By Greg Parks, Torch columnist

The past few years, WWE has left a few spots open in the Royal Rumble for surprise or return entrants. Last year, it was Rob Van Dam. Two years ago, it was Roddy Piper and Jimmy Snuka. They've also had Tatanka, Goldust, and Curt Hennig in the last decade.

It's always one of my favorite parts of the Rumble, and like every year, there's speculation about who could be in this year. The event is in Atlanta, where a lot of wrestlers (and retired wrestlers) call home. Umaga was a name that came up as being an entrant before his untimely passing. Some other names to think about:

Rob Van Dam: Unless he's got something lined up for TNA, he could be in for another one-night Rumble appearance. He got a pretty big pop last year, and maybe WWE took notice. Then again, having someone be a surprise two years in a row isn't being that creative.

Tenryu: Tenryu made two Rumble appearances, in 1993 and 1994. A big star in Japan, the dude is 59, but I bet he can still throw some mean chops!

Booker T: The Booker T negotiations were said to have fallen through, and like Umaga, he was a name rumored to be making his return at the Rumble. He could still come in for a one-shot deal, even if he isn't signed long-term.

Marty Jannetty: He seems to make an appearance in WWE once or twice a year, and this year, it could be in the Rumble match. He's not a big name, but neither was Tatanka when they brought him back.

Ricky Steamboat: Steamboat got a good reaction last year after coming out of retirement, and showed he still had some gas in the tank. They could bring him back here as well for a nice pop. Then again, they could use any of the other producers (like IRS) in the spot too.

Any of the guest hosts: The hosts that got physical, like Jeremy Piven, Seth Green, or Freddie Prinze Jr. could make a surprise return to get WWE some more mainstream publicity.

Roddy Piper: Piper wasn't happy with last year's Wrestlemania match and is always up for a physical appearance. I wouldn't be surprised to see him in the spot again. Whether it would lead to anything would be another question.

Sid: Hey, I can dream, can't I?

Readers: Any other ones that could be thrown out there?

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