The WWE superstars will continue to entertain the fans around the globe by participating in weekly shows and premium live events. The January 2nd Smackdown will be the first show of 2026. The first Raw of 2026 will be a big deal as WWE will celebrate the first year of their Netflix debut. CM Punk will defend his World Heavyweight Championship against Bron Breakker in the main event of the first Raw of 2026. Few WWE superstars will also make their return in 2026. Here, we have a look at them –
Roman Reigns
Roman Reigns has been on a part-time deal with WWE since 2022 and he makes very few appearances. Reigns has been absent from the WWE TV since the WarGames match at Survivor Series, which took place in November. Reigns is advertised for Royal Rumble and is expected to make his next return at the Saudi Arabia event.
Reigns might only make one appearance on a weekly show if he wants to announce his entry into the Royal Rumble beforehand. The OTC hasn’t won a Rumble since 2015. He is one of the favourites to win the 30-man match in 2026.
Seth Rollins
Seth Rollins has been away from the in-ring action since his win over Cody Rhodes at Crown Jewel 2025, which took place in Australia. Rollins defeated Cody despite suffering a shoulder injury during the match and went home with the Crown Jewel Championship.
Rollins is confimed that make his WWE return in 2026 but he hasn’t provided an official date yet. The two-time World Heavyweight Champion could make his return before Wrestlemania. For now, it is confirmed that he won’t be there at the Royal Rumble.
AJ Lee
AJ Lee is a part-time deal with WWE and she has been on a break from the company since Survivor Series. AJ forced Becky Lynch to tap out and they look all but set to lock horns at Wrestlemania. AJ is expected to make her return at the Royal Rumble. The former Divas champion might also participate in the Elimination Chamber match if she doesn’t win the Royal Rumble.
Brock Lesnar
Brock Lesnar hasn’t made a WWE appearance since the Survivor Series 2025. He is confirmed to participate in the Royal Rumble 2026. He isn’t expected to make a televised appearance before the Rumble.
Lesnar is likely to end his WWE career at SummerSlam 2026. The former WWE champion made his in-ring debut in 2002. He left WWE in 2004 before making a return in 2012. He was away from WWE from SummerSlam 2023 to 2025.
