Former AEW Stars To Enter WWE Royal Rumble 2026

With the WWE Royal Rumble 2026 fast approaching, there could be multiple former AEW stars set to join either of the thirty-person battle royals.

From stars that could be making their first appearance in WWE at the Royal Rumble to others who have been with NXT for some time, there are some definite possibilities.

Here are nine former AEW stars that could be set to enter the WWE Royal Rumble 2026.

9. Blake Monroe

One brand new face that you appear in Riyadh is the former Mariah May from AEW, Blake Monroe.

Poised to make a major impact on the main roster in the future, it could be that Blake Monroe is first seen by the broader audience by way of Royal Rumble entry.

Able to face off with several former foes in intriguing moments including with the likes of Jordynne Grace from NXT, Paige from AEW or Giulia from STARDOM — there are a lot of fun possibilities.

Possibly headed for a call-up in 2026, it could be that the Royal Rumble 2026 is a major coming out party for the Glamour.

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8. 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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7. Powerhouse Hobbs

A potential brand new WWE star that could make his way to the main roster with a Royal Rumble 2026 debut is Powerhouse Hobbs.

Rumored to potentially switching over to a moniker recently trademarked by WWE, Royce Keys, it could be that Riyadh is set to see the debut.

Potentially eclipsing the NXT system and heading straight for the main roster, there could be several big feuds on the horizon for Keys.

Able to easily go up against fellow AEW alum like Rusev, Cody Rhodes or CM Punk, it will be fun to see what’s next for the former Powerhouse Hobbs.

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6. Paige

A former AEW star that might be more memorable to audiences for her past work in WWE could be Paige.

While she would go on to capture the AEW Women’s World Championship during her time in the company under her real name Saraya, the former Paige remains well known for her Divas era dominance.

Capturing the inaugural NXT Women’s Championship as well as the Divas Championship during her initial WWE run, Paige’s career was cut short due to a neck injury.

Perhaps joining the likes of Nikki Bella and Edge in being cleared for in-ring returns to WWE after major neck issues — there could be a big storyline up ahead for Paige.

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5. Ethan Page

A former AEW star who has made a big impact since joining WWE NXT is ‘All Ego’ Ethan Page.

Potentially set to make his main roster debut at the Royal Rumble 2026, there could be a host of fascinating interactions for the star.

From former NXT foes to familiar faces from AEW past like Cody Rhodes or Chris Jericho, the Royal Rumble could be the perfect place for Page to cement himself on the main roster.

Although coming by way of NXT, Page is an industry veteran with plenty of history across the roster, a detail that could be very fun in the Rumble match.

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4. Ricky Saints

While Saints just joined WWE last February, Royal Rumble 2026 will be his first opportunity to appear in the big event.

Potentially set to bring his charisma and in-ring power to either WWE Raw or SmackDown in the near future, a debut in the Rumble could be the perfect introduction.

With a potential call up on the horizon on the main roster for Saints, there could be a big opportunity to showcase him in the Rumble match.

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3. Lexis King

A former AEW name that hasn’t gotten as much attention on the main roster thus far is Lexis King.

However, with King’s real life father Brian Pillman a legendary name in his own right, it could be that King’s time at the Royal Rumble is coming soon.

Possibly ahead of an announcement regarding Pillman being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2026 (currently the only announced inductee for 2026 is Stephanie McMahon), an appearance by King could be perfectly timed.

Able to enter the Royal Rumble 2026 to have a fun moment and lose nothing if he is eliminated in fairly short order, it would be nice to see Lexis King make his main roster debut in Riyadh.

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2. Danhausen

On a list of several longshots from the AEW bench, it could be Danhausen that makes a surprise WWE debut in Riyadh, although fans may not want to get their hopes up.

While Danhausen’s contract expiration could possibly make way for a Royal Rumble 2026 appearance, it seems that perhaps fans of the Very Nice, Very Evil star might have to wait until next year for to see him in the over the top rope battle royal.

Another AEW name that continues to explore her future options is Anna Jay. While some fans may have been initially hopeful that she could debut in the Royal Rumble 2026, it was later reported that her contract expiration is in “Spring 2026” rather than the end of 2025 as initially thought.

Elsewhere, there still hasn’t been any word regarding future plans for Private Party (Isiah Kassidy & Marq Quen) after the pair have been similarly iced out of action since January 2025 when they dropped the AEW Tag Team Championship and disappeared.

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1. Mike Santana

A fun former AEW star that could certainly make a main roster WWE debut in 2026 is Mike Santana.

With WWE Royal Rumble 2026 featuring an appearance by the TNA Wrestling World Champion Joe Hendry, perhaps there could be another familiar face arriving in 2026.

Having had an incredible impact in TNA Wrestling since signing with the company after departing AEW, Mike Santana could be a perfect entrant in this year’s Rumble.

Other potential entrants from TNA Wrestling with pasts in AEW include Frankie Kazarian, Ryan Nemeth, Matt Hardy or Jeff Hardy.

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