Royal Rumble 2026 Hints At Shocking Returns In Riyadh

The anticipation for WWE’s Royal Rumble 2026 has reached a fever pitch as the company prepares for its historic debut in Saudi Arabia. With construction photos leaking from the King Abdullah Financial District venue in Riyadh, fans are buzzing over what many believe to be early clues about surprise returns and potential shock entrants. The sight of a massive board emblazoned with LA Knight’s signature catchphrase, “Yeah!”, near the stage has set social media alight, fueling speculation that the popular star could be making a dramatic comeback after being sidelined since December 2025.

It’s not just LA Knight who has the WWE Universe talking. The Royal Rumble, scheduled for January 31, 2026, is already shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable and star-studded events in recent memory. This marks the first time the Rumble takes place outside North America, and WWE is pulling out all the stops to turn this into a truly global spectacle. The grand production values are evident in the sprawling setup at the King Abdullah Financial District, setting the stage for a night of drama, athleticism, and—if the rumors hold true—unforgettable surprises.

LA Knight’s absence from television since his storyline attack last December has only added to the intrigue. While WWE has remained officially silent, as is customary when it comes to Rumble surprises, the placement of his trademark phrase during venue preparations seems a little too perfect to be accidental. Knight’s return would surely electrify the crowd and inject even more excitement into a match already brimming with top-tier talent. According to Wrestling World, "The placement of his catchphrase during venue prep feels more deliberate than accidental." Whether it’s a clever tease or a genuine slip, it’s got everyone talking at exactly the right moment.

Meanwhile, the women’s division is also set for a shakeup, with reports swirling around the possible return of Tiffany Stratton. Stratton, one of SmackDown’s brightest babyfaces, hasn’t been seen since losing the WWE Women’s Championship to Jade Cargill on the November 1, 2025, edition of Saturday Night’s Main Event. The storyline heading into that match painted Stratton as a fighting champion, battling through injury only to fall to Cargill, who has since cemented her heel turn with further attacks. PWInsider has reported that internal talks are underway to bring Stratton back for the Royal Rumble, possibly as a surprise entrant—unless WWE opts to advertise her return on the go-home SmackDown, which will also emanate from Riyadh.

Should Stratton make her return in Riyadh, it could reignite her simmering rivalry with Cargill. With no signs of a heel turn for Stratton, fans are eager to see if she’ll get her redemption or if WWE will throw another curveball. As Newsweek Sports notes, "Whether or not WWE decides to continue Stratton's feud with Cargill remains to be seen. With Cargill's attacks on Stratton to solidify her heel turn, it seems that the rivalry is far from over." The women’s Rumble match, already a highlight of the annual event, could be the perfect stage for Stratton to make a statement—or for new alliances and rivalries to emerge.

The men’s Royal Rumble match is no less stacked with intrigue and potential. WWE has kept the official list of entrants under wraps, but a slew of big names and rumored returns have been making the rounds. Cody Rhodes, Jey Uso, and Gunther are among the confirmed participants, but it’s the possible surprise entrants that have fans on the edge of their seats. Chris Jericho, whose last WWE appearance was at the 2018 Greatest Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia, is widely expected to make a return now that his AEW contract has reportedly ended. According to TheSportster, "Chris Jericho’s WWE return is a question of 'when' rather than 'if' at this point." A Jericho comeback in Riyadh would bring his WWE journey full circle, and the anticipation couldn’t be higher.

Other names in the rumor mill include Dolph Ziggler, currently wrestling in TNA as Nic Nemeth but recently making cameo appearances in WWE thanks to the ongoing partnership between the two promotions. Ziggler’s history of surprise returns makes him a natural fit for the Rumble, and his inclusion would no doubt draw a huge reaction. Brock Lesnar, a two-time Rumble winner, is also expected to have a significant presence on WWE programming as WrestleMania season approaches. Having last competed at Survivor Series 2025, Lesnar’s part-time status means any appearance would technically be a surprise, but his star power is undeniable.

Omos, WWE’s tallest active wrestler, hasn’t been seen on WWE TV for over a year, instead making appearances in AAA and Pro Wrestling NOAH. Despite his absence, he remains on the WWE roster and is always a threat to make a dramatic return, especially given the Rumble’s history of featuring larger-than-life stars. Seth Rollins, who was forced to relinquish the World Heavyweight Championship due to injury in 2025, is another possible surprise. Rollins has a knack for defying expectations, and a return in Saudi Arabia could set up a high-profile feud heading into WrestleMania.

The list of potential shock entrants doesn’t end there. Pat McAfee, who last wrestled against Gunther at Backlash 2025 and competed in the 2024 Royal Rumble, is a crossover star whose presence always generates buzz. Jeff Hardy, currently wrestling in TNA, has had several cameo appearances in NXT over the past year and would be a crowd-pleasing addition to the match. The working relationship between WWE and TNA makes such crossovers more feasible than ever before.

Perhaps the most intriguing rumor involves Powerhouse Hobbs, who has reportedly signed with WWE from AEW and may debut under the name Royce Keys. WWE is known for making a splash with new acquisitions, and the Rumble provides the perfect platform for Hobbs to make an immediate impact. As TheSportster reports, "If WWE wants to make an impact with Hobbs’ arrival, then a dominant showing in the Rumble can turn him into a star very quickly."

With so many moving pieces, the Royal Rumble 2026 is shaping up to be an event for the ages. The combination of established stars, returning legends, and fresh faces promises a night full of surprises and unforgettable moments. The energy in Riyadh is already palpable, and as the countdown to January 31 continues, speculation will only intensify. Whether it’s LA Knight’s triumphant return, Tiffany Stratton’s redemption arc, or the debut of a future megastar, one thing’s for sure: WWE’s first Royal Rumble outside North America is set to deliver fireworks, and fans around the world can hardly wait to see who will seize their moment when the buzzer sounds.