences in 2022. Trinity was expected to return to WWE in the upcoming Women’s Royal Rumble match, but that is far less certain now. 

Trinity’s TNA Promo

At the most recent tapings of TNA Wrestling, Trinity was scheduled to go one-on-one with Gisele Shaw. The match instead saw Trinity and Jordynne Grace face Shaw and Savannah Evans. Grace dethroned Trinity at Hard to Kill 2024 in a match that took an emotional toll on the former champ. After the tag-team match, Trinity grabbed the mic and addressed the crowd.

“Coming to TNA has been life-changing for me, both inside and outside the ring. I feel honored to work with such a strong division and an incredible group of women. Wow, what a champion we have here on our hands! [gestures to Jordynne Grace, crowd chants ‘Jordan’] And when all of y’all think of TNA, I want you to think of me. Trini-TNA! Thank you for coming out, we love you!” 

Jordynne Grace added that Trinity and her made for one hell of a match and that while they may be in the ring, the fans are the most important part of the show. Grace concluded that they’ll see everyone tomorrow as they ‘Cross the Line’ once more and the crowd chanted TNA to close out the show. 

The show was an especially emotional one for Trinity, whose family were also at the event. 

TNA Wrestling presented their Hard to Kill event on Saturday, and a few titles changed hands. After Jordynne Grace won the Knockouts Title from Trinity, many assumed that reports about Naomi’s WWE return were on the money. That comeback may have to wait.

Trinity Fatu’s Current Status

Following her loss of the Knockouts Title to Jordynne Grace at Hard To Kill, some speculated that Trinity’s time with TNA Wrestling had concluded. Contrary to expectations, reports now suggest that her return to WWE might not be imminent.

PW Insider noted that Trinity had additional scheduled dates with TNA Wrestling, and she did not fulfill her commitment on Sunday. This may push her WWE comeback even further.

We are told Trinity had several more dates with the promotion and did not finish up yesterday at TV, where she wrestled Jordynne Grace.

In the past, WWE typically prefers to bring in talent after they wrap up commitments with another television-prominent promotion. They don’t really like to share talent on television, and it’s a rarity that they will even allow a Superstar to do anything else for another company.

TNA Wrestling’s Morale is Good

The report from Mike Johnson further noted that morale within the promotion reportedly experienced a boost after these events, coinciding with the official reintroduction of the TNA brand at Hard to Kill.

It was also noted that Kazuchika Okada’s return to the company after many years was a “healing” moment. This comes after he had been treated so poorly by the previous administration so many years ago.

Trinity may still be WWE-bound, but it appears she has a few more dates with TNA Wrestling to go. Nothing is 100% until contracts are signed, so she may just decide to stick around with the freshly re-branded company, because that option is likely there for her as well.

TNA Wrestling’s Trinity was understandably emotional after losing her Knockouts World Championship at Hard to Kill 2024. 

In the penultimate match of the evening, Trinity lost the title to Jordynne Grace in 14:30. Grace earned a shot at the gold by winning the Call Your Shot Gauntlet at Bound for Glory in October 2023. She was the first woman to win the Call Your Shot Gauntlet. Last night’s victory marks Grace’s third Knockouts World Championship win after previously capturing the gold in January 2020 and at Slammiversary in June 2022. 

Trinity Reacts 

Trinity had held the Knockouts World Championship since Slammiversary 2023 when she dethroned Deonna Purrazzo in July of that year. Understandably, the Glow was emotional after her title loss, as seen in clips shared online. 

Felt The Glow, what a match 🫡💚 #hardtokill pic.twitter.com/Krv0kwaBDf

— Wrestling Winedown (@wwdcast) January 14, 2024

What’s Next for Trinity? 

Trinity’s Knockouts World Championship has ended and she’s hungry to regain the gold. On Twitter, Trinity made it clear she wants a rematch with Jordynne Grace. 

One word, @JordynneGrace! Actually another word…REMATCH! #hardtokill

— Trinity (@TheTrinity_Fatu) January 14, 2024

Leaving TNA Wrestling? 

Trinity left Hard to Kill without the Knockouts World Championship and could be leaving TNA Wrestling altogether soon enough. Trinity is expected to finish her TNA run at the promotion’s next set of tapings. She is also expected to make her return to WWE later this month as part of the 2024 Women’s Royal Rumble match. 

Trinity, then Naomi, walked out of WWE in May 2022 alongside Mercedes Mone (Sasha Banks). The two had different ideas about the creative plans at the time. The then-WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions felt that their title run was being overlooked as WWE had plans for singles feuds for both women. 

Trinity isn’t the only surprising name the WWE Universe should expect to see at the Royal Rumble… 

Trinity Fatu battled Jordynne Grace at TNA Wrestling’s Hard to Kill event. The pro wrestling world was watching, and she had two very special friends who were also there to see her big match.

Mercedes Mone & Bayley Spotted At TNA Wrestling Hard To Kill

TNA Wrestling hosted their Hard to Kill event on pay-per-view. The event featured noteworthy moments, such as Trinity Fatu’s potential final match in the company. 

It was previously reported that the current thought is that Naomi will make her return to WWE. So, Fatu lost her Knockouts Title to Jordynne Grace, marking her 3rd reign with the title.

During Hard to Kill, Mercedes Mone and Bayley were seen behind the French announce team’s table, witnessing the matchup between Trinity and Jordynne Grace. They were not shown on screen during the actual pay-per-view event.

Both Bayley and Money were decked out in shades, and beanies, but they were still spotted. It was obvious who they were, but the two stayed off the radar, because they were not there to be a focus.

Mercedes and Bayley showing support to Trinity. Love to see it pic.twitter.com/TDdddlsSWs

— Roman Reigns SZN 💥 (@reigns_era) January 14, 2024

What’s Next For Mercedes Mone

As of right now, Mercedes Mone appears to be heading to AEW, but she has not debuted for the company yet. It was reported that talks with WWE stalled, because they were far apart with money. 

Even if Mercedes Mone and Bayley end up in different wrestling companies, they are still very close. Their presence at Hard to Kill also proves that Naomi has their support. 

one thing about Bayley , Trin & Mercedes they gonna show up to support each other pic.twitter.com/wN5Dn1pbRt

— aliyah ✭ (@mercedesbnkss) January 14, 2024

Fans have caught their first glimpse of the new TNA Knockouts World Championship which will be defended by Trinity at the upcoming Hard to Kill event. 

Trinity has held the IMPACT Wrestling Knockouts World Championship since Slammiversary 2023, where she dethroned Deonna Purrazzo. Trinity currently has four successful title defenses to her name. 

New TNA Knockouts World Championship

In a video shared on Twitter, TNA President Scott D’Amore spoke about Trinity being an amazing representative of the Knockouts Division. D’Amore then presented Trinity with the new TNA Knockouts World Champion. Trinity was delighted with the new title and called the title “beautiful.”

.@ScottDAmore presents @TheTrinity_Fatu with the brand new TNA Knockouts World Championship.

Subscribe to TNA+ with plans that include this Saturday's TNA #HardToKill and every single TNA event in 2024: https://t.co/2L2bLjnDN4 pic.twitter.com/Fgwmvzkd9B

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) January 11, 2024

The new title features a white strap, which is seemingly a nod to the original TNA Knockouts Championship introduced in 2007. The title also features the new TNA Wrestling logo which will be used on branding going forward. 

What’s Next for Trinity? 

Trinity will defend the new TNA Knockouts World Championship at Hard to Kill against former champion Jordynne Grace. A title change could be in the works as it’s been reported that Trinity will be finishing her tenure with IMPACT/TNA at the next tapings. 

The former Superstar is rumored to be returning to WWE as part of the Women’s Royal Rumble match that will take place on January 27. Trinity (then Naomi) walked out of WWE alongside Mercedes Mone (Sasha Banks at the time) in May 2022 over a difference with the company’s creative plans. Mone would join New Japan Pro Wrestling in January 2023 though her tenure with that promotion has since ended. 

Trinity isn’t the only TNA star to be getting a new championship…