Royal Rumble season is loud, unpredictable, and full of pressure — and on this episode of Marks With Mics, JT and El Cheech break down everything shaping the road to Royal Rumble 2026.
We open with the biggest question hanging over WWE right now:
👉 Are we looking at AJ Styles’ last WWE match?
AJ Styles vs Gunther isn’t framed like nostalgia — it’s framed like reality. WWE has leaned into the mileage, the legacy, and the pressure, with the storyline idea that if AJ loses, retirement could be on the table.
And if that chapter closes, JT & El Cheech ask the real follow-ups:
• Does AJ return to TNA, where his legend was built?
• Does he test himself in AEW for one final run?
• Or is WWE truly the final stop?
Before even entertaining that question, they remind listeners why AJ is still held to this standard:
• AJ Styles vs CM Punk — elite storytelling and pacing
• AJ Styles vs Shinsuke Nakamura — chemistry and striking that delivered another certified banger
Those weren’t “good for their age” matches — they were bangers, period.
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⚔️ SATURDAY NIGHT’S MAIN EVENT — MONTREAL 🇨🇦
JT & El Cheech break down the fallout from Montreal and what it means heading into Royal Rumble weekend:
• Fatal 4-Way No. 1 Contender’s Match (Sami Zayn, Randy Orton, Damian Priest, Trick Williams)
• Cody Rhodes vs Jacob Fatu
• AJ Styles vs Shinsuke Nakamura
• WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship
(Rhea Ripley & IYO SKY vs Liv Morgan & Roxanne Perez)
They focus on crowd energy, match placement, and momentum, not just results.
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🔄 TNA IMPACT + FEAST OR FIRED (2026)
A full breakdown of TNA Impact and the 2026 Feast or Fired briefcase reveal, where careers instantly changed.
Briefcase holders:
• Steve Maclin
• Eddie Edwards
• Trey Miguel
• Eric Young
One World Title shot.
One Tag Title shot.
One X-Division Title shot.
One pink slip.
Career roulette — timing is everything.
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🌱 NXT FALLOUT (JANUARY 27, 2026)
• Ms. Parker debuts a new finisher
• Keanu Carver’s finisher may be weak, but his presence is undeniable
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🌍 INDIE & CULTURE WATCH
• Ricky Sosa’s viral “Bang Bang Sosa Sosa” entrance
• Crossover attention from WorldStarHipHop
• Why presentation and moments matter just as much as wins
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📊 AEW + TNA CHECK-IN
• AEW Collision Saturday night ratings
• Momentum shifts across AEW and TNA heading into Royal Rumble season
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🚑 INJURY UPDATES
• Rey Mysterio — Royal Rumble status in question
• Jake Doyle — bicep injury
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📰 RUMORS & NEWS
(Speculation clearly labeled)
• Possible Royal Rumble surprises:
• Will Hobbs (also linked to the name Royce Keys)
• Chris Jericho
• Paige
• NJPW buzz:
• EVIL possibly rebranding as Sinister
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🧠 INDUSTRY HEALTH
• A real conversation on Jim Ross
• Longevity, safety, and knowing when to step back
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📲 FOLLOW MARKS WITH MICS
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This isn’t hot takes for clicks.
This is real wrestling conversation.
Bang Bang… Rumble Rumble. 💥
