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: Angelo Dawkins & Wife Expecting Third Child, Cody Rhodes Appearance Set for 3/27 WWE SmackDown Show, Backstage Update on WWE’s Original Plans for Randy Orton vs. Cody Rhodes Match
AEW: Tommaso Ciampa on “There’s Some Really Cool Plans In The Works” for His Evolving Character in AEW, Bandido Reportedly Dealing with Work Visa Issue, AEW Reportedly Made Several Plans Changes After “Timeless” Toni Storm Injuries
AEW Dynamite Ratings – March 18, 2026 – Highest Viewership Since June of 2025




