Obligatory Conspiracy Theory: A teaser on Thriumphant Ryze's Splash Art..?

So, Normally I wouldn't put too much stock in what secondary characters appeared in splash arts, especially for skins. BUT!

I noticed regular ol' Xerath's hand is visible on this particular splash art; NOT from a Xerath skin, but classic Xerath. What I'm getting at is, then perhaps the horned, evil-looking foreground character isn't just some mook or skin? Perhaps he's a teaser for an upcoming champion..?

Eh? What do you think?