After a prolonged absence from WWE television that had fans speculating about his future, the wait for Roman Reigns' return is officially over. The megastar, last seen in November 2025, has been confirmed for his first appearance of 2026 in a major announcement that has electrified the wrestling world.
Royal Rumble Return Confirmed on SmackDown
During the January 23 episode of Friday Night SmackDown, WWE made the significant revelation that Roman Reigns has declared himself for the 2026 Men's Royal Rumble match. This premium live event is scheduled for January 31 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marking a historic moment as it becomes the first Royal Rumble edition to take place outside the United States.
The timing couldn't be more dramatic, with the road to WrestleMania 42 about to begin. Reigns' return in Saudi Arabia adds an extra layer of excitement to an already anticipated event, bringing "The Tribal Chief" back to the spotlight where he has dominated for years.
Looking Back at a Challenging 2025
Roman Reigns' last competitive appearance occurred at WWE Survivor Series 2025, where he participated in the Men's WarGames match. Teaming with CM Punk, Cody Rhodes, Jey Uso, and Jimmy Uso, Reigns faced off against a formidable opponent team consisting of Logan Paul, Bronson Reed, Bron Breakker, Brock Lesnar, and Drew McIntyre.
The match ended in a major loss for Reigns' team, and it featured a particularly tense face-off with his teammate and heated rival Cody Rhodes. This capped off what proved to be a difficult year for the record-breaking former Undisputed WWE Champion, who experienced several setbacks:
- His former advisor Paul Heyman betrayed him to side with iconic rival Seth Rollins
- He suffered a loss in the main event of WrestleMania 41
- He was handed his first singles loss after WrestleMania 40 by Bronson Reed
- He was taken out of action by numerous superstars throughout the year
A Fresh Start in 2026 with Major Opportunities
With the new year comes new possibilities for Roman Reigns. His entry into the Royal Rumble presents a chance to win the match for only the second time in his career, with his last victory coming over a decade ago. Success in the Rumble could propel him toward significant achievements:
- Earning his 11th WrestleMania main event match
- Securing an opportunity to regain the World Championship
- Potentially headlining WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas later this year
All eyes will be on Riyadh as Reigns attempts to regain his momentum on his first night back in action. The 2026 Royal Rumble represents not just a return, but a potential turning point in the career of one of WWE's most dominant superstars.
