Latest On Edge's Royal Rumble Return Rumors

It's been nine years since Edge retired from professional wrestling, but there are plenty of rumors going around that he's going to return at this Sunday's Royal Rumble event in Houston, Texas.

There are still a few spots open in the men's Royal Rumble, leaving some to believe that WWE is planning a few surprises. Whether or not Edge ends up being one of the unexpected entries remains to be seen, however.

The WWE Hall of Famer has shut down reports of a return numerous times, however.  Edge is unsure where the rumors came from, and he denied speculation about signing a new contract with WWE.

But Mike Johnson of PWInsider Elite (h/t Cageside Seats) fully expects the Rated-R Superstar to show up at the Royal Rumble. Johnson would be "shocked" if the former World Champion didn't return to WWE "by this time next week."

The show is only three days away, so we won't have to wait long to get an answer either way. Edge's potential return, without a doubt, will be a marquee storyline to follow heading into the event.

Related: Randy Orton's Promo May Have Been A Hint At Edge's WWE Return [Rumor]

Edge speared Elias at last year's SummerSlam kickoff event, and Bryan Alvarez of Wrestling Observer Radio took this as a hint that the Ultimate Opportunist received "some semblance of clearance." On top of that, Bill Prichard of Wrestlezone heard from a source that Edge's return at the Royal Rumble is "a lock."

If Edge were to return, you know he and WWE would do everything possible to keep it under wraps. That's why many are having a tough time believing Edge when he states that he's not returning.

We'll Get Our Answer Soon Enough

Regardless of all the rumors, and regardless of what Edge said, we're simply not going to have a firm answer until all 30 Royal Rumble entries have been revealed. So fans of the Hall of Famer need to simply sit back and cross their fingers about a return, because you won't be getting any confirmation either way until Sunday.

Next: Daniel Bryan Has Odd But Cool Request For WWE And His New Merchandise