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Several Absent WWE Stars, Including Randy Orton, Expected To Be Part Of Royal Rumble

By John Canton • Published Jan 02, 2026 14:55 EST
Randy Orton WWE

There are some big names, including Randy Orton, set to return to WWE television before the Royal Rumble and at the event itself.

Now that 2026 is here, WWE fans are looking forward to a busy January of big shows, which includes the next PLE, which is the Royal Rumble on January 31st in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Randy Orton has been away from WWE television since the October 3rd episode of SmackDown, when he was attacked by The Vision. Since then, Orton has been home for quality time with his family and even went on a trip to Saudi Arabia to promote the Royal Rumble, where he confirmed that he’ll be back for that event.

In addition to Randy Orton, Wrestlevotes Radio on Fightful Select reports that other absent WWE stars like Brock Lesnar, LA Knight, Chad Gable, Tiffany Stratton, Jacob Fatu, Dominik Mysterio are all scheduled to be in Saudi Arabia for the Royal Rumble.

Some of those names mentioned, like Fatu and Mysterio, have been sidelined with injuries. When it comes to Knight and Stratton, they have just given breaks after working busy schedules for WWE in 2025. Brock Lesnar is a part-timer who, like Randy Orton, comes and goes throughout the year, although Orton works more matches than Lesnar in a year.

WWE Advertising Randy Orton For SmackDown

Randy Orton’s WWE return could happen as soon as tonight on the January 2nd edition of SmackDown in Buffalo, since Orton is mentioned on WWE’s website. There is also Randy Orton merchandise being advertised by the KeyBank Center in Buffalo. That could be another sign for his return, but they are also selling John Cena merchandise, and he has retired.

Regarding Brock Lesnar’s potential WWE return for the Royal Rumble, TC of Wrestlevotes Radio spoke about Brock Lesnar’s likely return to the ring for the first time since Survivor Series.

“For me, it’s always going to be Brock Lesnar. I think he is such an attraction, such a specimen of an athlete. And anytime he enters a match, the mood, the vibe, everything changes completely when he gets in.”

“Having him in the Royal Rumble gives the opportunity for someone to really get a rub by eliminating him. If you’re not going to have Brock Lesnar win it — yeah, easy way to start a Mania program.”

Randy Orton was also discussed as a potential part of a major WrestleMania 42 match.

“I think you can make a case that he has as good an opportunity to go to WrestleMania with a big marquee match. A lot of people speculated him and Cody Rhodes — now we’re hearing Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns — where does that leave Randy Orton in the mix?”

Jacob Fatu has been out of action for a few months, but is likely returning soon as well.

“His name has been out there. Someone who’s ready to return. How they utilize him moving forward should be very fascinating. He was very over as a heel — quickly became a face due to how well he was able to speak on the mic and what his moves can do in the ring.” (H/T Ringsidenews)

With the Royal Rumble set to take place in just 29 days, the road to WrestleMania 42 is officially on.