3 current/former AEW stars who could show up at WWE Royal Rumble 2026

WWE is set to host its Royal Rumble PLE next month in Saudi Arabia. The show will take place at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh on January 31. It will kick off WWE's road to WrestleMania 42, and fans have high expectations for the event. Royal Rumble is popular for its traditional Men's and Women's Royal Rumble matches, which are filled with surprises and returns.

Many big names are expected to compete in the next edition of the Royal Rumble, like Roman Reigns, Jey Uso, and Rhea Ripley. But fans hope that a few AEW names could appear in the anticipated match in January. Recently, several All Elite Wrestling stars have been rumored to be leaving the company. Meanwhile, a few talents became free agents after departing AEW in early 2025.

In this article, let's talk about 3 current/former AEW stars who could show up at WWE Royal Rumble 2026:

#3. Danhausen

Danhausen has been rumored to leave AEW for a while now. The fan favorite has been absent from the company since December 2023. Some reports state that Dan's AEW contract is expected to expire in February 2026. However, rumors suggest that Danhausen could ask for an early release from All Elite Wrestling, with Tony Khan potentially granting it in January rather than waiting until February.

This may lead the 35-year-old to make an appearance in the 2026 Men's Royal Rumble match in Saudi Arabia. This could be an amazing way to make a debut in WWE for the fan favorite star. Besides, Danhausen could showcase his comical appearance in the Men's Royal Rumble match. Such an angle could introduce Dan to the WWE Universe following a prolonged absence from mainstream pro-wrestling.

#2. Saraya a.k.a. Paige

Saraya left AEW in the early-2025 following a decent run in the promotion. She has been a free agent in the world of professional wrestling since then, hinting at competing in the future. In the past few months, Paige has hinted at returning to the Stamford-based promotion multiple times. Recently, she even claimed that she has something in store for 2026.

This could be a tease for an appearance in the Women's Royal Rumble match in January. Fans have been clamoring to see The Anti-Diva back in WWE for a long time. Therefore, Triple H could book her return for the Royal Rumble PLE as a surprise. This return has the potential to make headlines in the pro-wrestling industry while putting Saraya in the mix for WWE's road to WrestleMania 42.

#1. Chris Jericho can make his WWE return

As per rumors, Chris Jericho's AEW contract expired in December 2025, and he is expected to make a return to the Stamford-based promotion soon. Many people believe that Triple H and his team could be keeping Jericho's return as the first big surprise for 2026. If that is the case, Y2J could very well make his return at the Royal Rumble PLE in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabian events are popular for featuring legends and big names of the pro-wrestling industry. Chris Jericho's comeback could be a huge surprise for the fans at the event. Besides, the Stamford-based promotion could keep him in the final few stars of the Men's Royal Rumble to give him a momentum push ahead of WrestleMania 42.

This could be the best way to bring back the legendary Chris Jericho to the Stamford-based promotion while keeping his future under wraps for a while.

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Edited by Anugrah Tyagi