Chris Jericho
This is the big return that tends to happen every Royal Rumble. There are growing rumors that Chris Jericho is set to return to WWE. As the generation continues to see some of the top names of the past retire, Jericho could be on the short list of names ready to wrap things up. Getting a big run in WWE to lead to the full retirement run makes sense. Jericho has been a surprise entrant in the Rumble in the past, and seeing him come back in this spot would be a fun moment to kick off 2026.
Je’Von Evans
Listen, WWE is setting Je’Von Evans up for something. How big of a run will that be? Not sure, because there are several questions around how far WWE is willing to go with some performers compared to others. He’s already been identified as a star of both today and the future. Fans and children alike are already behind him. Expect to see Evans in the Royal Rumble and be the one who puts on some fun spots before being eliminated.
Sol Ruca
Sol Ruca is a future WWE Women’s Champion on the main roster. She’ll hold one of those titles and will probably hold them multiple times. She didn’t get the biggest reception when she first walked out during Saturday Night’s Main Event, but by the end of her match with Bayley, fans were locked in. Seeing her hit the Sol Snatcher on someone in the Rumble would be huge.
Zaria
Zaria being involved in the Royal Rumble would be directly linked to Sol Ruca’s presence. Their story on WWE NXT is heading toward a split. The idea is that Zaria will turn on Ruca, which makes sense as Ruca is a major babyface. The final catalyst to the split should be one of them eliminating the other from the Rumble. That is an easy way to build to their split which should be a big match in NXT at some point in 2026.