Top WWE star ruled out of Royal Rumble 2026; former World Champion unsure about his participation
(Courtesy : WWE)
Grayson Waller won’t make his second Royal Rumble appearance any time soon.
WWE star Grayson Waller made his debut during the 2024 edition of the Royal Rumble PLE. While he didn’t participate in the 2025 match, fans were hoping to see the Australian star in the upcoming edition in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
However, according to a report from PWInsider, Waller is scheduled to work this coming weekend’s NXT live events in the United States. This means Waller will not be able to participate in the Rumble match, which will take place in Saudi Arabia.
WWE NXT is set to run house shows from January 29–31, starting in Knoxville, Tennessee, followed by Nashville, Tennessee, on January 30, and concluding in Birmingham, Alabama, on Saturday night.
The Australian star hasn’t made any in-ring appearances on WWE television outside of Main Event since October. He has been working closely with The New Day (Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods) in segments and promos. Waller has also been present ringside during matches featuring the New Day.
The Miz is unsure about his involvement in the men’s Rumble match
In a recent conversation with ESPN’s Get Up, The Miz, ahead of the Royal Rumble, spoke about the PLE, naming his favorite Royal Rumble moment of his career.
When asked about his status for the Royal Rumble, The Miz said he’s unsure if he’ll compete and noted that he hasn’t officially declared for the match. In true veteran fashion, he managed to build intrigue for the PLE while keeping fans guessing about his involvement.
“My goal, if I’m in the Royal Rumble, which I have not declared yet, we will soon have to see if I will declare, I’m planning on it, but we will see…”
When asked about his favorite Royal Rumble moment from his career, The Miz pointed to the 2012 Royal Rumble, explaining that drawing the No. 1 spot is the toughest position, but also highlighting how meaningful it was for him to outlast many competitors in the match.
“In 2012, I was the first participant, which is the worst spot you can possibly be in because you have to be in there the longest. You want to be in there in there #30.
I was number one, was in there for 45 minutes. Almost won but did not. That was a pretty great moment for me to last as long as I did, not many superstars are able to do that, especially being the first entrant.”
Also Read: All superstars confirmed for Men’s WWE Royal Rumble 2026 match
Is Grayson Waller ruled out of the men’s Royal Rumble?
Yes, per PWInsider, Waller is scheduled to work this coming weekend’s NXT live events in the United States. This means Waller will not be able to participate in the Rumble match, which will take place in Saudi Arabia.
Has The Miz declared for the Royal Rumble?
No, in conversation with ESPN’s Get Up, Miz said he’s unsure if he’ll compete and noted that he hasn’t officially declared for the match.
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Abhijit Singh is a budding sports journalist with over three years of experience in the field, and a photographer capturing stories through his lens since 2018. With a background in philosophy and political science, he brings a thoughtful, analytical edge to his reporting where every word is guided by curiosity and intent. Whether he's capturing the emotion of a moment or unpacking the deeper narratives within the game, Abhijit’s work is rooted in insight and passion. When he’s not covering sports, he’s often exploring new ideas through reading, traveling or just procrastinating.