With the WWE Royal Rumble 2026 set for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in January — there could be some big names returning to action.
From rumored legendary returns to stars that might be making a one-off appearance for fun, there are some intriguing prospects of who might appear in the annual battle royal.
Here are seven WWE stars that might return at the Royal Rumble 2026.
7. Chris Jericho
One of the most anticipated potential returns coming in 2026 to WWE could be that of legendary star, Chris Jericho.
After being with AEW since the company was founded back in 2019, Jericho is reportedly set to see his contract with the company end in 2025.
With fans hopeful that Jericho could make a return in 2026, it could be that he is reserved for a massive Royal Rumble surprise.
With the first ever Royal Rumble set for Saudi Arabia, it would make total sense to see at least one massive return at the event and Jericho would fit the bill.
Click the next page button below for more
6. Paige
A former NXT Women’s Champion and Divas Champion, WWE fans remain hopeful to someday see the return of Paige to WWE.
With the return to AJ Lee and Nikki Bella to WWE in 2025 to huge crowd receptions, it could be that Paige is set to join in 2026.
After she departed her Paige character, she would go on to perform in AEW under her actual first name Saraya and capturing the AEW Women’s World Championship.
With speculation high about her potential to land in WWE since she left AEW last year, Paige would get a huge crowd reaction with a surprise at the Royal Rumble.
Click the next page button below for more
5. Brie Bella
One WWE star that continues to be around WWE but has not featured on TV is Brie Bella.
Since twin sister Nikki made her return, Brie has been spotted at WWE events including appearances and hosting live editions of their podcast.
However, Brie has yet to make her in-ring return to WWE leaving some fans to speculate that it could be since her husband Bryan Danielson continues in an on-screen commentary role in AEW.
Perhaps in actuality, the return of Brie Mode to WWE was simply awaiting the first ever Royal Rumble in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Click the next page button below for more
4. Kane
One legend that could be a fun inclusion in the Royal Rumble 2026 after not having been seen for a number of years would be Kane.
Now perhaps better known as Knox County Tennessee Mayor Glenn Jacobs, Kane could still be in action despite his current term running through September 2026.
While it might seem unusual that he would make an appearance with his current career in politics, it wouldn’t be the first time Kane made a return in WWE.
Last wrestling in the Royal Rumble 2021, Mayor Jacobs also competed at WWE Crown Jewel 2018 in Saudi Arabia weeks after initially taking office in 2018 — so perhaps we could see a return from the Big Red Machine in Riyadh.
Click the next page button below for more
3. Paul Wight
A nostalgic fan favorite that could be eligible to appear in WWE by January 2026 is Paul Wight.
Known during his time in WWE as The Big Show, Wight has appeared across numerous companies in wrestling including WCW, ECW and in the last few years, AEW.
Wight initially announced as signing in February 2021, potentially signaling that the end of his contract could be near — but also, he could have re-signed despite not being featured on TV.
While there isn’t a concrete date known for when The Big Show could be eligible to make a WWE return, fans could be waiting until a future Rumble to see the return of Wight.
Click the next page button below for more
2. Matt & Jeff Hardy
A pair of potential returning stars to WWE, Matt and Jeff Hardy could both potentially make surprise returns in this year’s even.
Making an appearance at SummerSlam 2025 in the crowd, it seemed clear with their raucous fan reception that WWE fans would be thrilled to see the return of Matt and Jeff Hardy in the company.
Since their contracts with TNA Wrestling are reportedly set to end in 2025, it could be that the return of the Hardy Boyz will wait until January.
Possibly stunning fans with two separate surprises may be a memorable return in Riyadh.
Click the next page button below for more
1. Braun Strowman
A notable name that has had several big bouts in Saudi Arabia is Braun Strowman.
Definitely able to pop back up at the event as a nostalgic and fun addition to the 30-man battle royal, Strowman could be an enjoyable addition.
Potentially making a surprise return in the Royal Rumble 2026, Strowman could have several fun interactions in the over the top battle royal.
Able to make someone else on the WWE or NXT roster look strong by eliminating him, Braun Strowman could be a solid addition to the event.
To make sure you stay up to date with all the biggest wrestling and WrestleTalk news, follow us on Threads by clicking this link!
Comments.
Loading comments…