WWE Royal Rumble 2026: 5 Shocks WWE Could Pull
Seismic Royal Rumble shocks await. Possible retirements, WWE comebacks, underdog wins and more.
Triple H is going to shock the world at Royal Rumble, because he is...THE SHOCKMASTER. No, only kidding. This might be one hell of a strange way to kick off an intro about WWE's latest PLE in 2026, but there's no chance big Fred Ottman's alter ego gets involved in the 30-man match. He might well be a beloved uncle to one Cody Rhodes away from the ring, but that'd be taking things too far.
WWE have plenty of surprises on tap for Saturday night in Saudi Arabia anyway.
Some are more far fetched than others, admittedly, but that's OK. This is fantasy booking. Fantasy booking coated in a layer of 'what if?!' goodness, but fantasy booking nonetheless. This weekend, the company could well usher in memorable comebacks, a major star jumping from AEW to win it all, underdog victories that'd live long in the memory, title changes that'd cause a big Scot to lose his mind and more.
One of the bigger non-Rumble bouts on tap for the show may bring the curtain down on an iconic career too. It's unlikely, but stranger things have happened in the zany world of pro wrestling. What if AJ Styles is going to see out his career in TNA, or something?!
Then, there's 'The Final Boss'. Final Boss for who though? The Rock has already patched things up with old rival Cody Rhodes, so he might have someone else in the crosshairs over in Riyadh. That's if Rocky shows up, which is always a big if.
Prepare to be shocked and stunned!
5. An Underdog Fresh Face Wins Big
Could it be?! Could someone lower down on the card like Chelsea Green actually win the women's 2026 Royal Rumble? Probably not, but...what if WWE fancies springing quite the shocker in Saudi by going all the way with an underdog sensation? That'd certainly make up for the monotony of Charlotte Flair's win last year, but it's always a risk to strap a rocket to somebody this way during such an important time of the year.
Trips and pals have a few choices though: Jordynne Grace, Lash Legend or even Maxxine Dupri could join Chelsea as unlikely winners. Maybe less so for Jordynne considering she's been going toe to toe with Jade Cargill on SmackDown lately. Not many will be tuning into Saturday's show expecting to see the ex-TNA powerhouse last the distance though.
Hell, every single name on that shortlist above would be a surprise winner. It's far more plausible that WWE go with Bianca Belair, Tiffany Stratton or someone of that ilk, but what if they're feeling fruity and fancy making waves with a left field pick? After all, that unpredictability is what the Rumble is supposed to be about - "anyone can win", and all that.
It's rarely true, although Jey Uso triumph over on the men's side in 2025 did catch a lot of folks off guard. Chelsea somehow managing to oust a major star and get her hand raised would be a fine, if outlandish reward for her team player attitude.
If you're rolling your eyes and hate the thought of that, then try this on for size...