WWE has always included NXT Superstars in past Royal Rumble matches. They have never received as much spotlight as they do now and the company is apparently planning with that in mind.
On Wrestling Observer Live, Bryan Alvarez said that WWE plans on including NXT Superstars in this year’s Royal Rumble match. He added that the plans depend on whether AEW is winning or losing at that point. The plan would see NXT being given ten spots for the Royal Rumble match, with the Smackdown and RAW Superstars getting ten spots as well.
NXT Superstars will be present for the Worlds Collide event. Next year’s Royal Rumble will not be preceded by an NXT TakeOver event. WWE will be making sure NXT gets a lot of attention next year.
