Imagine being one of the most frequent participants in WWE’s Royal Rumble, only to be left in the dark about whether you’ll even step foot in the ring this year. That’s the reality for The Miz, who, despite his impressive track record, seems uncertain about his spot in the upcoming match. But here’s where it gets controversial: could WWE really leave out one of its most active Rumble stars? Let’s dive in.
The Royal Rumble Premium Live Event (PLE) is set to electrify Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, this Saturday (January 31), and the buzz is already palpable. On the January 26 episode of Raw, Finn Bálor attempted to secure his place in the men’s Rumble match, only to be shut down by General Manager Adam Pearce. All 30 spots, it seems, are already taken. But here’s the twist: The Miz, seemingly unaware of this, recently told ESPN’s Get Up that he plans to declare his entry—though he hasn’t officially done so yet. His words? ‘My goal, if I’m in the Royal Rumble, which I have not declared yet… I plan on throwing over 29 other superstars, winning the Royal Rumble, and heading to WrestleMania.’ Bold statement, but is it wishful thinking?
The Miz’s awkward phrasing raises eyebrows. As a lower-card performer in WWE today, his chances of securing a Rumble spot aren’t exactly guaranteed. And this is the part most people miss: his hesitation might be a clever way to save face in kayfabe, WWE’s scripted world of storytelling. After all, why wait so long to declare if the odds are stacked against you?
According to All Rumble Stats, The Miz is tied with Kofi Kingston for the most Royal Rumble appearances among active WWE wrestlers—16 each. But here’s the kicker: Kingston, once a Rumble highlight reel with his jaw-dropping saves from elimination, didn’t compete last year, allowing Miz to catch up. Is this the end of an era for these Rumble veterans?
Kofi’s current role in WWE’s tag team division feels forgettable, and without his signature Rumble moments, his inclusion this year seems unlikely. The Miz, on the other hand, has been more visible on SmackDown, competing in tournaments for the world title and even serving as John Cena’s final opponent. He’s also rumored to challenge Carmelo Hayes for the United States title, which could tie into his Rumble storyline. But does visibility guarantee a spot?
Here’s the million-dollar question: Will The Miz and Kofi Kingston, two Royal Rumble mainstays, make the cut for this year’s match in Saudi Arabia? Or is WWE ready to pass the torch to newer stars? What do you think? Let’s spark some debate—drop your thoughts in the comments below. And if you’re team Miz or team Kofi, now’s your chance to make your case!
