Over the past two years, the Forbidden Door has been a term with little meaning in the pro wrestling world. Athletes from various companies have performed for other promotions. But thanks to inter-promotional collaborations, anything feels possible. WWE wasn’t a part of those discussions until recently.
Mickie James, the Impact Wrestling Knockouts World Champion, will be appearing in the women’s Royal Rumble match on August 29. The internet was buzzing when WrestleVotes reported that WWE is looking to bring in an "unexpected" Forbidden Door star to the men’s Royal Rumble match.
Who could it be?
There are plenty of options of who could show up inside The Dome at America's Center in St. Louis. Sporting News looks into the potential individuals who could appear in the match that starts the build to WrestleMania.
Matt Cardona
The former Zack Ryder had people invested in him since he started Z-True Long Island Story on YouTube. Organically getting over, Matt Cardona has a loyal following. Since being let go by WWE, Cardona found a way to stand out. Cardona has worked for Impact, GCW, the NWA, and AEW. His current run in GCW as “The Deathmatch King” has resulted in him being one of the best heels in the business.
Trolling fans with WWE references during his promos, Cardona would make for a good surprise guest at the Royal Rumble, during a time when he is as popular as ever.
MORE: WWE Royal Rumble 2022 date, start time, betting odds, PPV schedule & card
W. Morrissey
Another former WWE talent, the man previously known as Big Cass made it a mission to have a fresh start after being let go by WWE. W. Morrissey got in great shape and improved his in-ring skills, which resulted in him being a desired athlete. Competing for Impact Wrestling, Morrissey is a monster who has been fighting for the company’s world title. Seeing how WWE and Impact are working together, it would not be surprising to see someone else from the company enter the Royal Rumble.
Morrissey, the smooth big man, would be the perfect fit for the Royal Rumble as well.
Moose
If Impact and WWE are going to team together, you might as well go all out. Moose, the Impact World Champion, reported to WWE training camps in the early 2010s. Making a name for himself outside of the company, Moose managed to reach the top of the mountain by becoming a world champion for Impact. What better way to showcase what he can do and enhance Impact’s numbers than by having Moose in the Royal Rumble? WWE could also potentially be looking at a future employee if everything goes according to plan. Adding Moose would also play into the promos he has recently done on WWE.
While not all WWE fans may end up knowing who he is, a brief binge could bring people together to watch him and Impact Wrestling down the line.
Chris Jericho
It is unknown if WWE and AEW would do a true team-up. There is one man, however, who wouldn't have a problem going through the Forbidden Door. After all, he has done it before. Not long ago, Chris Jericho, a former AEW World Champion, appeared on the Stone Cold Podcast, becoming the first AEW star to appear on WWE programming. When he was working for New Japan Pro Wrestling he also had a run with WWE.
While he has secured himself a role in AEW, it appears that Jericho's influence can result in appearances wherever he sees fit. WWE would most likely welcome him back, even for one night. The former undisputed champion actually competing inside a WWE ring after everything is said and done would be quite an accomplishement, but, to many, not a surprise.
MORE: MJF sounds off on rivalry with CM Punk, learning from The Pinnacle, and his place in AEW
Sean Waltman
This feels like the more obvious pick out of anyone on the list. Sean “X-Pac” Waltman, a WWE Hall of Famer, recently announced he is medically cleared to return to the ring. He appeared on a recent GCW show and made it a point to say he would answer the phone if WWE called. A member of D-Generation X, Waltman going on another run, even if brief, just makes the most sense. He might even surprise everyone.
If you’re not down with that…