Royal Rumble 2026: Major WWE Names Reportedly Set for Saudi Arabia Return
With the 2026 Royal Rumble less than a month away, anticipation is ramping up as WWE prepares to bring one of its “Big Five” premium live events to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for the very first time. Set for January 31, the Rumble is already shaping up to be a return-heavy showcase — even before a single non-Rumble match has been officially announced.
Behind the scenes, multiple familiar names who’ve been absent from WWE programming are reportedly slated to be around Royal Rumble week, opening the door for surprise returns that could change the complexion of both Rumble matches — and the road to WrestleMania.
Several Top Stars Expected Around Royal Rumble Week
According to WrestleVotes Radio on Fightful Select, a handful of high-profile WWE Superstars are scheduled to be present in Saudi Arabia during Royal Rumble week. While there’s no confirmation yet on who will actually appear on the broadcast, the list alone is enough to get fans buzzing.
Reported names include:
- Randy Orton
- Brock Lesnar
- LA Knight
- Tiffany Stratton
- Dominik Mysterio
- Chad Gable
- Jacob Fatu
Each carries serious implications depending on how — or if — WWE chooses to deploy them.
What Each Potential Return Could Mean
Brock Lesnar
Lesnar continues to work an extremely limited schedule, but history tells us that the Royal Rumble is right in his wheelhouse. He wrestled just twice last year, reserving appearances for major moments — making his presence during Rumble week feel very intentional.
Randy Orton
“The Viper” has been off television since October, last competing in a SmackDown tag match alongside Cody Rhodes against The Vision. Orton’s return, especially in a Rumble environment, could immediately thrust him back into world-title contention.
Tiffany Stratton
After dropping the WWE Women’s Championship to Jade Cargill, Stratton has been away from TV, allowing her reign — and its aftermath — to breathe. A Royal Rumble return would instantly re-establish her as a top-tier threat in the women’s division.
Dominik Mysterio
Dominik’s shoulder injury reportedly did not require surgery, with word that he could be cleared within weeks. His presence during Rumble week signals confidence in a near-term in-ring return.
Chad Gable
Gable is said to be nearing full recovery, and is also expected around Royal Rumble week. Notably, WrestleVotes reports there are no plans to move Ludwig Kaiser away from the El Grande Americano persona, despite Gable’s impending return. Creative discussions reportedly include potential angles involving Los Americanos, Gable, and the Creed Brothers.
Jacob Fatu
Sean Ross Sapp reports that Fatu is also set to return during the week, appearing to be fully healed from the dental injury that’s kept him sidelined since October. His return would add another volatile element to an already crowded upper-card landscape.
Royal Rumble Has Always Been the Land of Returns
If WWE history tells us anything, it’s that the Royal Rumble is the ultimate comeback stage.
Last year alone featured major re-emergences:
- AJ Styles returning from a Lisfranc injury
- Surprise appearances by Nikki Bella, Charlotte Flair, Trish Stratus, and Alexa Bliss in the women’s Rumble
Elsewhere in 2025:
- Jade Cargill debuted at Elimination Chamber
- Becky Lynch made her return at WrestleMania 41
- Rusev and Aleister Black resurfaced on Raw and SmackDown
Even beyond WWE’s own walls, viral TNA star Joe Hendry shocked fans with multiple NXT appearances, a Royal Rumble cameo, and a WrestleMania moment when he answered Randy Orton’s open challenge.
Wrestling.news | Backstage Take
This feels like a deliberate stockpiling of star power ahead of WWE’s first-ever Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia. Even if only half of these names appear on the broadcast, WWE is positioning the event as a can’t-miss turning point heading into WrestleMania season. Don’t be surprised if at least one unadvertised return steals the show — because the Rumble thrives on moments fans never see coming.
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