Taking place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on January 31, the 2026 WWE Royal Rumble presents the perfect stage for some of the company’s absent stars to make a return in a big way.
From stars that have returned to WWE partner promotions, to others that have been out of action due to injury — there could be some interesting returns coming soon.
Here are six absent WWE stars that could return at Royal Rumble 2026.
6. Omos
An absent star that could end up making a big return at the 2026 Royal Rumble is known battle royal enthusiast Omos.
Making a surprise appearance at AAA TripleMania XXXIII on August 16, 2025, Omos established himself as a AAA force to be reckoned with.
Winning the Copa Bardahl match at the event — Omos demonstrated that he could come in handy at the Royal Rumble 2026.
Possibly eliminating opponents for himself — Omos might make the perfect addition to another star who is hoping to secure victory in the bout by utilizing The Nigerian Giant’s ability to secure victory.
Click the next page button below for more
5. Zoey Stark
Zoey Stark has been out of action since suffering a serious knee injury during a three-way match with Kairi Sane and Rhea Ripley on the May 19 episode of WWE Raw.
Suffering a torn ACL, MCL and meniscus after an attempted spring board diving dropkick, Stark has had an extended rehab after injury.
Since Stark is clearly committed to making a return sooner rather than later, it could be that she ends up entering the Royal Rumble 2026 in Riyadh even if she isn’t slated to win.
With projections noting “into 2026” for a return from Stark, it remains to be seen if she will be back in action sooner rather than later into the new year.
Click the next page button below for more
4. Trish Stratus
While Trish Stratus has been known to make periodic appearances, she could be the perfect entrant into the women’s Royal Rumble 2026.
Serving as a nostalgic favorite, Stratus wouldn’t have to go particularly far in the Royal Rumble 2026 hosted in Riyadh before making an impact.
Able to mix it up with several foes both from her distant past and more recently, Stratus could certainly end up having some intriguing moments in the match.
While in the end she may be unlikely to win the bout, Trish Stratus would still be a legendary entrant into the Royal Rumble 2026.
Click the next page button below for more
3. Lana
One WWE name that has been vocal about her desire to make an on-screen WWE return is CJ Perry (fka Lana).
Noting on her podcast recently that she signed a WWE legends contract, she was quick to point out that she was clear there were levels to the designation of legend.
It seems that Perry is appreciative for her former role on-screen with her real-life husband who has sicnce returned to his WWE moniker of Rusev.
With both Lana and Aiden English (now TNA Wrestling commentator Matthew Rehwoldt) missing from his past — there will always be WWE fans holding out hope that it might be Rusev Day once again someday soon.
Click the next page button below for more
2. Bianca Belair
The EST of WWE continues to be missed by huge proportions of the fandom who anxiously wait the return of Bianca Belair.
Bianca Belair has been out of WWE action since WrestleMania 41 when she picked up an injury in a triple threat match against Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY.
With her initially reported injuries turning out to be more complicated — there has been a lack of clear timeline as to when Belair might be back in action.
However with the new WrestleMania 42 teasers seeming that there could be still a missing element as yet to be revealed, it might be that Bianca Belair will be back in action for WrestleMania season.
Click the next page button below for more
1. Chad Gable
While it might be quite the stretch to keep Chad Gable out of action until the Royal Rumble 2026 — holding off on a return until January 31 might make complete sense.
With Gable out of action with a shoulder injury since June 2025, it could be that his return to action is reserved until a big moment at the Royal Rumble.
Since it is the first Royal Rumble outside of America, it could be that Chad Gable isn’t the entrant at all and rather the honors go to someone else.
With Ludwig Kaiser having assumed the role of El Grande Americano since Gable’s absence, it could be that there is a showdown between two El Grande Americanos brewing for the Royal Rumble 2026.
To make sure you stay up to date with all the biggest wrestling and WrestleTalk news, follow us on Threads by clicking this link!
Comments.
Loading comments…