2026 Royal Rumble: Potential Surprises and Returning Stars Shape WWE’s Road to WrestleMania
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The annual Royal Rumble event is fast approaching, promising a thrilling showdown as 30 men and 30 women battle for a coveted championship opportunity at WWE WrestleMania. The 2026 Premium Live Event, scheduled for January 31 in Saudi Arabia, is already generating significant buzz, with speculation mounting over potential entrants, surprise debuts, and the return of injured superstars.
The Royal Rumble matches are known for their unpredictable nature, and this year appears to be no exception. As of this writing, the full lineups for both the men’s and women’s Rumble matches remain unconfirmed, allowing WWE to build anticipation and deliver unexpected moments. Recent insights from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter suggest a number of possibilities for this Saturday’s event.
Women’s Royal Rumble: Championship Programs and NXT Representation
Currently, 17 women have officially been announced for the women’s Royal Rumble match, with additional competitors expected to be revealed on the January 30 episode of “WWE SmackDown.” The field already boasts a formidable roster of past winners, including Charlotte Flair, Asuka, Bayley, Rhea Ripley, and Becky Lynch. However, one notable omission is Bianca Belair, the 2021 Rumble winner. According to reports, Belair has been sidelined since WrestleMania 41 but is anticipated to be healthy enough to participate this weekend.
A compelling storyline could also emerge with the potential involvement of AJ Lee, who returned to WWE in September 2025. A senior official stated that Lee is already scheduled for a WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship match against Becky Lynch, a program initially planned upon her return. The Rumble match could serve as the launching pad for this rivalry, potentially culminating in a showdown at WrestleMania 42.
Adding another layer of intrigue, several members of the “WWE NXT” roster are reportedly in Saudi Arabia. Kelani Jordan and Sol Ruca have been confirmed to be present, while Lola Vice and Jacy Jayne are rumored to be joining them. One analyst noted that Jayne was absent from the January 27 episode of “WWE NXT” and was removed from the weekend’s house show schedule, further fueling speculation about her potential Rumble appearance.
Men’s Royal Rumble: Injuries, Returns, and International Representation
The men’s Royal Rumble match also features 17 confirmed participants, including previous winners Jey Uso, Cody Rhodes, and Brock Lesnar. However, the status of Rey Mysterio is currently uncertain due to an injury sustained during the January 26 episode of “WWE Raw.” While a replacement could be considered, one analyst believes WWE could leverage the situation for a storyline, potentially keeping Mysterio in the match.
Adding to the family dynamic, Rey’s son, Dominik Mysterio, is also recovering from an injury, but is expected to be ready to compete. Furthermore, AAA is likely to have representation in the Rumble, with Mr. Iguana reportedly traveling to Saudi Arabia.
Several established WWE stars are also expected to make an impact. LA Knight is reportedly slated to return after an injury angle at the end of 2025, while Aleister Black’s broken tailbone, suffered earlier in 2026, is not expected to prevent his participation. Chad Gable is also rumored to be returning from injury. Grayson Waller, Fraxiom, and The Motor City Machine Guns were also pulled from “NXT” house shows, suggesting potential appearances on “SmackDown” or in the Rumble itself.
Potential New Signings and a Familiar Face
The possibility of new signings adds another layer of excitement to the men’s Rumble. While there’s no word on former AEW TNT Champion Powerhouse Hobbs or WWE’s newest Saudi signing Fahd Tuwaiq, speculation is building around a potential WWE return for Chris Jericho. Despite still being listed on the AEW roster, Jericho has been anticipated to join WWE throughout January, and a senior official believes the Rumble match would be a natural entry point for the veteran performer.
The 2026 Royal Rumble is shaping up to be a landmark event, filled with returning stars, potential surprises, and the promise of compelling storylines that will carry WWE through to WrestleMania. The unpredictable nature of the Rumble ensures that anything can happen, making it a must-watch for wrestling fans worldwide.
