Former powerhouse Hobbs stepped into the WWE ring as Royce Keyes at the 2026 Royal Rumble, and it looks like more talent might follow him there soon. Several wrestlers could make the jump to WWE this year, ranging from veterans with WWE histories to newcomers eager to make their mark. Here are five AEW stars who might join Royce Keyes in WWE.
5. Chris Jericho
Chris Jericho, known for both his AEW performances and past WWE championship reigns, has been on an extended break from wrestling, last appearing in AEW in April 2025. Although fans had hoped to see him at the 2026 Royal Rumble, it seems he won’t be making an immediate return to WWE. Jericho’s band, Fozzie, is touring the UK in February, so if he does show up in WWE, a surprise appearance after WrestleMania 42 looks more likely—potentially pushing back a full-time WWE comeback even further.
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Fan Take: This news is significant for AEW fans because losing major names like Hobbs and potentially Jericho could shake up the promotion’s star power. For the wrestling industry as a whole, such moves highlight the ongoing competition and talent shifts between AEW and WWE, which could lead to exciting new storylines and fresh matchups.
