Jake The Snake
Jake the Snake returned to the WWE on "Old School Raw." Reuters

The second-biggest Pay-Per-View of the WWE season is quickly approaching with the Royal Rumble set for Jan. 26 in Pittsburgh. Not only will the night help determine one of the main events for WrestleMania 30, but it’s also a night that should see several legends return.

A few of the biggest names in recent WWE history are set to return in the coming weeks. It’s already been announced that Batista will enter the Royal Rumble, and he seems to be the favorite, according to many reports. The Undertaker may not partake in the Rumble, but it won’t be long before he comes back to set up his WrestleMania match.

Below are five WWE stars that could return at the 2014 Royal Rumble.

Hulk Hogan

Ever since Hogan failed to re-sign his contract with TNA, there has been speculation that he would return to the WWE in time for WrestleMania 30. There have been several unconfirmed rumors about Hogan being ready to sign a deal with the company, and most experts seem to agree that even if he doesn’t participate in a match, Hogan will be at the event.

If Hogan isn’t healthy enough to be a part of a high-profile WrestleMania match, he still might be able to go for a few minutes in the Rumble. With so many wrestlers in the ring at one time, he won’t be asked to do much, and can get away without taking any serious bumps. Even if he were eliminated quickly, Hogan’s entrance would be the highlight of the night.

Chris Jericho

In 2013, Jericho had one of the most surprising returns in recent WWE history when he was the No.2 entrant in the Royal Rumble. Following a seven-month stint with the company, Jericho left to tour with his band, Fozzy. Whenever he’s been away for a few months, though, Jericho usually isn’t far away from another run with the WWE.

Even if he doesn’t plan on coming back for multiple shows, Jericho could return for just one night. He’ll already be in Pittsburgh, where the PPV is set to be held. On the day before the big event, Jericho is scheduled to appear at the 2014 World of Wheels Convention in Pittsburgh. Jericho has denied that he’ll make an appearance in the Rumble.

Sheamus

Not long after the Money in the Bank PPV in July, Sheamus was put out of action because of a torn labrum. Now, it’s been almost a half year since the WWE superstar has wrestled in a match. Unlike Jericho and Hogan, Sheamus is guaranteed to return to WWE television. If he’s healthy, there’s no better place for him to return than the Rumble. Don’t be surprised if he comes back as a heel.

Jake The Snake

As the wrestling legend has been recovering from alcoholism and drug addiction, he’s started a campaign to make an appearance at the 2014 Royal Rumble. Jake had not been on good terms with Vince McMahon and the WWE because of all his problems, but all seems to be forgiven after his appearance on ‘Old School Raw.”

Jake tweeted about returning to WWE television, indicating that there would be more to come, saying “This is not the end...” He could be referring to a rumored Hall of Fame induction, but there’s also a chance Jake could get back in the ring one more time.

Ultimate Warrior

It’s not impossible to see the Ultimate Warrior back in a WWE match once more. The former champion has reached a business agreement with the WWE, according to the Wrestling Observer. Warrior could headline the WrestleMania 30 Hall of Fame class with Jake, but he could do even more with the company.