WWE reportedly had a variety of names backstage for the Royal Rumble PPV but didn’t really plan on using them. They wanted to swerve the Internet and have it leak the names that would appear. Randy Orton was backstage and was in his ring gear. Other names included Alex Riley, Sean Waltman, Chris Jericho and Nikolai Volkoff. WWE didn’t intend on using any of these people except for Riley. They were simply wanting to create buzz over the possible names.
The plan with Riley was to actually put him in the match at some point, but they ended up changing their minds. That’s why Riley was not a part of the Royal Rumble kickoff show.
100% DIRECT LINK (*PICS*): The Bella Twins In Sexy Bikini’s!
AEW Revolution 2026 Part I Notes: Luchasaurus, Adam Copeland, Christian Cage, & Will Ospreay Makes Surprise Returns, Jungle Jack Perry Wins AEW National Title, Ronda Rousey Surprise Appears & Calls Out “Timeless” Toni Storm, Divine Dominion Wins AEW Women’s Tag Titles
AEW: Backstage Update on Will Ospreay’s Neck Injury & Return Plans, Reason for Excalibur’s Abscense From 3/11 AEW Dynamite Show, Jamie Hayter on “Women Are Under The Microscope A Lot More Than Men Are” for Wrestling Matches
Various: Charlie (Dakota Kai) To Make In-Ring Debut for House of Glory at HOG Culture Clash, AAA World Cruiserweight Title Four-way Match Set for AAA Rey de Reyes 2026, Current Card for 3/13 ROH TV Special Episode, Indies/Misc.
