The latest WWE rumors have the wrestling world buzzing. With Royal Rumble 2026 just days away and Saturday Night's Main Event headed to Montreal this weekend, we filter out the noise and catch you up to speed in this WWE rumors roundup for January 22, 2026.
EVIL Expected to Leave NJPW for WWE
One of the biggest WWE rumors today involves former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion EVIL, who has reportedly given his notice to New Japan Pro Wrestling. Multiple sources indicate WWE is his likely destination.
Bryan Alvarez reported on Wrestling Observer Live that "EVIL might be on his way out of New Japan, and it is strongly rumored that he will end up in WWE."
EVIL, a former IWGP Heavyweight Champion, Intercontinental Champion, and Tag Team Champion, has been a staple of NJPW's House of Torture faction. His potential move to WWE would mark another significant international acquisition for the company following its recent partnership with AAA.
El Hijo Del Vikingo Under Direct WWE Contract
According to PWInsider Elite, El Hijo Del Vikingo holds a unique contract situation compared to the rest of the AAA roster.
While most AAA wrestlers remain signed to AAA following WWE's acquisition, Vikingo is reportedly under a direct WWE contract. This suggests WWE views the high-flying luchador as a priority talent with potential for their main programming.
Chad Gable Return Pitched for January 26 Raw
Chad Gable may be inching closer to his return to WWE television. There's a rumor that internal discussions have included pitches for Gable to make his comeback on the January 26 episode of WWE Raw in Toronto.
Gable has been absent from WWE programming, and with Raw heading to Canada, the timing would make sense for his return. However, nothing has been officially confirmed.
Chris Jericho SmackDown/SNME Appearance Debunked
With WWE bringing both SmackDown and Saturday Night's Main Event to Montreal this weekend, speculation had ramped up about a potential Chris Jericho appearance. The Canadian legend has been the subject of WWE return rumors for months.
However, reports indicate that Jericho will not be appearing at either show this weekend, putting those specific rumors to rest—at least for now.
Injured Star Favorite to Win Royal Rumble
Betting odds have revealed an interesting WWE rumor: an injured star is the favorite to win the Women's Royal Rumble match. While not officially named, speculation points to Charlotte Flair.
The Royal Rumble has historically been a prime spot for surprise returns, and Flair making her comeback in Riyadh would certainly generate one of the biggest reactions of the night.
Mystery Caller to Adam Pearce Storyline
On this week's Raw, Adam Pearce received a mysterious phone call that left Paul Heyman pleased. The Wiseman teased that Pearce was speaking with "someone powerful" that even top WWE officials would not want to hear from.
Logan Paul, speaking on his vlog, suggested it must be "The Big Man"—though he clarified it wasn't Triple H. Fan speculation and WWE rumors have run wild, with theories ranging from a returning legend to a new authority figure being introduced.
Seth Rollins WrestleMania 42 Status Uncertain
Seth Rollins provided an update on his recovery from shoulder surgery, with WWE rumors swirling about his WrestleMania timeline.
"I hope to be cleared by the time WrestleMania rolls around," Rollins told Men's Health, while describing his current rehab process as "awful" and "way worse" than previous knee injuries.
With The Vision storyline continuing in his absence, speculation has grown about who might join Rollins in a potential faction upon his return to combat the group.
Celebrity Royal Rumble Betting Odds
Betting sites have released odds on potential celebrity appearances at the Royal Rumble in Riyadh, adding fuel to WWE rumors about surprise entrants:
- IShowSpeed: 30.77% implied chance of appearing
- Jake Paul: Also listed among possibilities
WWE has a history of including surprise celebrity entrants in Royal Rumble matches, and with the event taking place in Saudi Arabia, the company may look to maximize star power.
Additional WWE Rumors and Notes
- Finn Balor character change: Sam Roberts pitched a major character shift for Balor after crowds cheered him over CM Punk during their Belfast title match
- Penta teases surprise with George Kittle: The WWE star hinted at a "big surprise" involving the NFL tight end, calling it "very special"
- "Royce Keys" trademark filed: WWE filed a new trademark on January 20, sparking speculation about a potential new ring name for an upcoming talent
- WWE LFG Season 3 changes: Backstage reports indicate planned changes for the new season, with Kevin Owens rumored but not confirmed as a mentor
Which of these WWE rumors are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments below.
