With several injured WWE stars potentially poised to be back in action ahead of WrestleMania 42, there could be some returns at this Saturday’s Royal Rumble PLE.
Whether it be long-term absentees or those only out for a few months at most, there are a number of returns we could see in Riyadh.
Here are six injured WWE stars that could make returns at the Royal Rumble 2026.
6. JD McDonagh
One injured star that could be an outside pick to enter the Royal Rumble 2026 is The Judgment Day’s JD McDonagh.
With several fun appearances from WWE stars in the lead up to Royal Rumble 2026, First We Feast hosted an entire spicy wing challenge amongst the members of the Judgment Day.
Featured along with the other members of the group was JD McDonagh who despite having posted to Instagram about a month ago with a heavily bandaged hand — was without any noticeable restrictions on his hands in the video.
While it may be more of a stretch than a clue, McDonagh himself noted that he wouldn’t be out long and is perhaps poised to make a big return in the Royal Rumble 2026 match.
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5. Bianca Belair
Bianca Belair has been out of in-ring action since WrestleMania 41 when she picked up a hand injury during the triple threat match against IYO SKY and Rhea Ripley.
With the injury ending up more complex than was originally believed, she has still yet to make an in-ring return.
Possibly set to make a massive moment at the Royal Rumble, Belair is among the betting favorites to win the match.
Able to make a triumphant return to win the Rumble and seek a bout against former friend turned foe Jade Cargill, there could be a big story ahead for Belair at WrestleMania 42.
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4. Tiffany Stratton
Last in action at Saturday Night’s Main Event in November 2025, Tiffany Stratton hasn’t returned to the ring since losing the WWE Women’s Championship to Jade Cargill.
With little update on her status since, based on her social media it appears as if Stratton is at least physically ready to return to the ring after dealing with an injury (at least in storyline) ahead of Saturday Night’s Main Event.
Seemingly set to be featured in a big way on the Road to WrestleMania given her being a focal point of the already released WrestleMania 42 adverts, a return at the Royal Rumble could be perfect.
Bringing Tiffy Time back to Riyadh for the event, it could be an interesting series of events about to unfold on her Road to WrestleMania 42.
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3. Chad Gable
While he has been out of action since June 2025, WWE fans could be on the verge of seeing a big return from Chad Gable, perhaps at Royal Rumble 2026.
With the Creed Brothers making an in-ring return on the January 26 episode of WWE Raw, there could certainly be conflict ahead with Los Americanos.
Potentially planting seeds for not only the return of Chad Gable but leading to a brand new trios feud on the brand, it would seem that the groups are headed for a showdown.
Able to extend their feud across both WWE Raw and AAA, it could that an incredible storyline is set to kick off when Gable does reunite with the Creed Brothers.
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2. Dominik Mysterio
A return from injury that some fans expect at the Royal Rumble 2026 is Dominik Mysterio.
While “Dirty Dom” reportedly picked up a shoulder injury at the AAA Guerra De Titanes 2025 event on December 20 — he is reportedly set to return to action in the near future.
Currently holding both the AAA Mega Championship as well as the WWE Intercontinental Championship, Mysterio may be resting up ahead of the Road to WrestleMania 42.
Definitely able to be a fun surprise return at the Royal Rumble, Dom’s inclusion could perhaps lead to some resentment from Finn Balor, who was refused entry into the match by Adam Pearce.
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1. Zoey Stark
Zoey Stark has been out of action since sustaining a brutal injury during the May 19 edition of WWE Raw.
During a Money in the Bank qualifying match up against both Rhea Ripley and Kairi Sane, Stark hit a dropkick that ended in an unfortunate landing.
Resulting in a torn ACL, MCL and meniscus, Stark underwent surgery and has been steadily working on recovery since.
Recently sharing an update that she is able to fully run again, it may be too hopeful of a timeline to see Stark back for Royal Rumble 2026 however, fans will be holding out hope for a return in Riyadh.
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