With the WWE Royal Rumble 2026 set for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in January, there could be several former AEW names who arrive as surprises.
From returns to the company that some fans never thought they would see to other stars that would be brand new to the WWE audience, there are some intriguing options for which AEW stars may find themselves in the next WWE Royal Rumble.
Here are seven AEW stars that might enter the WWE Royal Rumble 2026.
7. Big Show (Paul Wight)
While Wight did confirm in May 2025 that he was still with AEW, he was initially announced as having signed with AEW back in February 2021.
Potentially meaning that he is among those that could see the end of 2025 mark their potential exits from AEW, Big Show could find himself being re-introduced at the Royal Rumble 2026.
Since the crowd in Saudi Arabia is known to enjoy a nostalgic act, it would be a memorable return to see the Big Show pop back up in Riyadh.
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6. Chris Jericho
Seemingly the most likely arrival in the Royal Rumble 2026 would have seemed incredibly unlikely not long ago. With persistent rumors that Chris Jericho could be returning to WWE after his current AEW contract expires at the end of 2025 — the return could really be happening.
When recently asked about Chris Jericho’s future in AEW, Tony Khan kept it positive and praised Jericho for being one of the founding members of the AEW roster.
Going on to note that he believes there will be more known in the coming months, it could be that Khan is well aware that there could be a Royal Rumble surprise set for Riyadh if he isn’t re-signing Jericho to AEW.
With John Cena departing WWE in December, it could be a smooth transition for Chris Jericho to arrive to continue to nostalgic magic into the new year.
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5. Ricky Starks (Ricky Saints)
Although he was formerly All Elite as Ricky Starks, things have been blessed for Ricky Saints so far in WWE NXT.
While Ricky Saints will still have been in WWE for less than a year when the 2026 Royal Rumble comes around, he can still technically qualify as a former AEW star.
Marking his first appearance in the Royal Rumble, it would make complete sense to see Saints in the annual 30-man battle royal.
Currently the NXT Champion, Saints would be a solid addition to the field to represent the NXT brand whether or not he keeps the title into 2026.
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4. Britt Baker
Former AEW Women’s World Champion Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D. hasn’t appeared on AEW TV since November 2024.
Her continued conspicuous absence has led to plenty of speculation about her departure from the company although the rumors continue to be proven false.
When recently asked about Baker’s status with AEW, Tony Khan confirmed that the star was “still very much with us,” although there aren’t any specific details of her contract known.
With some reports pointing to the end of her obligation to AEW being possibly as late as into 2027, this entry is long shot.
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3. Danhausen
Potentially a very fun addition to the WWE roster could arrive from AEW at the Royal Rumble 2026 in Danhausen.
While Danhausen’s contract with AEW reportedly was set to expire over the summer, there would end up being time off related to injury applied and extending his time with the company.
Potentially free from his AEW contract by late January 2026, it would be a memorable moment if Danhausen popped up in Saudi Arabia.
Making an incredible sidekick to the returning Chris Jericho, the duo could resume some of their hilarious on-screen antics in front of a brand new and massive audience.
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2. Isiah Kassidy
While both members of Private Party are still listed on the AEW roster site, they haven’t been seen since January 2025.
After dropping the AEW Tag Team Championship to the Hurt Syndicate (Bobby Lashley & Shelton Benjamin), both Isiah Kassidy and Marq Quen never returned to AEW TV.
Equally likely to pop-up in the Royal Rumble 2026 could be Kassidy’s Private Party tag team partner, Marq Quen so it is really a toss-up.
With both of the pair boasting solid in-ring abilities to go with their TV ready charismatic characters, it could be a very big year in WWE for Private Party.
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1. Saraya
A surprise that would be amazing to see in the women’s Royal Rumble 2026 would be Paige (fka Saraya in AEW).
After departing AEW in September 2024, fans were hopeful she could potentially pop up in the 2025 Royal Rumble.
But with the event already hosting the big returns to action of Nikki Bella, Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss, it made sense to save Paige for a future return.
Potentially able to either team up with AJ Lee again or potentially more interesting, feud with AJ Lee — it would be great to see Paige at Royal Rumble 2026 in Riyadh.
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