Several prominent WWE performers, notably including Randy Orton, are expected to make their comeback both before and during the highly anticipated Royal Rumble, which takes place January 31 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The return of these stars is set to energize Royal Rumble WWE star returns, as fans anticipate high-profile surprises in the run-up to and at this iconic event.
Top Names Poised for Royal Rumble Comebacks
As 2026 begins, WWE is gearing up for a packed schedule, with January standing out due to the Royal Rumble, the next premium live event on the WWE calendar, being held in Riyadh. Randy Orton, a fan favorite, has been absent from WWE since an attack by The Vision on SmackDown’s October 3 episode. He has since spent time with his family and recently visited Saudi Arabia to promote the Royal Rumble, openly confirming his intention to make his return at the event.
In addition to Orton, reporting from Wrestlevotes Radio via Fightful Select suggests that several other notable WWE figures are scheduled to be in Saudi Arabia for the Royal Rumble. This list includes Brock Lesnar, LA Knight, Chad Gable, Tiffany Stratton, Jacob Fatu, and Dominik Mysterio. While Jacob Fatu and Dominik Mysterio have been healing from injuries, LA Knight and Tiffany Stratton have recently taken short breaks following intense work schedules throughout 2025. Brock Lesnar, recognized for his part-time status, is also expected to appear, though Orton is known for competing in more matches than Lesnar during the year.
Randy Orton’s Imminent Return to the Spotlight
Speculation is mounting about Randy Orton’s return to WWE television as soon as the January 2 edition of SmackDown in Buffalo. WWE’s official website has mentioned Orton ahead of the show, and the KeyBank Center in Buffalo is promoting Randy Orton merchandise, further fueling anticipation. However, it is notable that John Cena merchandise is also on sale despite Cena’s retirement, serving as a reminder that such promotions are not always confirmation of a star’s return.
“Enter to win ALL THREE of these @WWE x @BuffaloSabres collab shirts! ENTER: https://t.co/qxfd1M2gzR*Shirts will be on sale at WWE Smackdown! Friday, January 2* pic.twitter.com/lr7qC3OTsk”— KeyBank Center (@KeyBankCtr)
Interest in merchandise tied to returning superstars reinforces the sense of anticipation as fans await firsthand confirmation of Orton’s first appearance since his hiatus.
Brock Lesnar’s Anticipated Royal Rumble Appearance
Regarding Brock Lesnar, TC from Wrestlevotes Radio spoke about his potential involvement in this year’s Royal Rumble, marking his first match since Survivor Series. Lesnar’s presence in the match is regarded as a game-changer due to his formidable reputation and ability to shift the dynamic of any contest he enters.
“For me, it’s always going to be Brock Lesnar. I think he is such an attraction, such a specimen of an athlete. And anytime he enters a match, the mood, the vibe, everything changes completely when he gets in.”
“Having him in the Royal Rumble gives the opportunity for someone to really get a rub by eliminating him. If you’re not going to have Brock Lesnar win it — yeah, easy way to start a Mania program.”
The excitement around Lesnar does not only stem from his in-ring presence but also from the potential for another wrestler to gain major momentum by eliminating him—a pivotal moment that could spark a high-stakes WrestleMania storyline.
WrestleMania Implications for Randy Orton
Alongside the Royal Rumble speculation, discussion has surfaced about Randy Orton’s chances for a top-billed match at WrestleMania 42. Debate continues about whether Orton might share the spotlight with Cody Rhodes or if Rhodes’s path will now lead to Roman Reigns, raising questions regarding Orton’s role in the show’s marquee matches.
“I think you can make a case that he has as good an opportunity to go to WrestleMania with a big marquee match. A lot of people speculated him and Cody Rhodes — now we’re hearing Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns — where does that leave Randy Orton in the mix?”
This uncertainty about WrestleMania matchups adds another layer of intrigue to Orton’s comeback, as his presence at the Royal Rumble could set the stage for a major storyline leading into WWE’s biggest show of the year.
Jacob Fatu’s Road Back to WWE Action
Jacob Fatu has spent a few months on the sidelines due to injury, but sources indicate he is ready for a return to the ring. Fatu’s dynamic performances and rapid transformation from a villainous character to a crowd favorite have made him one of the more exciting names to watch for at the Royal Rumble.
“His name has been out there. Someone who’s ready to return. How they utilize him moving forward should be very fascinating. He was very over as a heel — quickly became a face due to how well he was able to speak on the mic and what his moves can do in the ring.” (H/T Ringsidenews)
With Fatu poised to re-enter the spotlight, expectations are high about how he will be utilized in upcoming storylines and matches, especially considering his popularity and versatility in front of WWE audiences.
The Countdown to Royal Rumble and the Road to WrestleMania
With the Royal Rumble set to unfold in less than a month, anticipation for WWE’s annual centerpiece is reaching a fever pitch. The event not only signifies the official beginning of the road to WrestleMania 42 but also promises surprise returns, fierce rivalries, and career-defining moments for headline stars such as Randy Orton, Brock Lesnar, and Jacob Fatu. As January advances, WWE fans across the world turn their attention to Riyadh, where long-awaited Royal Rumble WWE star returns could change the trajectory of the wrestling landscape and ignite new storylines on the biggest stage of them all.
Enter to win ALL THREE of these @WWE x @BuffaloSabres collab shirts!
ENTER: https://t.co/qxfd1M2gzR
*Shirts will be on sale at WWE Smackdown! Friday, January 2* pic.twitter.com/lr7qC3OTsk
— KeyBank Center (@KeyBankCtr) December 31, 2025
