Nick Khan Explains Lack of Surprise Entrants at 2026 Royal Rumble

TLDR

Nick Khan addressed the lack of surprise entrants at the 2026 Royal Rumble during an appearance on the Bill Simmons podcast, explaining that modern wrestlers have longer careers due to advances in science and training, making it harder to find available returning stars from past eras. Khan cited specific examples of why certain legends can't return, noting that Hulk Hogan has passed away, Stone Cold Steve Austin retired at 38, and Kurt Angle can't be medically cleared due to knee issues and recent surgery. He emphasized that the issue isn't about creative decisions but about the limited pool of viable performers who are both available and physically able to compete.