4-Time WWE Champion Announces Royal Rumble Return After 11 Years
An ex-WWE Champion has confirmed their entry into the 2026 Men’s Royal Rumble match.
It will be Matt Cardona’s first time competing in the 30-man over-the-top-rope elimination bout in 11 years. Cardona returned to the Stamford-based company after being released in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
He last competed at the Royal Rumble in 2015, where he entered as the #9 participant. He was eliminated shortly afterward by Bray Wyatt.
Since returning to the promotion, the 40-year-old has been involved in a feud with Kit Wilson, who has been repackaged after his separation from Elton Prince, who has been injured and recently underwent neck surgery.
On the January 23 episode of SmackDown, Cardona confronted Wilson, challenging him to a match after the latter attacked him the previous week.
The Indy God took to X to reveal that he would be traveling to Saudi Arabia for the Royal Rumble PLE on January 31.
The last time I was in a #RoyalRumble match was 2015…over 10 years ago!
I’ve had new gear ready every year…even for the 5 years I wasn’t even in @wwe.
I’ll be in Saudi Arabia next week…gear is packed…I’m ALWAYZ READY!
If I’m in it, I’ll do whatever I can to throw every… pic.twitter.com/nI4d6zFSF7
— Matt Cardona (@TheMattCardona) January 24, 2026
Roman Reigns To Return At WWE Royal Rumble
Several WWE superstars, including Jey Uso, Cody Rhodes, Kofi Kingston, and Xavier Woods, have shared their plans of entering the Men’s Royal Rumble match.
During the latest SmackDown taping, a video package aired, revealing Roman Reigns’ participation in the bout.
Despite not competing full-time, the Original Tribal Chief remains a top pick to win.
His last appearance was at the Survivor Series: WarGames PLE, where he teamed up with Cody Rhodes, CM Punk, and The Usos to challenge The Vision, Drew McIntyre, and Brock Lesnar.