WWE Rumor Roundup: AJ Styles' retirement; Lockeroom on Jade Cargill; backup plans ahead of Royal Rumble & more (January 26, 2026)
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Let’s dive into the latest WWE rumors circulating on social media!
Speculation and rumors are among the favorite pastimes of WWE fans worldwide. Fans from all over the world enjoy discussing and debating various aspects of the world of pro wrestling.
In today’s edition of the roundup, we cover the latest rumors and news circulating among fans on social media, including AJ Styles’ retirement, Lockeroom on Jade Cargill, backup plans ahead of Royal Rumble, and much more.
AJ Styles’ retirement
According to PWInsider, AJ Styles is indeed set to retire at the Royal Rumble, a decision reportedly planned months in advance. The news came to the forefront when Shinsuke Nakamura hinted at it in a now-deleted social media post after last Saturday’s SNME.
F4Wonline.com’s Daily Update adds that while WWE could theoretically alter the plan, it would require defeating Gunther, a move that was never intended, so the retirement is expected to proceed as scheduled.
Lockeroom on Jade Cargill & Jimmy Uso’s absence
During a recent Fightful Select Answers, Sean Ross Sapp weighed in on speculation about possible backstage concerns surrounding Jade Cargill, especially in light of injuries sustained by B-Fab and Michin in matches with her during the House shows.
Sapp noted that the coincidence of multiple injuries has caught the attention of talent and is being discussed within the locker room. However, he emphasized that he has not heard of any criticism or pushback coming from WWE management or producers, even as the situation continues to be monitored internally.
According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, one-half of the World Tag Team Champion, Jimmy Uso, missing the European tour was “believed to be due to a family situation and not an injury.”
Backup plans ahead of Royal Rumble 2026
With severe storms and dangerous weather projected along the East Coast, and several key events on WWE’s calendar near, the company is taking extra precautions to avoid any last-minute issues.
Fightful Select reports that WWE has put multiple contingency plans in place, including secondary and tertiary backups. In addition, a number of staffers were set to travel to Toronto immediately following last night’s show, allowing for an extra day of flexibility should travel complications arise
Notably, last Saturday, Stephanie McMahon opened WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event on her own after scheduled co-host Joe Tessitore was unable to reach the venue in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. McMahon explained that Tessitore was stranded at the Detroit airport due to travel complications.
Also Read: Current betting favorites to win 2026 WWE Royal Rumble matches
WrestleMania in Indianapolis
During a recent episode of Fightful Select Answers, Sean Ross Sapp addressed speculation surrounding WrestleMania potentially heading to Indianapolis. He explained that the event is not expected to take place there until at least 2028, citing the already-announced plans for the show to return to Las Vegas this year and the plans for WrestleMania 43 in Saudi Arabia in 2027.
Sapp added that Indianapolis hosting the inaugural Wrestlepalooza PLE last September may have been a way for the promotion to maintain goodwill with the city in the meantime.
Sapp also noted that if Indianapolis ends up hosting SummerSlam next year, it would push any WrestleMania in the state back to 2029 or later. He cautioned that WWE’s long-term event plans are always subject to change, pointing out how WrestleMania 42 was originally slated for New Orleans before being moved to Saudi Arabia.
In 2024, the promotion revealed a partnership with the Indiana Sports Corporation to host three of its major PLEs, WrestleMania, Royal Rumble, and SummerSlam, in the state. The collaboration kicked off last year with the 2025 Royal Rumble.
When and where will Royal Rumble 2026 take place?
The 39th installment is scheduled for Saturday, January 31, 2026, and will be held at King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Is AJ Styles retiring at Royal Rumble 2026?
Yes, per PWInsider, AJ Styles is indeed set to retire at the PLE, a decision reportedly planned months in advance. F4Wonline.com’s Daily Update adds that while WWE could theoretically change plans, it would require defeating Gunther, a move that was never intended, so the retirement is expected to proceed as scheduled.
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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.