The WWE Royal Rumble will be heading outside of North America for the first time ever on January 31, 2026, with Riyadh, Saudi Arabia hosting the event.
From returning icons from a past era to brand new faces that could be making their way to the main roster for the first time — there could be some interesting surprise appearances during the show.
Here are six potential new WWE signings that could appear at Royal Rumble 2026.
6. Chris Jericho
Absent from AEW since April 2025, rumors and reports are pointing towards Chris Jericho re-signing with WWE once his contract expires at the end of 2025.
With the Royal Rumble set for Riyadh on January 31, it would seem that Chris Jericho could make his big return to the company at the event.
If Jericho hasn’t appeared in WWE after the first week of programming in 2026, many will expect his return to be saved for the first ever Royal Rumble outside of North America.
Sure to receive a huge reaction from the nostalgic fans in attendance, Jericho could enter the Royal Rumble at any number and make a huge moment.
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5. Brie Bella
Since the return of Nikki Bella in the Royal Rumble 2025, fans have been patiently awaiting a potential return from her twin sister Brie Bella.
Potentially able to join the Royal Rumble 2026 in Riyadh, Brie’s return could be on pause until the big event in Saudi Arabia.
With compelling appearances in the Royal Rumble in the past, it could be that an appearance from Brie could kick off a brand new partnership with Nikki — or a new rivalry.
Bryan Danielson recently said Brie’s in-ring return would likely only happen if she could work with her sister, and given that The Bella Twins have never held WWE tag team gold, it seems possible we could see that happen in 2026.
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4. Paige
A favorite that captured the inaugural NXT Women’s Championship, Paige would go on to later claim the WWE Divas Championship on two occasions as well.
After being forced into an early retirement in WWE between late 2017 and her eventual departure from the company in 2022, she would go on to debut in AEW under her real first name Saraya where she captured the AEW Women’s World Championship at AEW All In London 2023.
With the English star now a free agent, it seems possible we could see her make a return to WWE in 2026, perhaps as soon as the Royal Rumble on January 31.
Having tangled with the likes of Natalya, Nikki Bella and AJ Lee, Becky Lynch and Charlotte, there could be some incredible moments in the Royal Rumble 2026 as she runs into some familiar and new faces in the match.
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3. Danhausen
A potential signing that could be available by the end of January 2026 may be Danhausen.
With the Royal Rumble being the perfect place that a quirky character could debut, Danhausen could possibly even have a stand-off with a recent fan favorite from AAA, Mr. Iguana.
Able to segue their Rumble interaction into a fun storyline on AAA or NXT, it would still be an amazing moment to see the debut of a new signing from the AEW bench.
While there is not a reported end date to Danhausen’s contractual obligations to AEW, it has been reported that he is still contracted “into 2026”.
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2. The Hardy Boyz
Two different surprise returns that could certainly come in the Royal Rumble is The Hardy Boyz: Matt and Jeff Hardy.
With their time in TNA Wrestling potentially wrapping up, the legendary duo could find themselves re-signed to WWE and heading for their own John Cena style farewell run in 2026.
Potential inductees into the WWE Hall of Fame in the future, it could be that a return to in-ring action from the duo on the main roster comes first.
Already making crossover appearances in NXT during their time in TNA Wrestling, it would be heartwarming to see the pair officially go ‘home’ to WWE via the Royal Rumble in Riyadh.
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1. Mike Santana
One exciting name potentially heading to WWE from TNA Wrestling in 2026 could be Mike Santana.
Since a number contracts are reportedly up in the company at the end of the year, Santana could get introduced on WWE’s main roster by way of the 2026 Royal Rumble.
With TNA Wrestling boasting big plans for January 2026 including the debut of their new weekly series on AMC, it could be that there are numerous crossover appearances in this year’s Royal Rumble.
Potentially featuring returns of Nic Nemeth or Matt Cardona – after both appeared in the Last Time Is Now tournament under their former WWE monikers — putting the focus on TNA Wrestling will make for some fun Rumble moments, as well as further strengthen the WWE’s partner brand.
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