WWE contacted Rikishi to participate in Sunday’s 30-Man Royal Rumble Match but the veteran wrestler is unable to appear due to a prior commitment, Jerry “The King” Lawler revealed in an interview with The New York Post promoting WrestleMania Axxess.
“I do know that they had contacted Rikishi, but he had a prior commitment that he could not get out of. My son Brian told me that it was just a commitment he literally could not get out of even though he really wanted to [be in the Rumble],” Lawler said.
Lawler also hinted that former stars could resurface as surprise entrants.
“The Royal Rumble has become our next biggest and most fan-favorite pay-per-view. It’s so unpredictable. I know for a fact, I don’t know who it will be, but there’s always some surprise entrants. There will be some people that you didn’t have a clue they were going to be involved in the Rumble.”
To read the full interview, click here.
2 WWE Royal Rumble Surprise & One Is A **HUGE** Name Returning (>>)!!!
WWE: Royce Keys on His WWE Debut Taking Place at Royal Rumble 2026, Dominik Mysterio Shoulder Injury & Return Plans Update, Brie Bella WWE Return Plans Update, Location Set for WrestleMania 42 Week WWE RAW & SmackDown Shows
WWE Royal Rumble 2026 Notes Part II: Roman Reigns Wins 2026 Men’s Royal Rumble, Oba Femi Main Roster In-Ring Debut, Bron Breakker Gets Attacked By Mystery Attacker, AAA’s Mr. Iguana & La Parka Surprise Entrants, Original El Grande Americano & LA Knight Returns, Royce Keys Makes WWE Debut
Various: AAA Cruiserweight Title #1 Contender Four-Way Match Set for 1/31 AAA TV Show, Steve Maclin on Him Getting The Fired Briefcase from Feast or Fired Match & Being Fired from TNA, Full List of Winners of 2025 Pro Wrestling Illustrated Awards




