The buildup to WrestleMania 42 officially starts this Saturday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with the 2026 Royal Rumble event drawing intense speculation about which WWE Superstars will participate. Among the buzzing topics is the future of AJ Styles, whose possible retirement has become a hot topic as his career seems to approach its final chapter.
Fans and insiders closely watch Styles’ upcoming match against Gunther, which could potentially mark the end of his in-ring career. The ongoing retirement rumors have added a layer of uncertainty around this notable clash.
AJ Styles Faces Career-Defining Match Amid Retirement Speculation
This weekend, AJ Styles might compete in what could be his last WWE match when he goes head-to-head with Gunther. The stakes are high, as Styles’ career is apparently on the line during this contest. Regardless of the outcome, the trajectory of The Phenomenal One’s career suggests that his time in the ring is nearing its conclusion.
During a recent interview on the podcast Unsportsmanlike, Triple H revealed that WWE has been coordinating a list of final matches for Styles to complete before his retirement. This plan reflects the respect the company has for him and the desire to give the future Hall of Famer a meaningful farewell.
In the past few months, Styles has faced off with long-time rivals like Shinsuke Nakamura and CM Punk, demonstrating his enduring competitiveness. His recent encounters with Gunther have been particularly notable, with The Ring General prevailing amid some controversy.
The fact that Styles has only a handful of matches remaining at WWE lines up with Triple H’s remarks about the impending end of his in-ring tenure. For a talent of his caliber, having control over his send-off and the opportunity to wrestle notable opponents is an appropriate way to bring closure to a storied career.
Rey Mysterio’s Injury Concerns Appear Addressed in Time for Royal Rumble
Concerns arose earlier this week when Rey Mysterio seemed to sustain a knee injury during his match against Austin Theory on Monday Night Raw. Given his history of knee problems, some feared he might miss the Royal Rumble event.
However, those concerns have lessened as Mysterio traveled to Saudi Arabia for the event and shared a selfie on Instagram with fellow WWE Superstars, signaling his readiness to compete. The legendary luchador is aiming to secure his second Royal Rumble victory, showing no signs that his knee issues will prevent his participation.
Returns and Surprises: LA Knight Set for Saudi Arabia Appearance
LA Knight, who has been absent from WWE television since a brutal assault by Bronson Reed on the December 8 episode of Raw, is reportedly scheduled to appear at the Royal Rumble. Fightful Select’s Sean Ross Sapp confirmed:
“As of earlier this month, LA Knight was scheduled to travel to Saudi Arabia. There are decorations on hand implying he will be there.”
Knight, known as The Megastar, is one of Raw’s top talents capable of re-entering major storylines immediately upon his return. His involvement in the Royal Rumble signals WWE’s intent to reestablish him as a prominent figure ahead of WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas.
With Bronson Reed also slated for the men’s Rumble, Knight’s return could disrupt Reed’s potential path to a WrestleMania main event, adding a competitive edge to their ongoing feud.
NXT Star Sol Ruca Expected to Make Women’s Royal Rumble Debut
Another surprise comes from NXT’s Sol Ruca, who is reportedly set to take part in this year’s women’s Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia. According to Sean Ross Sapp:
“expected to be in Saudi Arabia for the Royal Rumble. There will be NXT talent present.”
Ruca has already made waves by defeating future Hall of Famer Bayley on the December 13 episode of Saturday Night’s Main Event, marking a significant milestone in her career. Her athleticism and NXT North American Championship pedigree make her a fitting choice for the event.
The women’s Royal Rumble, which started in 2018, often features NXT stars to both showcase emerging talent and give fans a preview of future main roster competitors. Ruca’s appearance could signal the start of her transition to higher-profile matches and regular appearances on WWE’s main shows.
Anticipation Builds as Royal Rumble Sets Stage for WrestleMania 42
The Royal Rumble in Riyadh represents more than just another event on the WWE calendar; it marks the beginning of the road to WrestleMania 42 and potentially the end of an era for AJ Styles. Whether or not Styles officially retires after his match with Gunther, his limited number of remaining bouts hints at a significant shift in WWE’s roster landscape.
Meanwhile, the inclusion of stars like Rey Mysterio, LA Knight, and Sol Ruca adds layers of excitement and unpredictability to the event. Fans can expect high stakes and possible career-defining moments for multiple Superstars as WWE positions itself for the major storylines that will culminate in Las Vegas this spring.
