WWE is kicking around some intriguing possibilities for this year’s Royal Rumble. According to WrestleVotes via Fightful Select, the company has discussed potential entrants from NXT and Mexico’s AAA for the men’s and women’s Rumble matches.
To be clear, this is discussion-stage chatter, not confirmation. The report notes multiple names have been talked about, and fuller specifics are housed behind Fightful Select’s paywall. But even at a high level, the idea of WWE exploring NXT and AAA involvement is noteworthy and says a lot about how the company views the Royal Rumble as a platform.
The Rumble is WWE’s most surprise-friendly show of the year and a launching point into WrestleMania season. Every January, the 30-entrant format invites returns, debuts, and one-off cameos that jolt the live crowd and drive buzz. Pulling from NXT is a well-worn tactic to spotlight up-and-coming names on a big stage; reaching beyond the WWE system, however, is far rarer and always turns heads.
NXT representation in the Rumble has helped accelerate careers before. In recent years, standouts from the black-and-gold brand have earned valuable showcase time in the 30-person field, with several using the moment to signal their readiness for the main roster sprint to WrestleMania. Appearances like those in 2019 and 2020 demonstrated how NXT talents can make instant impressions under pay-per-view lights, and that blueprint remains valuable for WWE’s pipeline.
AAA is a different conversation entirely. WWE’s modern era has featured very few cross-promotional appearances, especially from promotions that have their own established U.S. visibility. That’s why even the idea of AAA involvement is eyebrow-raising, as AAA frequently intersects with other televised companies and brings a distinct lucha libre identity and fan base.
Historically, WWE and AAA have crossed paths before. The 1997 Royal Rumble featured several AAA stars during a brief collaboration, a reminder that WWE has occasionally looked outside its walls when it suits a larger creative or market strategy. More recently, WWE showed flexibility in 2022 by welcoming Impact Wrestling’s Knockouts World Champion Mickie James into the women’s Rumble—a one-night exception that underlined how the company can make unique arrangements when the moment is right.
The potential upside for WWE here is obvious. The Rumble thrives on shock value, and lucha libre carries enduring appeal with U.S. audiences. WWE has leaned into that enthusiasm with the LWO’s resurgence, Rey Mysterio’s continued star power, and Dragon Lee’s rapid ascent on the main roster. Dropping a surprise AAA-flavored appearance into that mix would tap directly into a passionate demographic and create organic viral moments.
From a business standpoint, any AAA involvement would require clear agreements and logistics that protect all parties. Wrestlers’ existing commitments, television rights, and belts held in other promotions matter. Even discussed ideas can fall apart quickly if the timing, contracts, or creative needs don’t align. That’s why reports at this stage should be treated as a window into brainstorming rather than a preview of a finalized lineup.
For NXT, the stakes are more straightforward. Plugging NXT names into the Rumble gives WWE a stress test in front of a hotter crowd, with immediate feedback on who moves the needle. A well-timed elimination run, a brief face-off with a top main-roster star, or a memorable high spot can change an emerging talent’s trajectory heading into the spring.
For AAA, the calculus is about spectacle and reach. WWE’s Royal Rumble delivers a massive global audience. A one-night cameo—or even a single surprise entrant—would ignite conversation across the wrestling ecosystem and potentially set the table for future, limited collaborations. It would also suggest WWE remains open to selective outside moves when they serve a clear purpose.
It’s worth underlining what this report does not say: it does not confirm that AAA talent will appear, nor does it name finalized entrants. WWE historically keeps Royal Rumble surprises tightly guarded, and even teases are rare. Plans can and do change, sometimes on the day of the show. Fans should expect the company to guard its cards closely until the buzzer sounds on the night.
What should viewers watch for in the lead-up? Subtle NXT television teases are always a possibility, and social media patterns from rumored names (sudden travel, light schedules, or coy posts) sometimes tip the hand—though WWE and talent alike know how to throw decoys. AAA’s own event calendar and public bookings could also offer clues about who might be free for a quick swing through the Rumble—if any deals exist.
Regardless of where this lands, the discussion itself reflects how WWE views the Rumble: as a showcase of star power, a laboratory for new faces, and a yearly headline generator. Folding in NXT keeps the talent pipeline front and center. Flirting with AAA participation would signal a willingness to use outside spice to keep the format fresh without compromising WWE’s core presentation.
We’ll continue to track developments and update if names become official. Credit to WrestleVotes and Fightful Select for the initial report. For now, the takeaway is simple: expect WWE to load up the Royal Rumble with moments designed to dominate the timeline—and don’t be surprised if some of those moments come from places fans weren’t expecting.
