WWE star to return as heel and win the 2026 Men’s Royal Rumble Match in Saudi Arabia? Exploring the possibility 

WWE Royal Rumble 2026 will take place on January 31, 2026, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, next year. For the first time in the history of the company, the Royal Rumble event will take place outside North America.

Many superstars are in the race to win the contest this time. Former WWE Champion, Roman Reigns, is among the favorites. The Badass, Bron Breakker, is also among the top names who can win. Sami Zayn is another megastar who can win the maiden Royal Rumble in his career, since the event is in Saudi Arabia.

However, there's one superstar who has an outside chance. It's none other than The Viper, Randy Orton. Orton has been out of action for the past two months. The last time he was seen in WWE was on October 3, episode of SmackDown, when he teamed up with Cody Rhodes to take on The Vision. After losing that bout, Orton hasn't been seen on TV.

He isn't injured but is kept on the sidelines, possibly because the company doesn't have any plans for him. Or it could also be because the creative team wants to keep him away till the Royal Rumble event, and get him to come out there as a surprising entrant at number 30.

Moreover, the Apex Predator won't be coming as a face this time. Since the fans have also been calling for Randy's heel turn, The Viper can return as a heel to WWE. And how does that happen? He can do something similar to what Becky Lynch did earlier this year before WrestleMania 41 return. Orton can secretly take out a superstar at the last moment and then steal his Rumble spot.

If Orton wins the Rumble next year, it would be his third Royal Rumble win in his entire WWE career. He has earlier won the tournament in 2009 and 2017. By winning in 2026, he would be in the spot to challenge Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed Championship.

The fans have always wanted a riveting story between the two, but the creative team hasn't pulled the trigger yet on their feud. Maybe the two legends can head for a mega clash at WrestleMania 42 next year.

Former WWE star feels Gunther could retire Randy Orton

Randy Orton's epic 'Legend Killer' gimmick has been stolen by Gunther. The Ring General has given himself this title after retiring Goldberg and John Cena in the last six months.

Former WWE superstar Stevie Richards feels that Gunther can also retire Orton soon.

"Here’s a thought that I just had. By the way, do you think Gunther is going to be the new legend killer? He retired Goldberg. He retired Cena. What if Orton’s next? What if Orton’s [retiring] in the next year to 18 months? What if he retires AJ Styles? They could because how many times did Orton like destroy Legends?" said Stevie Richards.

The Viper is 45 years old and at the last leg of his wrestling career. Even though he hasn't spilled the beans on his retirement, there are speculations that whenever it happens, the company will certainly book his feud against Gunther, and let the former World Heavyweight Champion retire the 14-time WWE Champion.

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Edited by Mohammad Bilal