Rey Mysterio suffered an injury during his singles match against Austin Theory on the latest WWE Monday Night RAW, confirmed by the referee’s use of the X sign to signal medical assistance. Due to this, the WWE must find a replacement for Mysterio in the upcoming WWE Men’s Royal Rumble event, a critical moment for the company’s roster and fans.
Finn Balor: Potential Contender Amidst Uncertainty
Finn Balor remains a compelling option to fill the vacant spot. On RAW, Balor continued his heel persona by attacking AJ Styles during the World Heavyweight Championship main event. Earlier, WWE general manager Adam Pearce rejected Balor’s appeal to join the Royal Rumble match, but if the company decides against booking a Styles versus Balor rematch soon, Balor could step up as a strong candidate to replace Mysterio in the 30-man Royal Rumble.
AJ Styles Might Take On Dual Roles
AJ Styles, often called The Phenomenal One, is rumored to retire at the Royal Rumble. His recent matches included high-profile bouts against Shinsuke Nakamura and CM Punk, which put his legacy in focus. Should the Royal Rumble open the show, Styles could appear twice, first competing in the traditional battle royal and then defending his World Heavyweight Championship against Gunther, possibly making his farewell unforgettable.
Jimmy Uso Could Return for the Match
Jimmy Uso has been absent from WWE television for over two weeks reportedly due to personal reasons. Meanwhile, his brother Jey Uso has officially entered the Royal Rumble match. Jimmy could make a surprise comeback at the event, stepping in directly for the injured Mysterio and rejoining the action-packed lineup.
Stone Cold Steve Austin as a Surprise Entrant?
There are ongoing reports of WWE planning a return for Stone Cold Steve Austin, one of the most iconic superstars in wrestling history. His unexpected appearance during the Men’s Royal Rumble match as a surprise entrant would instantly energize the crowd and compensate for Mysterio’s absence with a sensational moment.
Chad Gable’s Potential Comeback
Chad Gable has been sidelined since mid-2025 after suffering a shoulder injury. Speculation suggests Gable is preparing for a return to the ring. If he appears as the original El Grande Americano, he could deliver a highly anticipated and electrifying replacement for Mysterio in the 30-man showdown.
The replacement of Rey Mysterio in the Royal Rumble match holds significant implications for WWE’s storytelling and event dynamics. Each of these candidates presents different possibilities, ranging from veteran surprises to emerging returns. The company’s choice will influence match excitement and fan engagement as the Royal Rumble approaches, maintaining suspense around who ultimately fills the legendary spot vacated by The Master of the 619.
The exact moment Rey Mysterio got injured on #WWERAW pic.twitter.com/c3vONLg1Id
— J O H N (@RomanEra0) January 27, 2026
