The latest WWE rumors have the wrestling world buzzing as we head into Royal Rumble weekend. Here's your complete WWE rumors roundup for January 27, 2026.
Royal Rumble Production Described as WrestleMania-Level
Backstage talk at Monday's RAW indicated that the Royal Rumble production in Saudi Arabia is shaping up to be the largest WWE has ever staged in the kingdom. Sources describe the production plans as being comparable to WrestleMania, setting the stage for a truly massive event this Saturday.
Seth Rollins Rules Out Royal Rumble Return
Fans hoping to see Seth Rollins make a surprise Royal Rumble return will have to wait a bit longer. The former World Champion confirmed to ESPN that his doctors have not cleared him to compete, ending speculation about a potential comeback at this weekend's event.
Rollins expressed his disappointment, saying he would love nothing more than to enter the Rumble match and punch his ticket to WrestleMania, but the medical staff simply won't allow it at this time.
John Cena Fueling AJ Styles Retirement Speculation
John Cena has been posting photos of AJ Styles on his Instagram account, which has only intensified speculation that Styles may be hanging up his boots this weekend at the Royal Rumble. Styles faces GUNTHER with his career on the line, and Cena's cryptic social media activity has fans convinced the end may truly be near for the Phenomenal One.
PWInsider Elite previously reported that Styles was expected to "finish up before WrestleMania 42," with the Royal Rumble being "one of the choices" for his final match. This aligns with GUNTHER's positioning as the "Career Killer," having defeated Goldberg and John Cena in their respective retirement matches.
CM Punk Rumored as WWE 2K26 Cover Star
CM Punk is rumored to be the cover star for WWE 2K26, according to a report from Mike Straw at Insider Gaming. Interestingly, WWE has already revealed the three special edition covers—Monday Night War, Attitude Era, and King of Kings—all featuring Triple H, making The Game the true centerpiece of this year's game release regardless of the standard edition cover.
The upcoming WWE 2K26 video game releases on Friday, March 13, 2026, according to gaming insider Billbil-kun of Dealabs.
Tommaso Ciampa Officially Done with WWE
Tommaso Ciampa has been added to WWE's Alumni section on the company website, and new merchandise has appeared on Pro Wrestling Tees. This officially signals the end of his latest run with the company. Given his track record and popularity, it likely won't be long before we see the Blackheart resurface elsewhere on the wrestling landscape.
Rumor: Finn Balor Leaving Judgment Day
CM Punk's recent on-screen advice to Finn Bálor to think about his legacy and consider leaving The Judgment Day if he truly wants to become World Champion has sparked fresh speculation that WWE may be preparing a major character shift for the former Universal Champion.
Between Punk framing Dominik Mysterio as "garbage" holding Bálor back, visible tension with Judgment Day members like Dominik and Liv Morgan, and growing fan buzz around Bálor's more sympathetic presentation, many observers now see a possible split from the faction as a realistic direction, with some even predicting a full babyface turn and renewed singles push as WrestleMania season approaches.
McIntyre's Title Reign Could Extend to WrestleMania
Drew McIntyre's latest WWE Championship win is rumored to be the start of a sustained main-event run rather than a quick transitional reign, with internal chatter suggesting he is penciled in to remain champion heading into WrestleMania 42.
WWE is continuing his heated feud with Cody Rhodes on the Road to WrestleMania, with backstage speculation that Rhodes could be steered back into title contention via a major stipulation bout such as the Elimination Chamber instead of relying solely on a Royal Rumble victory to refresh their storyline dynamic.
Will Wardlow Follow Hobbs to WWE?
With Powerhouse Hobbs to be under WWE contract, Hall of Famer Bully Ray is encouraging Wardlow to follow suit.
On Busted Open Radio, the broadcaster from Dudleyville, USA says Wardlow is another big man who would benefit from a change of scenery after years of stagnation in AEW.
Which of these rumors are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments below.