The Royal Rumble 2026 returns are highly anticipated as WWE prepares to host the event on January 31 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This annual Premium Live Event marks the beginning of the journey to WrestleMania 42, featuring the Men’s and Women’s Royal Rumble matches where the winner earns a championship opportunity at ‘Mania.
Every year, the Royal Rumble surprises fans with unexpected wrestler returns, but there are several significant stars who should make their comeback before this event, rather than debuting at it. Here are five talent returns that WWE should prioritize ahead of the Royal Rumble 2026.
Sheamus’ Return Could Energize SmackDown Before the Event
Sheamus was building momentum before a shoulder injury forced him out of John Cena’s Last Time is Now Tournament, removing him from a scheduled match with LA Knight. The Irish powerhouse underwent surgery and is currently in recovery, with no official return date announced. If medically cleared, the creative team led by Triple H should consider reinstating Sheamus on SmackDown prior to the Royal Rumble to ignite a rivalry with the Undisputed WWE Champion, Drew McIntyre.
The Street Profits Need a Tag Team Comeback Ahead of Royal Rumble
Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins of The Street Profits have been off television since October, following several unsuccessful attempts to capture the WWE Tag Team Championships from The Wyatt Sicks. Their last match aired on an episode of Main Event, and although they could reappear during the Royal Rumble’s Men’s match, their comeback would be more impactful if it happened earlier. A timely return could reinvigorate the SmackDown tag team division, possibly introducing new character developments for the duo.
Bianca Belair’s Absence Leaves a Void in the Women’s Division
Bianca Belair has been sidelined since WrestleMania 41 after losing a Triple Threat Match for the Women’s World Championship to IYO SKY and Rhea Ripley. Fans have been eager for The EST’s return, but no recovery timeline has been confirmed. While her comeback at Royal Rumble 2026 would be thrilling, a surprise return on SmackDown beforehand could better address the blue brand’s shortage of top female stars, revitalizing the division dramatically.
LA Knight’s Comeback Should Happen Before Royal Rumble to Regain Momentum
LA Knight, also known as The Megastar, was taken off television following a brutal attack by The Vision last month. As the Road to WrestleMania 42 progresses, Knight is expected to return and seek vengeance against the heel faction. While a Royal Rumble reappearance is possible, returning sooner would allow Knight to rebuild his storyline and reignite his feud with The Vision without being overshadowed by the event’s larger spectacle.
Early Returns Will Fuel Storylines as Road to WrestleMania Progresses
Allowing these wrestlers to reenter WWE programming before Royal Rumble 2026 would offer fresh storylines and increase fan engagement leading up to WrestleMania 42. Moves like Sheamus challenging Drew McIntyre or Bianca Belair strengthening the women’s division on SmackDown can build sustained momentum. The timing of returns for stars like LA Knight and The Street Profits will be crucial in maintaining interest and creating impactful rivalries that peak at key pay-per-view events.
