Welcome to the latest edition of Sportskeeda Wrestling’s WWE News Roundup for February 1, 2026. In this edition, we’ll cover a legendary champion’s official retirement, Liv Morgan’s injury, and Roman Reigns’ possible WrestleMania 42 opponent.
We’ll also cover Brie Bella’s message after her return to the ring at the Royal Rumble and a former AEW star’s debut in the Stamford-based promotion. So, let’s get started.
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#5. WWE Hall of Famer Brie Bella sent a message after returning to the ring at the Royal Rumble
Brie Bella last competed inside the squared circle on WWE TV at the 2022 Women’s Royal Rumble. After a long hiatus, the legend returned to the ring at this year’s Rumble. She entered the 30-woman competition at the number 29 spot and reunited with Nikki Bella. However, The Bella Twins’ magic did not last long inside the ring as they were eliminated at the same time by Lash Legend.
After her return to WWE, Brie took to Instagram to share backstage photos with Nikkie. In the post’s caption, the Hall of Famer wrote that she was extremely grateful to her fans for the support and the warm welcome she received from the crowd in Riyadh at the Rumble.
She also confirmed that The Bella Twins were back in the Stamford-based promotion.
“I can’t even express the gratitude I’m feeling right now. It’s been a journey to get here, but I’m back, and it feels good!!! Love you, Bella Army, for always standing with your girl, and thank you, Riyadh, for the very warm welcome, your chants and love meant everything ?????? BRIEMODE IS ACTIVATED And the Bella Twins are back!!!! YES! YES! YES!” Brie Bella wrote.
Check out her post below:
#4. Former AEW star Powerhouse Hobbs debuted in WWE at the Royal Rumble
Powerhouse Hobbs competed in All Elite Wrestling between 2020 and 2026. Since last year, Hobbs had been a part of Samoa Joe’s The Opps. He last competed inside the AEW ring on the January 14, 2026, taping of AEW Collision, where his stable dropped the World Trios Championship to Adam Page and JetSpeed.
After his final match, reports suggested that his AEW contract had expired and he chose not to re-sign with the Tony Khan-led promotion. There were several rumors of Powerhouse Hobbs signing a contract with WWE. It turns out that these rumors were true after all.
During the Men’s Royal Rumble Match, Hobbs debuted in the Stamford-based promotion under the ring name Royce Keys. He entered the Rumble at number 14 and lasted for a while before getting eliminated by Bronson Reed.
#3. Roman Reigns’ WrestleMania 42 opponent has possibly been revealed
Roman Reigns returned to the ring at this year’s Men’s Royal Rumble. In the final stages of the match, the OTC eliminated Gunther to win the Rumble. He will now challenge either CM Punk for the World Heavyweight Championship or Drew McIntyre for the Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania 42.
During the Royal Rumble Post-Show, McIntyre highlighted that he had a rich history with Reigns and The Bloodline. The Scottish Warrior insisted that the OTC pick him for this year’s ‘Mania, promising that he would destroy the OG Bloodline leader.
“Roman Reigns is a big enemy of Drew McIntyre. His Bloodline made my life a living hell for so long. So, if he wants to pick Drew McIntyre. I know he is on his own now. On his own, I would destroy Roman Reigns. Go for it, Roman, pick me. Let’s main event WrestleMania, I would drop your a**,” he said.
#2. Liv Morgan suffered an injury during the Royal Rumble weekend
Liv Morgan won this year’s Women’s Royal Rumble Match. Similar to Roman Reigns, she will now challenge either Stephanie Vaquer for the Women’s World Championship or Jade Cargill for the WWE Women’s Championship.
However, while holding the microphone during the Royal Rumble Post-Show, The Miracle Kid’s fingers could be seen all bruised up, but she didn’t reveal how or when she got injured.
It should be noted that this seems to be a minor injury, and it shouldn’t keep The Judgment Day star out of in-ring competition.
#1. A legendary 8-time WWE champion will no longer compete inside the ring
AJ Styles put his career on the line against Gunther at this year’s WWE Royal Rumble. Their match was filled with some incredible spots, and it was a back-and-forth affair. In the last stages of the bout, The Ring General showcased his domination by hitting his opponent with several vicious chops and locking in the sleeper hold multiple times.
Despite the former Imperium leader’s wrath, The Phenomal One tried his best to stay in the bout. However, the former World Heavyweight Champion ultimately made Styles pass out with the sleeper hold, ending the legend’s career.
After the match, AJ Styles took off his gloves to leave them in the middle of the ring, but he surprisingly wore them again to share a moment with the fans. Following this, many wondered if Styles suggested with this gesture that he was not done competing inside the ring. However, Peter Rosenberg recently confirmed that the legendary star revealed to him backstage that he has officially retired.
The Phenomenal One has retired with several titles to his name, including two WWE Championships, an Intercontinental Title, three United States Championships, and two World Tag Team Titles, making him an eight-time WWE champion.
Edited by Aashrit Satija
