• Replacement Revealed For Royal Rumble 2026
WWE is heading into its biggest international show of 2026 with a new hand behind the camera. In a surprising production shift, Marty Miller, the veteran director responsible for the look of major shows like WrestleMania, will not be in Saudi Arabia to call the shots for the Royal Rumble.
The change comes as WWE’s parent company, TKO, begins to blend its sports properties. According to PWInsider, Miller is staying in the United States to direct a Zuffa Boxing event airing on Paramount+.
Stepping into the high-pressure role is Lee Lipschulz, the current director of SmackDown. While Lipschulz is a seasoned pro who handles weekly television and post-show specials, directing a stadium-sized Royal Rumble in Riyadh is a different beast entirely.
With surprises planned and complex camera cuts required for the Royal Rumble matches, Lipschulz will be under the microscope as he leads the crew for this historic event.
This transition marks a rare moment where a “Big Four” premium live event won’t have Miller’s signature touch.
• After Seth Rollins, Another WWE Wrestler Is Expected To Miss WrestleMania 42 Due To Injury
JD McDonagh is expected to remain sidelined for an extended period, with his return timeline from injury likely stretching beyond WrestleMania 42.
During WrestleVotes Live on Fightful Select, it was noted that McDonagh isn’t close to resuming in-ring activity. Based on what has been heard, his absence is expected to continue through the early part of the year, ruling him out of near-term premium live events.
The belief is that McDonagh will not be ready in time for the Royal Rumble or Elimination Chamber, and his recovery is instead being projected closer to the spring.
Even then, WrestleVotes indicated that a return around WrestleMania season is uncertain, with the more realistic expectation being sometime after WrestleMania 42.
McDonagh joins Seth Rollins, who is another RAW Superstar that is expected to miss WrestleMania 42 due to injury.
• Major Name Might Return For WrestleMania 42
WWE is reportedly exploring the use of major legacy stars to strengthen future WrestleMania cards, with both The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin discussed as possible attractions.
On WrestleVotes Live on Fightful Select, it was suggested that Steve Austin could make an appearance at WrestleMania 42 if WWE feels the card needs an additional boost. His name has come up internally as someone who could be used to add star power, whether in a match, confrontation, or special segment designed to elevate the overall presentation of the event. WrestleVotes recently reported that Austin is expected to make an appearance on WWE TV in the near future.
The Rock was also mentioned in the context of longer-term planning. While there is no immediate confirmation of his involvement, the belief is that WWE continues to keep the door open for a future WrestleMania appearance if the timing and circumstances align. His name has reportedly circulated in internal discussions connected to major events down the line, especially WrestleMania 43 in Saudi Arabia in 2027.
WWE is willing to invest heavily in iconic names to enhance their biggest shows. With WrestleMania remaining the company’s flagship event, bringing back high-profile stars like The Rock or Stone Cold Steve Austin is viewed as a strategic option rather than a one-off novelty.
