Why WWE Royal Rumble 2026 May Feature No Surprise Returns

Royal Rumble 2026 is set for Saturday, January 31, at Kingdom Arena (KAFD) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. 

This will mark the first Rumble outside North America after 38 straight years, mostly in the US (except 1988 in Canada).

The two most highly anticipated matches of the night are surely going to be the men’s and women’s Royal Rumble matches.

Every year, WWE plans something special for the fans at Rumble, like shocking appearances and surprise returns.

But this year, fans may have to face some disappointment.

No Surprise Returns At WWE Royal Rumble 2026

Former WWE personality Jonathan Coachman recently released a spoiler post on X, claiming that this year, WWE has planned no surprise returns or appearances for the Royal Rumble event.

This is because the event will take place in Saudi Arabia, and it is going to be very difficult to pull off any surprises.

Coachman tweeted:

This one is interesting. Because of the Rumble being in Saudi it’s going to be very difficult for them to pull out any surprises like the reported return of Y2J.

This one is interesting. Because of the Rumble being in Saudi it’s going to be very difficult for them to pull out any surprises like the reported return of Y2J. https://t.co/beMyqFgTIQ

— The Coach (@Thecoachrules) January 3, 2026

Last month, WrestleVotes reported that Bron Breakker is being pitched as the favorite to win this year’s Royal Rumble.

“Bron Breakker is your current… whiteboard favorite, as so bluntly described to us to win the Royal Rumble.

An idea has been strongly considered within creative circles that would see Breakker win the Royal Rumble on January 31 from Saudi Arabia.”

Plans are subject to change, and it is worth noting that other potential competitors are also being considered as possible victors of the men’s Rumble match.

Roman Reigns, Gunther, and just a few names on the list of favorites are rumored to grab the victory.

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