Chad Gable made a striking comeback during the 2026 WWE Royal Rumble, captivating audiences with a noticeably enhanced physique and a beard, signaling his recovery from a recent shoulder injury. Gable’s return came in dramatic fashion when he confronted El Grande Americano, who had just entered the match as an imposter, setting the tone for an intense showdown within the fray.
Highlights from the Men’s Royal Rumble Match
Roman Reigns emerged victorious from a competitive field of 30 contenders, securing his spot for WrestleMania 42. The match saw several thrilling interactions, including notable moments between Reigns and Jey Uso. Towards the finale, it was a tense clash between Reigns, Gunther, and Randy Orton, with Orton’s elimination leaving Reigns and Gunther as the last two standing.
Gunther’s performance was particularly remarkable as he juggled simultaneous rivalries, including an intense bout against AJ Styles, who announced that 2026 would mark the end of his WWE career. Despite Gunther’s attempts to win through underhanded tactics, Styles displayed resilience before ultimately being subdued by Gunther’s sleeper hold.
Another compelling debut was Powerhouse Hobbs, entering the match under the name Royce Keys at number 14. Hobbs showcased his experience from AEW by engaging directly with established competitor Cody Rhodes, bringing fresh energy to the event.
Rusev also made a return as the fifth entrant but was quickly eliminated shortly after joining, during the early dominance of Oba Femi. Femi demonstrated a powerful showing by eliminating all of the first five entrants, including well-known names such as Rey Mysterio and Bron Breakker.
Bron Breakker’s performance was abruptly halted by a masked assailant from the crowd, who delivered a sudden Stomp attack. This interruption led to Breakker’s swift elimination by Oba Femi, adding an unpredictable element to the match dynamics.
Women’s Royal Rumble: Surprising Victories and Returns
The 2026 Women’s Royal Rumble featured a dramatic showdown culminating in Liv Morgan’s victory. Morgan eliminated both Raquel Rodriguez and Tiffany Stratton during the final moments, with Stratton returning unexpectedly at number 30. Stratton’s comeback was notable after an extended absence following her loss of the Women’s Championship to Jade Cargill in late 2025.
Stratton’s presence, alongside the return of Brie Bella, contributed to one of the most talked-about moments on WWE TV this year, as her performance rekindled excitement among fans.
Significance of Chad Gable’s WWE Return
Chad Gable’s reappearance in the Royal Rumble signifies a promising chapter in his WWE career, highlighting his determination after injury and readiness to re-engage with top-tier competition. His confrontation with El Grande Americano injected fresh drama into the event, demonstrating WWE’s continued commitment to compelling storytelling and exciting matchups ahead of WrestleMania 42.
With a roster featuring experienced names like Roman Reigns, Gunther, and AJ Styles alongside emerging talents such as Powerhouse Hobbs and Oba Femi, the 2026 Royal Rumble set the stage for dynamic narratives in the months to come.
