Seth Rollins Addresses Idea of Possible Royal Rumble Return in Saudi Arabia

Seth Rollins has officially confirmed he won’t be entering the 2026 Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia.

Speaking on ESPN First Take just days ahead of the January 31 event in Riyadh, the former World Heavyweight Champion shut down any speculation about a surprise return, citing his recovery from rotator cuff surgery.

“Well, well, pump the brakes on me participating in the Royal Rumble. I’m not ready there yet. I just had my rotator cuff done in October. I’ve got a couple months left to go. I wish I could get myself in there, but that’s not going to be the case.”

When asked directly if there was any chance he might appear at the Rumble since Rollins is a man of surprises, he didn’t hesitate to shut it down once and for all.

“Oh, man. No, you know what? I’ll give it away. I’m not going to be at the Rumble. I cannot. I can’t. I just can’t. I would love to be in there and dump all those dudes over the top rope and punch my card to WrestleMania, but the doctors are just not going to let it happen this time around, unfortunately.”

Rollins has been out of action since suffering a torn rotator cuff during WWE Crown Jewel in October 2025—an injury that not only cost him the title but sparked the vicious turn by The Vision on RAW. While he told Men’s Health earlier this month that his goal was to be back in time for WrestleMania 42, his Rumble update puts any early return rumors to rest.

Despite that, fans can still hold out hope. WWE hasn’t forgotten how to build a story around Rollins—and if he’s cleared by April, don’t be surprised to see him back on the road to WrestleMania.

Are you disappointed Seth Rollins won’t be in this year’s Royal Rumble? Do you still want to see him at WrestleMania 42? Drop your thoughts below—we want to hear from you.

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