The 2026 WWE Women’s Royal Rumble is set for late January, promising major returns, stunning surprises, and a thrilling contest for a title shot at WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas. With competitors from across WWE and TNA Wrestling, as well as emerging NXT talent, anticipation for this year’s event is running high as fans look to see who will secure their ticket to the biggest stage.
Confirmed Entrants Poised for Royal Rumble Glory
Following last year’s triumph after a long injury absence, Charlotte Flair stands out as a major contender as she seeks to build on her previous victory and move closer to another title opportunity. Roxanne Perez, who broke the endurance record in the prior Rumble, is also ready to compete once more, hoping to outlast the field again. The 2026 WWE Women’s Royal Rumble will feature top names from both SmackDown and RAW, including Chelsea Green, Nia Jax, Lash Legend, Alexa Bliss, Bayley, Raquel Rodriguez, Lyra Valkyria, and Ivy Nile, each aiming to claim the coveted main event spot at WrestleMania 42.
Asuka and Kairi Sane join the line-up as formidable veterans, while Maxxine Dupri, Giulia, Alba Fyre, and Jordynne Grace are all expected to participate. Notably, Grace, who is making her third consecutive Rumble appearance despite not being a WWE regular, continues her impressive streak of cross-promotional involvement with TNA Wrestling. This growing collaboration expands the pool of talent and injects fresh intrigue into the match.
Potential Debuts and Major Returns Add Excitement
There’s high expectation for superstars who have been absent and could make impactful entrances. Among those, Tiffany Stratton, who lost her title before disappearing from television, could make her return, with fans hopeful for ‘Tiffy Time’ at this annual spectacle. NXT is also well represented, with Sol Ruca, Jaida Parker, Blake Monroe, and Kelani Jordan all in contention for spots. Ruca especially has made a mark recently by securing multiple NXT Year-End Awards, positioning herself as one of the rising stars to watch.
This focus on possible returns and debuts is driven by WWE officials keen to keep the match unpredictable and create new storylines that energize both fans and the roster. Given last year’s momentum and surprises, the 2026 Rumble promises more of the same high drama and memorable moments.
Shocking Surprises Set to Electrify the Event
The potential for legendary and unexpected participants continues to fuel buzz around the event. AJ Lee recently made her return to WWE action, reigniting her long-standing rivalry with Becky Lynch, which included a pivotal WarGames showdown. Lee’s inclusion in the Royal Rumble would fulfill a personal milestone and excite longtime fans. Meanwhile, the former Billie Kay and Peyton Royce, now part of TNA, are heavily rumored to make appearances, reinforcing the collaborative bridge between WWE and TNA Wrestling.
One of the most anticipated possible moments is the return of Paige, who has been away from WWE since leaving AEW. Her debut Royal Rumble match would be a landmark occasion, generating a huge reaction given her enduring popularity and storied history within wrestling. These unexpected entrants keep the Royal Rumble constantly unpredictable, ensuring the competition remains a highlight of the wrestling year.
Top Contenders and Favorites to Watch in 2026
This year’s field of favorites brings together past winners, decorated champions, and rising talents. Becky Lynch’s presence guarantees main-event quality and fierce competition, with her dynamic history as Women’s Intercontinental Champion and rivalries with key stars like Stephanie Vaquer shaping expectations. Ripley and IYO SKY, possible reigning Women’s Tag Team Champions at the time, return with significant momentum; Ripley, known as Mami, has previously captured Rumble glory, while SKY has consistently challenged for major titles at WrestleMania.
Bianca Belair is another powerhouse, and even if she returns before the Rumble, insiders tip her as a strong favorite, especially as officials hint at a future showdown with Jade Cargill. Such a pairing would be a marquee attraction for WrestleMania 42. Liv Morgan, who helped lead RAW throughout 2024 and 2025, also enters as a fan favorite, and potential rifts with her Judgment Day allies could fuel a dramatic fan resurgence.
With a star-studded lineup and headline-grabbing surprises, the 2026 WWE Women’s Royal Rumble represents a pivotal moment in women’s wrestling. The event will not only crown a contender for the championship but could also reshape storylines across RAW, SmackDown, and NXT, while fortifying partnerships with organizations like TNA Wrestling. As anticipation builds, the wrestling world waits to see which superstar will rise, which legends will return, and whose story will define this historic night.
