After Triple H has promised some surprises for this weekend’s Royal Rumble 2026, there could be Attitude Era favorites set to make a return.
With WWE recently confirming that there will be a special Attitude Era edition of the forthcoming WWE 2K26 game, there could be some nostalgic surprises coming up at the Royal Rumble 2026.
Here are six Attitude Era stars that could enter the Royal Rumble 2026.
6. Trish Stratus
A performer that has already been well received when visiting Saudi Arabia is Trish Stratus.
Capturing the WWE Women’s Championship 7x during her career, it would be fun to see Stratus tease going after the title one more time.
Since the WWE Hall of Famer could certainly make a surprise appearance in the Royal Rumble 2026, Trish could be the perfect surprise return.
Able to engage in a few fun moments before dipping out of the match, the return would be perfectly non-consequential whist also being a great deal of fun.
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5. Kane
While it seems a bit unusual, there is some precedent for the current mayor of Knox County, Teneessee Glenn Jacobs aka Kane to make a WWE appearance.
Having previously travelled to Saudi Arabia for Crown Jewel 2018 while already in office, it could be that the Big Red Machine is back in action this year.
Since Royal Rumble 2026 is the first Rumble set to be held outside of North America, there would seemingly be even more opportunity for the Riyadh crowd to be dazzled by veteran stars.
Potentially a fun throwback to the Attitude Era, it could be fun to see Kane make an appearance even if only briefly.
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4. Lita
Another nostalgic favorite that could be making a return at the Royal Rumble 2026 could be Lita.
Already revealed for the cover art for the WWE 2K26 Attitude Era Edition, it could be that the former champ is set to return to WWE action soon.
Holding the WWE Women’s Championship 4x, Lita has held WWE gold more recently as well after winning the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship with Becky Lynch in 2023.
Certainly with intriguing moments able to be had with numerous other women on the roster, it could be the perfect time to see a return from Lita at Royal Rumble 2026 in Riyadh.
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3. Chris Jericho
Since Chris Jericho has seemingly departed AEW (albeit without confirmation of departure from either side), fans continue to pay close attention for clues as to where he might pop up next.
While his presence in WWE certainly spanned eras, his legendary debut under his Y2J gimmick is a notable Attitude Era favorite.
Potentially looking to make a surprise return by way of the Royal Rumble 2026, it would be a very exciting moment in the over-the-top-rope battle royal to see the returning hero.
Presumably returning to WWE as a babyface star, it will be interesting to see if he were to join the Rumble, where potential alliances could emerge.
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2. Stone Cold Steve Austin
Arguably the biggest star of the Attitude Era, Stone Cold Steve Austin could certainly make for an amazing return in the Royal Rumble 2026.
With the WWE 2K26 video game set to feature a special Attitude Era edition, it might be that Stone Cold Steve Austin is poised for an in-ring return.
Certainly able to compete at WrestleMania 42 against any number of formidable foes, a return in the Royal Rumble 2026 would be an amazing surprise.
Even if it ended up being only a one-off appearance, fans would certainly be delighted to see the return of the Texas Rattlesnake to WWE TV.
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1. The Dudley Boyz
While the duo of D-Von Dudley and Bubba Ray Dudley left their boots in the ring after their October 2025 TNA Wrestling loss to Matt & Jeff Hardy — perhaps WWE fans haven’t seen the last of them./
Featured on the cover of the forthcoming special edition of WWE 2K26, either D-Von or Bubba Ray Dudley could make a fun entrant into this year’s Rumble match.
Possibly able to be tapped for one more WWE appearance, the pair certainly could have a solid send-off with an appearance in Riyadh for the Royal Rumble 2026.
Able to tap into the nostalgic fun of the era without needing any specific storyline moments to take place, the addition of the former WWE Tag Team Champions could be a perfect homage to the Attitude Era.
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