It’s Royal Rumble week, and as usual, anticipation is building for a host of surprises that could include returning legends, debuting superstars, and possibly even some celebrity appearances.
The Royal Rumble has long been associated with those unpredictable moments that leave the WWE Universe talking for months. And this year’s event, taking place outside North America for the first time ever, is shaping up to be no exception.
While fans are already speculating about who could show up at Royal Rumble 2026, there are some insider reports indicating that WWE has some surprises in store. Let’s take a look at what we can expect as we count down to this year’s epic event.
Triple H Has Some Tricks Up His Sleeve
According to Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select, WWE Chief Content Officer Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque is planning to keep fans on the edge of their seats with a few surprise appearances at the Royal Rumble.
Ross Sapp reported:
“WWE’s charter with talent takes off in the wee hours after this week’s WWE Raw, and the talent will be there all week to prepare for Smackdown and the Royal Rumble. There are also plans to bring in talent on their own later in the week, including surprise names.”
While the Royal Rumble is famous for its surprise entrants, WWE is pulling out all the stops this year. And despite concerns in previous years about keeping talent hidden while traveling internationally, it seems the company is well-prepared. The charter flights, more privacy at airports, and better hotel security will make it much easier to keep surprises under wraps.
Who Could Be Making a Surprise Appearance in Saudi Arabia?
There are a few names that fans are speculating could make a surprise return or debut at the Royal Rumble in Riyadh. Here’s a quick rundown of some of the top rumored appearances:
Chris Jericho
Rumors have been swirling for months that Chris Jericho could be leaving All Elite Wrestling for one last run with WWE. Although he remains on AEW’s active roster, whispers of a potential surprise appearance at the Royal Rumble are getting louder.
Jericho is no stranger to shocking returns, and WWE fans would undoubtedly be excited to see him make his entrance, possibly setting up a dream match at WrestleMania.
Powerhouse Hobbs (Royce Keys)
Another name to keep an eye on is Powerhouse Hobbs. Hobbs, who recently left AEW after his contract expired, has reportedly signed with WWE. He is expected to wrestle under the name Royce Keys, which could make for an intriguing debut.
Hobbs’ power and intensity could make a huge impact on the WWE roster, and the Royal Rumble would be the perfect stage for his arrival.
Brock Lesnar, LA Knight, and Chad Gable
Reports from BodySlam indicate that Brock Lesnar, LA Knight, and Chad Gable are all expected to be in Riyadh for the Royal Rumble. Lesnar’s presence is always a major draw, and many fans are hoping for another explosive showdown.
Meanwhile, LA Knight’s rising popularity could add an extra layer of excitement to the match. Chad Gable, who has been making waves as part of the Alpha Academy, is also likely to play a prominent role in the Rumble.
Tiffany Stratton
Tiffany Stratton, who has been sidelined since November due to an undisclosed injury, could also make her return at the Royal Rumble. Her comeback has been highly anticipated, and her presence in the match could shake up the women’s division in a big way.
AJ Lee
There’s also AJ Lee, who is rumored to be returning soon to continue her feud with Becky Lynch. Fans have been clamoring for AJ Lee’s return, and it’s possible that this weekend will mark her official return to WWE programming. A surprise appearance at the Royal Rumble could be the perfect stage for her to reignite the rivalry with Becky Lynch.
Bianca Belair
The big name that many fans are hoping to see return is Bianca Belair. After an injury sidelined her last year, Bianca has been out of action since she broke her knuckle during a triple-threat match at WrestleMania 42 against Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY.
Fans have been eagerly awaiting her comeback, and the Royal Rumble could be the perfect time for the EST of WWE to make her grand return.
The Big Question: Who Will Enter the Royal Rumble?
While it’s impossible to predict exactly who will make a surprise appearance, this year’s Royal Rumble is set to be one of the most unpredictable yet. Whether it’s a legendary return, debuting stars, or shocking moments, this year’s event in Riyadh promises to be full of surprises that will keep the WWE Universe buzzing long after the final bell rings.
