The New Year is officially here, which means it's almost time for the first WWE spectacle of the year, the Royal Rumble.

Bold WWE Predictions For 2016

Since it first started in 1988, the 30-man Rumble Match has been one of the most exciting, chaotic clashes of the year. In recent years, the numerous surprise entrants have made the match even more exciting.

For the 2016 event, the WWE is sure to add some exciting surprise entrants to the fray. Here are five possible Superstars who could unexpectedly come out of the curtain when the clock strikes zero on Jan. 24.

Brightest WWE Stars Of 2015

1) Daniel Bryan

The "YES! Man" missed most of 2015 with a concussion, but it's possible he gets cleared in time to return. Bryan has said that one doctor has cleared him to wrestle, while the WWE doctors are keeping him out as a precaution. With "The Beard" making progress, the Rumble Match would be a great place to return.

2) Batista

"The Animal" took a hiatus last summer to promote "Guardians of the Galaxy," but his movie career took off and he never came back. Though his return didn't go as well as he hoped in 2014, Batista could conceivably return for one more night in the WWE.

3) Chris Jericho

"Y2J" has been absent from WWE television for a while to focus on other things, but a return for the Superstar and rock star can't be counted out. Jericho said he doesn't want to return unless it's important, but he's always one to troll his fans and he could stun everyone by showing up in Orlando.

4) Rob Van Dam

RVD can pretty much come and go as he pleases due to the nature of his WWE contract, and with WrestleMania season on the horizon, the Royal Rumble could be the best place for a return. The former ECW star has stayed away from the WWE, but has always been open to a comeback.

5) Hulk Hogan

"The Hulkster" has been on the outs with the WWE ever since his racism scandal broke, so he's an unlikely candidate, but the company can't keep him sidelined forever. Hogan has apologized for his actions and always wanted to step back into the WWE ring, so if he appeared in his first Rumble Match since 1992, it would shock everyone and create a great moment.

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