WWE Rumor Roundup: The Rock's return; Brock Lesnar at Royal Rumble; Update on Chris Jericho & more (January 3, 2026)

By Abhijit Singh

Abhijit has been telling sports stories through his words at Khel Now since 2024. He covers Pro wrestling, MMA, Boxing & Formula 1.

Published at :January 3, 2026 at 2:45 PM

Modified at :January 3, 2026 at 2:45 PM

(Courtesy : Getty)

Let’s discuss the latest rumors making the rounds among fans 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 the aftermath of the Crown Jewel 2025, the rumor mill continues to run in full force.

In today’s edition of the roundup, we cover the latest rumors and news circulating among fans on social media, including The Rock’s return, Brock Lesnar at Royal Rumble, an update on Chris Jericho, and much more.

The Rock’s return & plans for Liv Morgan

The Rock John Cena WWE — (Courtesy: Getty)

According to Andrew Baydala, The Rock will not be competing at WrestleMania 42 this year. However, talks are ongoing about a “major offer” for him to step into the ring at WrestleMania 43 in Saudi Arabia. There appears to be some hesitation, as The Rock is aware that it would likely be his final match.

WrestleVotes Radio on Fightful Select reports that there’s a strong internal effort to elevate Liv Morgan as a major focal point of the women’s division for this year’s WrestleMania. WWE is aiming to give her a prominent spot, likely in a singles match.

There’s a strong internal effort to elevate Liv Morgan as a major focal point of the women’s division for this year’s WrestleMania. WWE is aiming to give her a prominent spot, likely in a singles match.(Via: WrestleVotes Radio on Fightful)#WWERaw #WrestleMania pic.twitter.com/LrD8OJX1GX
— KN Wrestling (@knwrestling) January 3, 2026

Additionally, BodySlam.net reported that WWE has considered setting up a program between Morgan and Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer, but it’s expected to take place “down the road” rather than in the immediate future.

Brock Lesnar at Royal Rumble & Chad Gable’s return

WWE RAW Brock Lesnar — (Courtesy: Getty)

WrestleVotes Radio reported that Brock Lesnar, Jacob Fatu, LA Knight, Tiffany Stratton, and Chad Gable are all anticipated to return to WWE by the time the Royal Rumble takes place in Saudi Arabia.

The event is scheduled for Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as part of Riyadh Season.

On the other hand, although Gable previously portrayed the El Grande Americano character before his injury, WrestleVotes reports that WWE does not plan to reassign the role from Ludwig Kaiser.

Dave Meltzer of F4WOnline added that it would be unexpected for the promotion to strip Kaiser of the gimmick, as he is currently “one of their top stars in Mexico” performing that character.

Update on Chris Jericho & Kit Wilson’s creative direction

Chris Jericho AEW WWE — (Courtesy: Getty)

Jonathan Coachman on the recent Coach and Bro episode reports that Chris Jericho has shed roughly 50 to 60 pounds and is reportedly “in incredible shape,” which may indicate he’s preparing for a potential departure from AEW.

WRKDWrestling reports that, with his Pretty Deadly tag partner, Elton Prince, sidelined for the foreseeable future, there’s strong confidence internally that Kit Wilson can fill a Heath Slater–style role, consistently appearing on-screen and taking losses to help elevate other talent.

With Elton out for the foreseeable future, there has been a lot of faith in Kit taking on a Heath Slater role where he can continuously take on losses and help push talent, but still be a consistent on-screen main stay. Lot of trust in him, and rightfully so. https://t.co/S1dxk7XWsf
— WRKD Wrestling (@WRKDWrestling) January 3, 2026

Wilson recently welcomed a returning Matt Cardona, aka Zack Ryder, who officially re-signed with the company and defeated Wilson in his return on the first SmackDown of 2026.

Will The Rock wrestle at WrestleMania 42?

No, per Andrew Baydala, The Rock will not be competing at WrestleMania 42 this year. However, talks are ongoing about a “major offer” for him to step into the ring at WrestleMania 43 in Saudi Arabia. There appears to be some hesitation, as The Rock is aware that it would likely be his final match.

When and where will the 2026 edition of the Royal Rumble PLE take place?

The event is scheduled for Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as part of Riyadh Season.

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Abhijit Singh

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.