The 2026 men’s Royal Rumble featured a mix of unexpected entrants, including Mr. Iguana, La Parka, and the original El Grande Americano, who had not announced their participation beforehand. Despite several talents traveling to Saudi Arabia for the event, some prominent wrestlers were left out of the match entirely, drawing attention and frustration from fans.
Kit Wilson Left Out Despite Being in Saudi Arabia
According to Fightful Select, WWE considered including Kit Wilson in the Royal Rumble but ultimately decided against it. Wilson was flown to Saudi Arabia and appeared on SmackDown, yet he was not used in the Rumble match. Wilson has been one of the more popular figures on the blue brand in 2026, notably due to his anti-toxic character angle.
Wilson Reacts to His Absence from the Rumble
Addressing his omission on TikTok, Wilson expressed his dissatisfaction:
“Joke’s on you. Joke’s on you if you thought I was going to be in that Royal Rumble with those toxic men out there.”
He labeled several fellow wrestlers, including Oba Femi, Bron Breakker, Solo Sikoa, Rusev, Matt Cardona, Damian Priest, Trick Williams, Royce Keys, Austin Theory, LA Knight, Brock Lesnar, The Miz, Jacob Fatu, Randy Orton, and Gunther as toxic.
Other Notable Rumble Omissions and Future Plans
Aleister Black, a former NXT Champion also brought to Saudi Arabia, was another key talent excluded from the Royal Rumble. WWE initially planned for Black to participate but later scrapped those plans, opting to reintroduce him on television at a later time. This decision adds to the pattern of surprising creative choices in the event lineup.
Implications of These Exclusions on WWE’s Direction
The omission of Kit Wilson and Aleister Black from the Royal Rumble despite their presence at the event signals underlying tensions in WWE’s booking strategies. Wilson’s outspoken reaction highlights a growing unease among some wrestlers about backstage politics and toxicity. WWE’s choices could impact fan perception and the momentum of popular talents as the company moves forward.
