Sat Jan 31 22:10:00 UTC 2026: # Jim Ross Speculates on Jericho and Hobbs’ Royal Rumble Appearance, AEW Ratings Dip
The Story:
Wrestling commentator Jim Ross has stirred speculation about the potential WWE debut of former AEW stars Chris Jericho and Powerhouse Hobbs (possibly under the name Royce Keys) at the Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia on Saturday, January 31, 2026. Ross, on his “Grilling JR” podcast, suggested Jericho’s business acumen would make a Rumble appearance a “no-brainer” and indicated he’d been in recent contact with Hobbs, who he believes WWE would utilize immediately. This news comes as AEW reportedly faces declining ratings, potentially worsened by a scheduling conflict with the WWE Royal Rumble event.
Key Points:
- Jim Ross anticipates Chris Jericho and Powerhouse Hobbs appearing at the WWE Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia on January 31, 2026.
- Ross believes Jericho is “too smart” to miss the opportunity for a high-profile return.
- He mentioned recent communication with Hobbs, hinting at a potential debut under the name Royce Keys.
- Ross acknowledges his statements are speculative, based on rumors and logical assumptions.
- AEW is reportedly experiencing declining ratings, which may be further impacted by the Royal Rumble competition.
- AEW Dynamite had its biggest audience in four months as of January 28.
Key Takeaways:
- Industry veterans like Jim Ross still wield significant influence, driving speculation and fan excitement.
- The movement of wrestlers between AEW and WWE remains a constant source of intrigue and can impact ratings.
- AEW faces ongoing challenges in maintaining consistent viewership and competing with WWE’s established presence.
- Speculation surrounding surprise Royal Rumble appearances is a perennial feature of the wrestling landscape.
- Wrestler’s value in the industry can be impacted by strategic booking and timing, as suggested by Ross’s comments.
First Piper 