Bubba Ray Dudley appeared as a surprise entrant at the Royal Rumble in what marked his first appearance in the WWE since 2005 and he discussed the shocking return and his potential future in the company.

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Dudley appeared as the No. 3 entrant at the 28th annual Royal Rumble live from the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia and had an entertaining run. He was the third man tossed from the match when Bray Wyatt eliminated him.

Dudley, who went as Bully Ray in TNA after his original WWE departure, spoke to WWE.com about what went into his return to the company on Sunday.

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"WWE called me about a month ago and said, 'Would you like an opportunity in the Royal Rumble?' And I said, 'Absolutely,'" Dudley said. "I showed up here [Sunday] and they said, 'We want you to be a surprise.' I thought that was great, and I hid all day."

It was a fitting return for Dudley as the event took place in Philadelphia, the original home of ECW where Dudley first rose to prominence.

Dudley and his partner Devon won the WWE Tag Team Championships nine times in their career and he spoke about how things have changed in the last decade.

"I just think that I've learned how to be a smarter entertainer," Dudley said. "I've learned to entertain in a way the fans can truly appreciate. Whenever I talk about going out there and entertaining, I compare it to the rock 'n' roll band Kiss. They don't waste a note. They don't waste a breath. They don't waste a second. It's constant entertainment from the minute they play "Detroit Rock City" to the end of "Rock and Roll All Nite," they are giving you your money's worth. That's what's different about me. I try to go out there and give the people their money's worth every inch of the way."

While the Rumble appearance was considered a one-shot deal, it has been said that the WWE is open to extending a long-term deal to Dudley.

Dudley said that he also would be willing to have a future in the WWE, possibly with Devon.

"If the WWE Universe and the WWE higher-ups want to see us here, then yes, hopefully there is a future," he said. "I really say it's up to the fans. By the reaction tonight, I'd say the fans would love to see us back. And hopefully we can do it."

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