The road to WrestleMania 42 officially kicks off with the highly anticipated **WWE Royal Rumble 2026**, and all eyes are on one standout performer—**Bianca Belair**. Known as “The EST of WWE,” Belair has been a consistent force in the women’s division, with crowd-popping athleticism and a charisma that screams main event. If the early buzz on social media, fan forums, and insider reports are any indication, she’s more than just a favorite in name—she’s a serious contender to go all the way in this year’s blockbuster 30-woman showdown.
But as is tradition, the Royal Rumble isn’t just about the headline stars—every January, WWE pulls surprises that shake the industry to its core. And this year, the 2026 Rumble promises to keep that momentum alive with shocking returns, debuts, and dream confrontations. While the card already looks promising, the rumors of surprise entrants have the WWE Universe buzzing. From former champions to NXT standouts and returning legends, who shows up could rewrite the path to WrestleMania before it even begins.
In this article, we deep-dive into why Bianca Belair is positioned for a possible Royal Rumble triumph and explore five surprise entrants that might shock the WWE Universe on January 25, 2026.
Royal Rumble 2026: Overview Table
| Event | WWE Royal Rumble 2026 |
|---|---|
| Date | January 25, 2026 |
| Location | Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, NV |
| Main Attractions | Men’s and Women’s Royal Rumble Matches |
| Favorites to Win | Bianca Belair (Women), Cody Rhodes (Men) |
| Potential Surprise Entrants | AJ Lee, Kazuchika Okada, Bron Breakker, Naomi, Trish Stratus |
Why Bianca Belair Holds the Momentum
Bianca Belair has come full circle since debuting on the main roster. From a star-making performance at WrestleMania 37 to consistently delivering high-caliber matches throughout 2023 to 2025, the former WWE Raw Women’s Champion has proven she belongs in the upper echelon. After a few high-profile losses in the last half of 2025, Belair appears more determined than ever to reclaim her spot at the top.
Analysts have cited her growing popularity, in-ring evolution, and storyline potential as standout reasons why she could be poised for another Royal Rumble win. Her previous victory in 2021 set her on a historical path, and repeating it in 2026 would tie her with the likes of Steve Austin and Hulk Hogan—elite company, to say the least.
Bianca isn’t just a fan favorite—she’s the kind of performer built for WrestleMania main events. If WWE is smart, they’ll let her punch her ticket to the biggest stage again.
— Lisa Harrington, Wrestling Analyst
What changed this year for the women’s division
Over the past year, WWE’s women’s division has undergone a refreshing shift. With newer faces like Lyra Valkyria and Cora Jade gaining traction and veterans like Bayley and Charlotte Flair taking intermittent breaks, the division entered 2026 in flux. This opens a crucial lane for someone like Belair, who straddles the line between experience and appeal, to assert herself once again as the cornerstone star of the division.
The absence of Ronda Rousey and ongoing injury of Becky Lynch means WWE has an opportunity to build fresh headliners for WrestleMania. Bianca Belair’s unique blend of power, crowd rapport, and credibility positions her as the perfect figure to fill that vacuum.
Top five surprise entrants no one will see coming
This year’s women’s Royal Rumble match is likely to feature several unexpected returns and debuts. Here’s a look at five possible surprise entrants that could steal the spotlight—and perhaps even change WWE forever.
AJ Lee
Arguably the most rumored name going into the Rumble, AJ Lee’s WWE return—if it happens—would be a seismic event. Retired in 2015, AJ has remained a voice in the wider wrestling world. A re-entry into the Rumble would generate deafening reactions and reignite dream feuds with Bayley or Charlotte Flair.
Kazuchika Okada
Okada’s potential WWE debut has been running wild in insider chats. A five-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion and Japanese icon, his inclusion in the men’s Royal Rumble match would be a shocking cross-promotional moment. Fans wouldn’t just cheer—they’d erupt. WWE has slowly opened its borders to crossovers, so landing Okada is not as far-fetched as it used to be.
Naomi
A fan favorite who hasn’t been seen on WWE programming since early 2024, Naomi’s return would excite the live crowd and reestablish her as a force in the women’s division. Her glow-in-the-dark entrance and athletic arsenal are tailor-made for a splashy comeback at a marquee event like the Rumble.
Bron Breakker
Fresh off a dominant NXT run, Bron Breakker has all the tools to make an instant Raw or SmackDown splash. The Rumble is historically a launchpad for new stars; think John Cena or Roman Reigns. Breakker’s no-nonsense power game would easily earn him a spot among the final five.
Trish Stratus
Can it be a Royal Rumble without a Hall of Famer returning? Trish Stratus shocked fans in 2018 and more recently renewed her rivalry with Becky Lynch in 2023. Though semi-retired, her appearance would thread WWE history into current narratives—a move the company loves to execute this time of year.
Who else could pose a threat to Belair?
Though Bianca Belair is a top favorite, she faces stiff competition from established superstars like Raquel Rodriguez, Iyo Sky, and the returning Shayna Baszler. Perhaps the biggest obstacle, though, is Bayley, who has been on a quiet redemption tour, building wins and momentum leading into January.
Add to the mix the rumored debut of Jade Cargill, and suddenly, the Rumble becomes trickier for Belair. Cargill, formerly of AEW, could shift the entire paradigm if entered late in the match.
If WWE wants to make Jade Cargill a star on Night One, giving her a Rumble win in debut fashion would be a bold move
— Tony Marks, WWE Insider
What a win could mean for Bianca Belair’s career
A second Royal Rumble win would catapult Bianca into exclusive territory. It would also likely lead to a marquee WrestleMania match against either Iyo Sky for the WWE Women’s Championship or Rhea Ripley for the World Women’s Championship.
Whichever path she takes, one thing is clear—**WWE views Belair as a generational star**, and this Rumble win might just be the confirmation stamp on an already elite resume.
Winners and Losers of the Royal Rumble 2026 Buildup
| Winners | Losers |
|---|---|
| Bianca Belair | Lacey Evans |
| Jade Cargill | Aliyah |
| Bayley | Doudrop |
| Bron Breakker | Baron Corbin |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When and where is WWE Royal Rumble 2026?
The WWE Royal Rumble 2026 takes place on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Is Bianca Belair a former Royal Rumble winner?
Yes, Bianca Belair won the Women’s Royal Rumble match in 2021 and went on to win the SmackDown Women’s Championship at WrestleMania 37.
Who are the rumored surprise entrants for Royal Rumble 2026?
Some of the most discussed surprise entrants include AJ Lee, Kazuchika Okada, Naomi, Bron Breakker, and Trish Stratus.
Who is expected to be Bianca Belair’s toughest competition?
Potential contenders who could challenge Belair include Bayley, Jade Cargill, Raquel Rodriguez, and Rhea Ripley.
Could AJ Lee really return to WWE?
While nothing is confirmed, AJ Lee’s name continues to trend on social media, and her return would be a huge moment for WWE and longtime fans.
Does winning the Royal Rumble guarantee a title match?
Yes, Royal Rumble winners earn a championship shot of their choosing at WrestleMania, typically for either the Raw or SmackDown world titles.
How can I watch WWE Royal Rumble 2026?
The event will be available to stream on the WWE Network and via select pay-per-view providers.
Will there be any NXT stars in the Rumble this year?
While nothing is confirmed, there are strong rumors that Bron Breakker and Cora Jade from NXT might make their main roster debuts in the Rumble.
About the Author
