Five potential surprise returns ahead of WWE Crown Jewel 2026 in Riyadh

Several high-profile names are being linked to potential surprise returns at WWE Crown Jewel 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, which is scheduled for November 7 at The Venue (ANB Arena) after plans to stage the event at KAFD changed.

The Stamford-based promotion has put together a star-studded match card for the pay-per-view-like event and could see those matches disrupted or enhanced by unannounced reappearances. Four matches have been announced for the PLE with three titles on the line, and one of the marquee bouts is Roman Reigns vs Sami Zayn. The World Heavyweight Champion will face the Undisputed Champion in a Men’s Crown Jewel Championship Match.

Stephanie Vaquer was ruled out of action for a reported medical reason after Adam Pearce’s announcement on RAW last week, but because the absence was not injury-related there remains a possibility that La Primera could be back in time for Crown Jewel and make an impact on the namesake Women’s title match at the event.

Jacob Fatu has been absent from action since the night Jaida Parker ran him over with her car; with Cruz Montana joining 946 and The Bloodline reduced in numbers, the Samoan Werewolf is among the names who could return at the PLE to even the odds in the ongoing rivalry.

The Bloodline currently lacks a female presence to counter Jaida Parker’s involvement in 946, and Naomi — who has been absent since last year due to pregnancy — is listed among the possible returns who could re-enter the storyline at Crown Jewel.

Oba Femi, described as one of the top rising attractions on the broadcast, has been out for a few weeks; The Ruler could resurface at the mega PLE to influence the World Tag Team Championships match involving his allies Penta and Je’Von Evans against The Vision.

Drew McIntyre’s last televised appearance for the promotion was at WrestleMania 42, and he has said he would eventually return while working on projects outside the company; he is named as a candidate to reappear at Crown Jewel and potentially insert himself into the World Championship feud by interfering in the main event match.

Crown Jewel will take place on November 7 at The Venue (ANB Arena) in Riyadh; for more updates, follow Khel Now Wrestling on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join their community on Telegram & Whatsapp.