The WWE Royal Rumble 2026 occasion approaches, sparking widespread hypothesis amongst followers about potential shock entrants within the males’s and ladies’s matches. This annual spectacle thrives on unpredictability, with open slots usually crammed by returning legends, contemporary signings, or rising NXT abilities. Future Corridor of Famers and high-profile free brokers prime the record of potentialities, including to the anticipation because the countdown begins.
Final 12 months’s occasion featured surprising appearances like iShowSpeed, Joe Hendry, and Alexa Bliss, showcasing WWE’s knack for various surprises. Observers eagerly await whether or not 2026 will ship comparable thrills.
Chris Jericho
Chris Jericho stays a powerful candidate for a shock entry following reviews of his departure from All Elite Wrestling on the finish of 2025. Though he didn’t seem on the primary Uncooked of the 12 months, the Royal Rumble affords the proper stage for such a dramatic return. His ongoing European tour with Fozzy in February may delay a full transition, probably pushing his WWE debut to the Uncooked after WrestleMania in April for sustained influence.
Bianca Belair
Within the girls’s division, Bianca Belair stands out as a primary decide for a comeback. Absent from the ring since WrestleMania 41 in April 2025 as a result of a damaged finger complication, her return would electrify audiences. A matchup towards SmackDown champion Jade Cargill or a tense encounter with Rhea Ripley may ignite prompt storylines.
EVIL
For debuts, former New Japan Professional Wrestling star EVIL attracts consideration after NJPW introduced his exit on the finish of January 2026. Whereas the timing may be tight for a WWE contract, the Rumble has hosted faster transitions prior to now, making him a reputation to observe.
Powerhouse Hobbs
Powerhouse Hobbs emerges as one other debut prospect, having lately moved from AEW to WWE. Along with his spectacular physique and abilities, he possesses the potential to turn into a important roster powerhouse. Feuds with Bron Breakker, Oba Femi, or GUNTHER may set up him quickly as a key attraction.
AJ Lee
AJ Lee seems poised for an unannounced entry into the 30-woman Rumble, marking her first participation within the match. This return would cap her Highway to WrestleMania buildup successfully. Eliminating rival Becky Lynch to problem for the Intercontinental Championship at WrestleMania may create buzz and result in her first singles bout in over a decade.
Jeff Hardy
The WWE-TNA partnership has facilitated cross-promotions lately, paving the way in which for abilities like Jeff Hardy to shock on the Rumble. Although he has appeared on NXT, the principle roster has not seen the Charismatic Enigma in over 4 years. As a former world favourite, his return now may ship a memorable fan second.
