8 Surprise Entrants In WWE Andre The Giant Battle Royal

Published: Apr 7, 2026 by SP3 | Last Updated: Apr 7, 2026 by SP3

Born in Harlem, New York and now living in the Bronx, Sid Pullar III aka SP3 is a lifelong wrestling fan who has been covering the industry for over nine years as a podcaster and writer. His passion for the industry has been documented with over 3,000 videos on YouTube and 8,000 written pieces across multiple outlets, such as WrestleTalk, Sports Illustrated and more.

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8 Surprise Entrants In WWE Andre The Giant Battle Royal

On the April 17 edition of Friday Night SmackDown, WWE will most likely bring back the Andre The Giant Battle Royal.

With more than 20 or 30 competitors in the match, this year’s battle royal could feature a number of surprise entrants.

From those from other companies to returning stars, the possibilities could make The Andre one of the most anticipated bouts of the entire WrestleMania 42 weekend.

Here are eight potential surprise entrants in this year’s WWE Andre The Giant Battle Royal.

8. Omos

When it comes to battle royals, big men and giants have all been the favorites to win because of how difficult it is to eliminate these stars.

Standing at 7 feet, 3 inches, Omos is one of the largest competitors to ever step foot in a WWE ring in the history of the company.

‘The Nigerian Giant’ has primarily been featured in Lucha Libre AAA over the past year and a half, which could change come WrestleMania 42 weekend.

Omos appearing in the Andre The Giant Battle Royal would be fitting and could see him immediately become a favorite to win the match on the Friday Night SmackDown before Mania.

7. El Hijo del Vikingo

El Hijo Del Vikingo has stated he wants to become WWE Intercontinental Champion

Speaking of Omos, he has joined forces with El Hijo del Vikingo as part of the El Ojo stable in Lucha Libre AAA.

The former AAA Mega Champion has become one of the most hated stars in the Mexican promotion, usually garnering some of the loudest boos of anyone on the roster.

Considering his position as a top star for AAA, WWE could put a spotlight on the promotion by having Vikingo take part in a match during WrestleMania 42 weekend.

Having Vikingo appear in the Andre The Giant Battle Royal could see him working with Omos to win the trophy and bring it back to AAA.

6. Mr. Iguana

Mr Iguana has become one of the most popular stars in all of Lucha Libre AAA with his trusty mascot and hand puppet La Yesca by his side.

Whether it be in AAA or in his few appearances on WWE TV, Iguana has been showcased as a featured act from Mexico whenever he shows up.

With the crossover status of Iguana, it makes sense for WWE to want him to be part of the spectacle that is the Andre The Giant Battle Royal.

Considering his experience and ability inside the ring, Iguana could be a surprise entrant and a threat to win this entire match.

5. La Parka

La Parka entered the 2026 WWE Royal Rumble match and also had a match at NXT Halloween Havoc

At WWE Royal Rumble 2026, La Parka made his debut with the company as an entrant in the men’s Royal Rumble match.

Widely regarded as one of the most legendary names in Lucha Libre AAA history, this new version of Parka has excited the fans and continued the legacy of this character.

After his appearance in the Rumble, it would make sense for WWE to call upon the luchador to be part of WrestleMania 42 weekend in some capacity.

Parka in the Andre The Giant Battle Royal would once again allow him the chance to shine in a WWE ring during the SmackDown before Mania.

4. Leon Slater

Someone that fans know will be in Las Vegas for WrestleMania 42 weekend is reigning TNA X-Division Champion Leon Slater.

Recently, WrestleCon announced that Slater will face AEW star Ricochet on their signature Supershow event.

On the same weekend as this dream match, Slater could get his latest opportunity to compete on the WWE main roster.

Considering his last appearance on the main roster took place at John Cena‘s Final Match on WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event last December, fans could see ‘The Youngest In Charge’ get another chance to be highlighted in the company in the Andre The Giant Battle Royal.

3. Mike Santana

Mike Santana has made numerous appearances in NXT as part of the partnership between WWE and TNA

Speaking of TNA Wrestling, another star from the promotion who could be featured in WWE again is Mike Santana.

The reigning TNA World Champion recently teamed with OTM to defeat DarkState in trios action on the March 31 edition of WWE NXT.

After his appearances on the NXT brand, Santana has more than proven himself to be ready for the WWE main roster spotlight.

Santana making a surprise appearance in the Andre The Giant Battle Royal would be a fun treat for the fans in attendance, allowing him an opportunity to win the trophy back to TNA.

2. Royce Keys

The Royal Rumble 2026 premium live event saw Royce Keys make his WWE debut as an entrant in the men’s Rumble Match.

The former Powerhouse Hobbs made a name for himself as part of the AEW roster over the past five years.

Winning the TNT Championship and AEW World Trios Championship with The Opps, Keys showcased his strength, power and intensity that made him a no-brainer signing for WWE when he became available.

After two months on the sidelines following his WWE debut, Keys could make his return and surprise the fans by winning the Andre The Giant Battle Royal in his first time back in the company.

1. Sheamus

Sheamus is a four-time WWE World Champion

In November 2025, Sheamus was sidelined with a serious shoulder injury that required surgery and pulled him from the Last Time Is Now Tournament.

‘The Celtic Warrior’ is one of the most legendary names on the current WWE roster and should come back in a meaningful way.

While there might not be enough time for Sheamus to get on the WrestleMania 42 card proper, the former World Heavyweight Champion could make his surprise return during the Andre The Giant Battle Royal.

Winning his first Andre trophy, Sheamus would immediately place the spotlight back on him and position him for a major push following Mania.