Chris Jericho might be stepping back into a WWE ring sooner than expected—and possibly face Brock Lesnar in what could be one of the most surprising Royal Rumble moments of 2026. As the January 31st premium live event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, draws closer, fresh reports suggest multiple returning superstars are being lined up, and both Lesnar and Jericho are among them.
Jericho and Lesnar Could Finally Collide in the Ring
WWE is no stranger to shock returns and dramatic face-offs during the Royal Rumble. But the possibility of Chris Jericho and Brock Lesnar crossing paths in the 30-man match has fans buzzing louder than ever.
Jericho, 55, is reportedly finalising a deal to return to WWE after his long stint in AEW. Insiders say he might make his first WWE appearance in years on the RAW on Netflix anniversary show set for Monday, January 5. If he does, the timing sets him up perfectly for the Rumble later that month.
What makes this potential Jericho-Lesnar moment even more interesting is their real-life backstage drama from 2016. After Lesnar’s controversial match with Randy Orton at SummerSlam that year—where Orton was busted open badly—Jericho confronted Lesnar backstage, accusing him of crossing a line. That led to a tense confrontation between the two, with reports saying Jericho even shoved Lesnar before Triple H and Vince McMahon stepped in to cool things down.
The two have since patched things up, but the story still lingers—and WWE might just use it to build a memorable Rumble moment.
Six Big Names Returning Alongside Lesnar and Jericho
Lesnar and Jericho aren’t the only names being floated for Royal Rumble 2026. WWE appears to be planning a stacked lineup for Riyadh, with several other absent superstars also expected to return. Here’s a quick look at who might be coming back:
| Superstar | Last Seen | Current Status |
|---|---|---|
| LA Knight | Off TV since early December | Written off after attack by The Vision |
| Chad Gable | Injured (rotator cuff) in June | Set to return as a top heel, likely vs Kaiser |
| Tiffany Stratton | Lost title to Jade Cargill in November | Expected to return to the women’s division |
| Jacob Fatu | Last seen in October (dental work) | Potential breakout year ahead |
| Dominik Mysterio | Injured shoulder in AAA event in December | Nearing full recovery |
All signs point to WWE loading the Royal Rumble card with major surprises, making it one of the most anticipated events in recent memory.
Randy Orton’s Warning to Cody Rhodes Fuels More Drama
While many stars are just making their returns, Randy Orton is already back in action. He returned on the January 2nd episode of SmackDown, confronting The Miz and then issuing a strong warning to Cody Rhodes: he’s coming for the WWE Championship.
This adds another layer to the Royal Rumble narrative. With Orton, Rhodes, Lesnar, and possibly Jericho all in the same match, expect chaos, alliances, and some long-awaited showdowns.
A Royal Rumble to Remember
Jericho vs Lesnar isn’t just about history—it’s about timing. Both superstars are veterans who know how to steal the spotlight, and a clash between them in the Rumble would instantly trend worldwide. WWE may be looking to use their real-life tension and star power to make this Rumble unforgettable.
As WrestleMania 42 approaches, WWE is clearly setting the stage with big names and unexpected comebacks. Whether or not Jericho and Lesnar end up face-to-face, the hype around this year’s Rumble shows just how much momentum WWE has going into 2026.
