The day has come for the 2026 Royal Rumble. It is hard to believe this is the ninth women’s Royal Rumble Match, but it did take us a while to get here.
Just ahead of the show, which will be airing at 2PM ET in the United States, let’s go over some hopeful surprise that us here at Diva Dirt would like to see. The rumble match isn’t always guaranteed to have surprise entrants, but it is always fun when it happens. These five will not include any current roster members. So AJ Lee, Nikki Bella, Tiffany Stratton, Bianca Belair, and others who have been missing in action won’t count on our picks.
Let’s get to it!
Brie Bella
It’s time.
It has been a full year since Nikki Bella returned to WWE. She appeared in the 2025 Royal Rumble Match and it is only fitting to bring back Brie as the road to WrestleMania begins. Nikki had some quests for singles gold in 2025 and came up short. Have her twin return and chase after the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships leading up to a WrestleMania encounter.
Eve Torres
If there is one true Diva to return this year, let it be Eve Torres. A former three-time Divas Champion who left in-ring action at the peak of her dominance could use another moment. She has not had a match since 2013 when she left WWE. Eve has been a brand ambassador for the company since, and has appeared very limited times on WWE programming.
The IIconics
The IIconics are free agents, and what better way to be ushered back into WWE than at the Royal Rumble. The duo who went by The IInspiration in TNA have wrapped up their most recent run with the company. Unlike some on this list, this would signify a return as opposed to just a spot. Having the comedy queens of the rumble back wouldn’t hurt either.
Paige
Paige is perhaps the most expected name on this list by fans. Currently not signed with any company, Paige has been back in the ring training after taking some time off. She has also never participated in a Royal Rumble match, and was pulled from the initial one in 2018 due to her neck injury.
Paige, if returning to the company, would be interesting to see where she fits in. Especially now that the NXT General Manager position is open.
Jazz
Outside of Eve returning, a Jazz return would be a dream for many women’s wrestling fans. Jazz hasn’t been shy about her up and down past with WWE, but has gone on to say that she would make a Royal Rumble appearance if given a month’s notice. Let’s hope that the former two-time Women’s Champion was given notice, and also a Hall of Fame nod as well.
Check back in with Diva Dirt during the Royal Rumble event to chat about the show!