Every year, fans eagerly anticipate the Royal Rumble event, primarily because of the unpredictable nature of the match and the excitement of waiting for each new entrant. As the 2026 tournament in Saudi Arabia approaches, several wrestlers stand out as potential surprise participants in the men’s division.
WWE could bring in a variety of competitors: legends, surprise cameos from former stars, newcomers, or returning wrestlers recovering from injury, though some possibilities are more likely than others.
8. Chris Jericho
Jericho is rumored to be leaving AEW to rejoin WWE. He made a memorable return to WWE at the 2013 Royal Rumble, and his most recent WWE match was at the Greatest Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia in 2018. Given reports about his AEW contract ending, many view his 2026 Royal Rumble return as inevitable and a chance to build further legacy. Notably, his return would be a poetic full circle, taking place in the same country and match type as his last WWE appearance.
7. Dolph Ziggler
Currently active in TNA under the name Nick Nemeth, Ziggler recently returned to WWE’s “Last Time Is Now” tournament and will face Solo Chicore. The partnership between WWE and TNA makes cross-promotional appearances like Ziggler’s possible. His inclusion in the 2026 Royal Rumble would be a logical and surprising addition that fans would welcome.
6. Brock Lesnar
Lesnar is expected to be a major figure in WWE programming leading up to WrestleMania. His last match was at Survivor Series 2025, and he has two Royal Rumble wins to his name. Although his participation in the upcoming Rumble is not confirmed, his part-time status means any appearance would be a surprise with a strong impact. Lesnar’s presence could elevate the event, even if he is eliminated by a big-name opponent, creating a highlight moment.
5. Omos
Standing as the tallest WWE wrestler, Omos hasn’t been seen on WWE shows for over a year but has competed in other promotions like AAA and Pro Wrestling NOAH. The Royal Rumble is known for featuring giant wrestlers as imposing threats, making Omos’s return a realistic possibility. His inclusion would present a major challenge for competitors such as Bron Breaker or Jacob Fatu.
4. Seth Rollins
Rollins has been sidelined since 2025 due to injury but has a history of dramatic returns. After relinquishing the World Heavyweight Championship last year, he remains a top candidate for a comeback at the Royal Rumble. A face-off with Bron Breaker, who betrayed him, would add a compelling storyline to the 2026 event.
3. Pat McAfee
A major personality with mainstream appeal, McAfee took part in the 2024 Royal Rumble and had a notable match against Gunter at Backlash 2025. WWE frequently uses such crossover figures to create buzz and viral moments around the Rumble, so his return in 2026 seems quite feasible and would attract attention.
2. Jeff Hardy
Wrestling currently in TNA with his brother Matt, Jeff Hardy appeared multiple times on NXT last year. His last Royal Rumble was in 2021, but given WWE’s link to TNA, Hardy is a highly realistic and crowd-pleasing surprise entrant in the 2026 Rumble.
1. Powerhouse Hobbs
Reports suggest Hobbs is transitioning from AEW to WWE, with a rumored WWE ring name of Royce Keyes. WWE may choose to introduce him in the 2026 Royal Rumble, using the match as a platform to quickly establish him as a star. A dominant Rumble showing could signal big things for his WWE career.
Fan Take:
This lineup of potential surprise entrants underscores WWE’s strategy to blend established names with fresh talent, keeping the Royal Rumble unpredictable and exciting for fans. For WWE enthusiasts, it promises a thrilling spectacle that could reshape storylines and the future landscape of professional wrestling.
