8 Potential Forbidden Door Entrants In The 2022 Men’s Royal Rumble

5. Matt Cardona

Matt Cardona woo’ed the hearts of the WWE Universe as Zack Ryder.

The former Intercontinental Champion did what Vince McMahon always asks and grabbed the brass ring.

His “Z-True Long Island Story” was innovative and helped further WWE’s social media presence. However, the company never truly got behind him despite the fans’ support.

Cardona was released from WWE on April 15, 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. After a brief stint in All Elite Wrestling, he arrived in IMPACT Wrestling last year and has steadily made his way up the ranks.

Matt Cardona has also become a revelation on the independent scene with his current run in GCW. He has become one of the very best heels in the business and showed what WWE missed out on.

Walking through the forbidden door to enter the Royal Rumble would be validation for Cardona. He can show his former employer why he is now “The Deathmatch King”.

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4. D-Lo Brown

This is probably the one that surprises everyone to make the list. But think about it, this is the one most likely.

D-Lo Brown has served as a producer for IMPACT Wrestling since 2018 and took on a commentary role in 2021.

When look at the IMPACT roster and who could walk through the forbidden door, the former Nation of Domination member stands out for a few reasons.

D-Lo Brown spent seven years overall in WWE and hasn’t stepped foot in their ring since 2009. He is a former Intercontinental and European Champion as well.

D-Lo could get a nice nostalgia pop that could propel him to his rightful place in the WWE Hall of Fame.

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3. Jay White

In early 2021, “Switchblade” Jay White found himself in the headlines.

The Bullet Club leader was coming off the heels of the best match of his career against Kota Ibushi at Wrestle Kingdom 15 and rumors circulated that WWE was interested in the 29-year old star.

However, those reports died down and White found himself outside of Japan for much of 2021. Switchblade could kick off 2022 in a major way though.

Despite missing Wrestle Kingdom 16, Jay White could walk through the forbidden door and enter the Men’s Royal Rumble.

Last year, reports revealed that Nick Khan tried to negotiate a deal between WWE and NJPW to help re-sign Bryan Danielson.

WWE could go back to New Japan to lure one of their top stars for a surprise appearance.

Jay White could show the world why he has been talked about as one of the most complete performers in all of wrestling with a strong debut in the Rumble.

• Forbidden Door
• Impact Wrestling
• Royal Rumble
• AEW

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