With the 2026 WWE Royal Rumble just around the corner, there could be some exciting and legendary returns at the event.
From stars set to re-sign with the company, to others who may only return for a one-off cameo — there could be some very fun moments made in Riyadh this year.
Here are six WWE legends that could enter the Royal Rumble 2026.
6. Chris Jericho
While still not confirmed, all signs are pointing to Chris Jericho re-signing with WWE in 2026.
While some fans are already anticipating that Jericho could make his return to WWE as soon as the first anniversary of WWE Raw on Netflix on January 5 — it perhaps seems more likely that Y2J re-emerges in the Royal Rumble Match itself.
Poised to be a massive move when lands, it could be that Royal Rumble 2026 will see a return from the inaugural AEW World Champion to WWE, even if he isn’t signed with the promotion full time.
Alternatively Jericho could potentially be convinced to anchor TNA Wrestling on AMC Network, we’ll have to stay tuned to find out what 2026 really holds for the nine-time world champion.
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5. Brie Bella
Since Nikki Bella made her return at the Royal Rumble 2025, WWE fans have been wondering if her twin sister Brie may be close behind.
While Brie Bella has yet to make a return to WWE, perhaps the surprise is being reserved for the upcoming Royal Rumble 2026.
With the first ever Royal Rumble event held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia set to be a big one, it would make total sense to see the returns of some fan favorites from the past.
Perhaps only set for a one-off appearance rather than returning for a full run, it would still be an amazing reunion to see Nikki & Brie Bella together in WWE in 2026.
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4. Paul Wight
One return to WWE that longtime fans would love to see would be the Big Show, Paul Wight.
While Paul Wight is still under contract with AEW, there isn’t any additional specifics known on when his contractual agreement with the company ends.
Certainly a shoo-in for future induction into the WWE Hall of Fame but also more than worthy of a proper in-ring farewell — perhaps 2026 could see the return of the Big Show to WWE.
Being the only holder of the WCW, WWE and ECW Championship during his career, the Big Show might have one more run left in him.
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3. Stone Cold Steve Austin
For keen viewers of Stone Cold Steve Austin’s social media pages, there are several things that are abundantly clear about the WWE legend’s current lifestyle.
He loves his cats, he loves working on his Broken Skull Ranch, but he has also seemingly been locked into diet and nutrition for quite some time — which could signal that he is headed back to WWE for another bout.
With WWE returning to Las Vegas for WrestleMania 42, it could be that the next time WWE audiences see Stone Cold Steve Austin could be entering the Royal Rumble 2026 in Riyadh.
Potentially making the return just for a fun and nostalgic moment, there could end up being some sort of contemptuous interaction in the Rumble that could tempt the Texas Rattlesnake back to WWE for one more match.
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2. Paige
Another legend from the WWE Women’s division that could make a return for 2026 Royal Rumble is Paige.
Going under her real first name Saraya during her spell in AEW, the star has demonstrated that she can definitely still compete at a high level.
Capturing the AEW Women’s World Championship during her time in the company, it could be that a return from Paige to WWE ignites several big storylines.
Potentially feuding with the likes of familiar faces Nikki Bella and AJ Lee, Paige could also end up tangling with a whole new generation of talent in Jordynne Grace and Rhea Ripley.
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1. Kane
A potential return that could surprise the Riyadh crowd is WWE Hall of Famer, and Royal Rumble specialist, Kane.
Able to lean into the nostalgic fun of the event, Kane could compete in his first match in five years and perhaps even add to his record-setting elimination tally in the match.
While it might seem unusual for the pro-wrestler turned politician to pop back into in-ring action, there is a precedent for it.
Previously appearing at both Crown Jewel 2018 in Riyadh as well as the 2021 Royal Rumble since becoming an elected official, perhaps there could be another appearance in store from the Mayor of Knox County, Tennessee.
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