Royal Rumble surprises weren't as closely guarded this year (Patreon)

In past years, several Royal Rumble surprises were hidden on busses and kept out of the way depending on the situation. However, we've heard varying things about Royal Rumble surprises that were a part of this year's show. Several surprises were present at the women's rehearsals on Saturday afternoon, and widely known that they'd be participating. Others were present at the talent hotel hanging out with talent the night before the show. At least one more was just simply backstage on Sunday, and nobody really thought anything of it, because WWE has legends around with regularity. We were told this Royal Rumble was much more laid back than in recent years.