Top five surprise returns that might transpire at WWE Royal Rumble 2026

WWE Royal Rumble might see some top superstars return.

The Royal Rumble has always been WWE’s grand stage for shocking comebacks, surprise entrants, and the return of major stars who can instantly reshape the WrestleMania season.

With the 2026 Royal Rumble set for January 31 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, anticipation has reached a peak as fans speculate which top performers might re-emerge on the road to WrestleMania 42.

This year’s event carries even more intrigue, as several high-profile talents have been inactive, injured, or deliberately kept off television, prime conditions for iconic Rumble moments. Here are five major WWE superstars who could realistically make their return at the 2026 Royal Rumble.

5. Brie Bella

Brie Bella is a major possible name for a surprise Royal Rumble comeback, especially with her twin sister, Nikki Bella, currently involved in a major WWE storyline that has kept the Bella brand in the spotlight.

The timing makes a Brie appearance more plausible than in previous years. WWE frequently uses Royal Rumble matches for nostalgia-driven returns, and Brie entering the match to play off Nikki’s ongoing angle would create a natural storyline moment that fans would immediately connect with.

Also Read: Rumor killer on WWE Royal Rumble 2026 being delayed due to construction issues in Saudi Arabia

4. Trish Stratus

WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus is another major name who could return at the WWE Royal Rumble. Her last full run in 2023, including her rivalry with Becky Lynch and appearances alongside Zoey Stark, proved she can still deliver high-level performances.

Stratus entering the women’s Royal Rumble would provide both a nostalgic pop and genuine star power. She remains one of the most influential performers in women’s wrestling history, and her presence could help elevate current storylines while possibly setting up a marquee WrestleMania match.

3. Tiffany Stratton

Former WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton has been listed internally as someone expected to appear in Saudi Arabia for the Rumble event.

Known for her athleticism and rising star power, Stratton would be a headline-generating surprise entrant in the women’s Rumble match. Her return would also give WWE more depth as the women’s division gears up for WrestleMania season.

2. Nic Nemeth aka Dolph Ziggler

With WWE and TNA strengthening their working relationship, another compelling possibility is the return of Dolph Ziggler. The former World Heavyweight Champion has been active in TNA, and recent cross-promotional cooperation has already produced crossover appearances from other talent.

Ziggler returning as a surprise entrant would be both nostalgic and newsworthy, especially considering his decades-long WWE tenure and reputation as one of the company’s most versatile performers. His appearance would not only pop the crowd but also serve as a symbolic display of WWE’s new collaborative era.

1. Brock Lesnar

Brock Lesnar is easily the biggest name being discussed internally for a Royal Rumble comeback. Multiple reputable outlets have reported that Lesnar is expected to appear in Riyadh, and WWE historically leans on The Beast Incarnate for major international shows.

Lesnar last wrestled with The Vision in the Survivor Series War Games match, and his rare scheduling has only added to speculation. With WrestleMania 42 around the corner, a Lesnar return would immediately elevate the stakes and inject unpredictability into the Rumble match.

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