With several big names out of action in WWE due to injury, it is possible that at least one could make a surprise return at Royal Rumble 2026.
Given that the WWE Royal Rumble is set for January 31 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, some fan favorites that have been away from TV due to injury could be coming back in a big way.
Here are six currently injured WWE stars that may be making a return at Royal Rumble 2026.
6. Chad Gable
Out of action since June 2025, it seems that WWE fans could be on the verge of seeing a big return from Chad Gable, perhaps at Royal Rumble 2026.
With eagled eyed fans already noting that during Los Americanos walking into a recent episode of WWE Raw and were getting heavy glares from American Made (Ivy Nile, Julius & Brutus Creed).
Potentially planting seeds for not only the return of Chad Gable but potentially leaving way to a brand new trios feud on the brand.
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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5. Tiffany Stratton
Last seen in action back at Saturday Night’s Main Event in November 2025, Tiffany Stratton hasn’t wrestled since losing the WWE Women’s Championship to Jade Cargill.
With rumors that she may be dealing with a legitimate injury floating about in the interim, the most recent update is that Stratton is ready to return to the ring.
Set to be featured in a big way on the Road to WrestleMania if the currently released promotional adverts are to be believed at least — a return at the Royal Rumble could be perfect.
Bringing Tiffy Time back to Riyadh for the event, it could be a fascinating story to see unfold about which WWE star she ends up feuding with in Las Vegas.
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4. Bianca Belair
Bianca Belair has been out of in-ring action since WrestleMania 41 when she picked up an injury during the triple threat match against IYO SKY and Rhea Ripley.
With the injury ending up more complex than first thought, she has yet to return to competition.
However, possibly set to make a massive return at the Royal Rumble, it would seem that Belair is almost a shoo-in to win the whole match.
Able to not only make a triumphant return but also potentially 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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3. Dominik Mysterio
A return from injury that some fans expect will certainly happen in time for the Royal Rumble 2026 is Dominik Mysterio.
While Dirty Dom reportedly picked up an injury at the AAA Guerra De Titanes 2025 event on December 20 where he lost in a bout teaming with El Grande Americano against Rey Mysterio and Rey Fenix – there are some positive signs that he could be back for the Royal Rumble.
Currently holding both the AAA Mega Championship as well as the WWE Intercontinental Championship, there have been no references made on TV to Mysterio vacating either championship.
Definitely able to be a fun surprise return at the Royal Rumble, perhaps instead of joining the battle royal, Dirty Dom will find himself set to defend one of his two titles.
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2. Zoey Stark
Zoey Stark has been out of action since sustaining a brutal injury during the May 19 edition of WWE Raw.
While competing in a Money in the Bank qualifying match against 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, fans are hopeful that perhaps a return at the Rumble could be in the cards.
With reports pointing to perhaps a return later in the year, it could be a fun surprise to see Zoey Stark make her big in-ring return in Riyadh.
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1. Kevin Owens
Potentially the most outside option for return readiness by the Royal Rumble, it would just be nice to have Kevin Owens back in WWE.
While he hasn’t competed in WWE since the Elimination Chamber in March 2025, there could be a return on the horizon.
After missing WrestleMania 41 due to injury and subsequently undergoing surgery and rehab, it would be a great surprise moment in Riyadh to see the return of KO.
With rumors that Chris Jericho could be on his way back to WWE and with Sami Zayn chasing his first world title — there could be plenty of intriguing ways to bring Owens back into the storyline fold.
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