Seth Rollins drops major SPOILER for WWE Royal Rumble 2026
(Courtesy : Getty)
The former World Champion is currently on the sidelines due to a shoulder injury.
With the WWE Royal Rumble just days away, Seth Rollins has officially shut down any lingering speculation about a surprise return in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Speaking candidly on ESPN’s First Take, the former world champion confirmed that fans should not expect to see him enter the 2026 Men’s Royal Rumble match.
“I’ll give it away, I’m not going to be at the Rumble. I just can’t,” Rollins said.
“I would love to be in there and dump all of those dudes over the top rope, punch my card to WrestleMania, but the doctors just are not going to let it happen this time around unfortunately.”
Injury reality sets in for Seth Rollins
Seth Rollins’ comments align with the recovery timeline he shared back in October after suffering a serious shoulder injury. While disappointment is understandable, his absence does not come as a shock given how consistently he has spoken about the severity of the damage and the medical restrictions surrounding his return.
Addressing his overall health, Rollins acknowledged the physical toll of a career spanning more than two decades.
“I think any athletes, I’m almost 40 now, I’ve been doing this for over 20 years,” he explained. “I still got ups, my knees still work, so that’s good. Accidents happen, it’s a physical sport.”
Despite referencing “some chronic stuff,” Rollins was clear that retirement is not imminent. “I’m probably closer to the end than the beginning,” he admitted, “however, I’m still under 40, and I feel like I’ve got a lot of years left. I feel like I’m really just in the middle of my prime right now.”
Why fans still question his absence?
Skepticism among fans is understandable. Last summer, Seth Rollins publicly sold what appeared to be a devastating knee injury, complete with crutches and a bulky brace, only to reveal it was all part of an elaborate ruse that ended with a Money in the Bank cash-in at SummerSlam.
That history makes it easy to imagine Rollins walking onto the stage in Saudi Arabia, fully healed and ready to chase a WrestleMania moment. This time, though, all indications point to honesty. Rollins recently told Men’s Health that his target return window is WrestleMania season, not the Rumble. WWE Royal Rumble surprises are tradition. In Rollins’ case, it appears safest to take him off the board, for now.
Is Seth Rollins competing in the Royal Rumble 2026?
No. Seth Rollins confirmed he will not be medically cleared in time. But still it is to be seen what might transpire at the PLE.
What injury is keeping Seth Rollins out?
Seth Rollins is recovering from a significant shoulder injury.
When could Seth Rollins return to WWE?
He is aiming to be ready around WrestleMania season, which takes place in mid-April.
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