While WWE fans are anxiously awaiting potential surprises in the Royal Rumble 2026, there’s also curiosity regarding who will enter at number one in both matches.
With both men’s and women’s bouts on the card for the January 27 match, there will be two different number one entrants that could end up going bell-to-bell to capture victory in the end.
Here are six potential number one entrants in the WWE Royal Rumble 2026.
6. Sami Zayn
A storyline that seems to be building over time in WWE is Sami Zayn’s quest to capture his first ever World title on the main roster.
Recently referencing an emotionally powerful story about sitting front row with his son at Saturday Night’s Main Event that hosted John Cena’s last match, Zayn’s mission is even more personal.
While he may be competing against Drew McIntyre for the Undisputed WWE Championship on the night, Zayn’s path to meeting that goal could go straight through the Royal Rumble and find him achieving an admirable feat.
Potentially being the perfect underdog to enter at number one and go bell to bell, the Riyadh crowd would be thrilled to see Zayn capture a big win.
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5. Bianca Belair
Marking a potential surprise return to enter at number one in the women’s Royal Rumble, Bianca Belair could be back in WWE action soon.
Being out of in-ring competition since last year’s WrestleMania 41, Belair has made a few appearances on-screen but has yet to face off in a match.
Possibly using an entry at number one to completely re-establish herself as still the “EST of WWE”, Belair could go from number one to winning the Rumble in Riyadh to call her shot.
Potentially challenging Jade Cargill for the WWE Women’s Championship on SmackDown in lieu of making a return to WWE Raw, it will be interesting to see what the future holds for Belair whenever she returns.
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4. Seth Rollins
Another name who could potentially make a surprise return from injury is former WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins.
Taken out of action due to a shoulder injury suffered back in October, Rollins’ absence has seemingly re-shaped the entire build to WrestleMania 42.
While it’s likely Rollins’ return will be reserved for a far later number if he were actually to appear in the Rumble due to his injury status, it’s also not impossible at the same time, especially Rollins doesn’t last the entire way through the match.
Potentially being taken out by Bron Breakker, or eliminating himself in taking Bron out of the match, Rollins could make a mark in the match regardless of the result.
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3. Liv Morgan
Although she has entered the Royal Rumble four times already, Liv Morgan has never entered at number one.
However, after entering second in last year’s Royal Rumble 2025, Morgan went on to remain in the bout for over an hour.
Possibly looking to put on an iron woman performance again this year, it could be that Morgan ends up entering at number one and going the distance
Never having captured a Royal Rumble victory despite numerous impressive showings in the match, perhaps 2026 is finally Liv Morgan’s year to win.
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2. Chris Jericho
Alternatively to Seth Rollins, the Royal Rumble could kick off with a surprise return of an entirely different kind of Chris Jericho entered at number one.
Potentially joining the Royal Rumble as his first appearance since returning to the company, Jericho could look to prove himself by going bell to bell in the bout.
Leading to fascinating showdowns with a variety of characters depending on who ended up entering thereafter, Jericho could prove the main character of the entire Royal Rumble 2026, an impressive feat given his age.
Most compelling if he fell at the final hurdle (similarly to last year’s Jey Uso’s elimination of John Cena), there could be a lot of amazing WrestleMania 42 storylines that come from Y2J’s return at number one.
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1. Jordynne Grace
Marking her third appearances in the WWE Royal Rumble, this year’s match will be a special one for Jordynne Grace.
While she has previously competed in the over-the-top rope battle royal in 2024 as TNA Knockouts Champion and 2025 as a new member of the NXT roster — this time she’ll be representing SmackDown.
Already having made a positive impression with her offense in Rumbles of the past, this year it could be Grace’s time to shine.
Entering at number one and potentially lasting all the way to the final four or beyond would be an amazing reward for her dedicated work over the past few years.
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