On Saturday night, the road to WrestleMania 42 officially begins with the 2026 edition of the Royal Rumble. The annual January event is one of the most anticipated of the year as it helps to set up some of the biggest matches at ‘Mania. However, what has made the men’s and women’s 30-person battle royale so iconic is the surprise entrants.
Heading into the event, WWE CCO Paul “Triple H” Levesque has already alerted fans to expect surprises this weekend. So who could those unexpected entrants be? We offer up 10 bold predictions for the stars that could make an unannounced appearance at the 2026 Royal Rumble.
Bianca Belair
It’s stunning that Bianca Belair was abscent from WWE TV for much of 2025. It is even more shocking that is due to a nagging finger injury. However, sooner or later the best athlete in the women’s division will figure out a way to get back into action. Making a grand return in the 2026 women’s Royal Rumble feels like the perfect time to get back one of the top talents in the company so she can set up a big match at WrestleMania.
Chris Jericho
This is the one fans around the world will be hoping for on Saturday. There have been rumblings for months that Chris Jericho would depart AEW for a return to WWE for one last run. Yet, there is still no confirmation that he has officially re-signed. That may be purposeful to make it the best kept secret for the event.
“Y2J” returning at the 2026 Royal Rumble is sure to be a top highlight at the event and will create a huge amount of intrigue on who he will face at WrestleMania.
Chad Gable/OG El Grande Americano
After suffer a rotator cuff injury earlier this year, recent reports claim Chad Gable has been preparing for a return over the last month. Being an entrant in the Royal Rumble this weekend seems like a lock. However, it could be as El Grande Americano, to set up the moment a lot of fans have been waiting for: An El Grande vs. El Grande showdown with the man that took over the mantle while sidelined, Ludvig Kaiser.
Tiffany Stratton
After losing her title to Jade Cargill, former WWE women’s champ Tiffany Stratton has been MIA for a few months. That was likely to deal with rumored injuries, and because creative did not have any plans for her. That is sure to change this weekend. If “Tiffy” is healthy, she needs to be at WrestleMania 42, and coming back on Saturday is very likely.
Royce Keys (Powerhouse Hobbs)
It is no longer a rumor, and the AEW veteran known as Powerhouse Hobbs has signed with WWE. Furthermore, he is expected to change his name to Royce Keys upon his debut. It is very possible that debut happens this weekend.
When Andrade returned to WWE from AEW a couple of years ago, it was in the Royal Rumble. Keys arriving and getting to show off his power in the multi-person match is a sensible way to introduce him to unfamiliar fans.
Mike Santana
With WWE having a working relationship with TNA, there has been a ton of crossover between the two companies. An easy way for WWE to hold up their end of the bargain has always been by showcasing TNA talent in the Royal Rumble. With the company now having a new TV deal on AMC, it would not be surprising if TNA champ Mike Santana were a surprise entrant in this year’s event.
‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin
A recent report claimed that “Stone Cold” Steve Austin’s name has come up in WWE and there are early plans for a return of some sort. There was also a recent report that Saudi Arabian officials plan to make The Rock a huge offer for a return at WrestleMania 43 in the Kingdom next year. Could the Saudi’s have made a massive offer to get Austin in the Rumble this weekend? Since it is the first Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia, it should not be ruled out.
Brock Lesnar
It is very likely the Brock Lesnar will be competing at WrestleMania 42 later this year. So it seems very likely he will be one of the entrants in the 2026 Royal Rumble to lay the ground work for his match at the April event. Furthermore, the Saudi’s love their iconic WWE stars. Meaning he would likely have been requested for this match even if it wasn’t to set things up for ‘Mania.
Mr. Iguana
Just like there is a chance for TNA talent to show up in the Rumble, it is very likely you will see AAA performers in the two matches, since WWE acquired the Mexican wrestling company last year. Of the various stars that make the most sense to appear, it would be fan-favorite Mr. Iguana. He is fun, entertaining, and WWE officials are high on the lizard man.
Pat McAfee
The Royal Rumble has a long history of including celebrities or unexpected talent. That is why it would not be one bit surprising if you see former WWE color commentator and uber-popular podcaster Pat McAfee make a return at the event. He is a celeb and WWE alum who can go in the ring and do well. Furthermore, it would likely create some funny moments which is another element of what makes the match so beloved.
