# Road to WrestleMania 42: AJ Styles to AEW?, Brock Lesnar’s Return, and Major WWE Injury Updates
The Road to **WrestleMania 42** is officially in high gear. Following a transformative Royal Rumble in Riyadh, the professional wrestling world is buzzing with contract rumors, massive returns, and unfortunate injury setbacks. As of February 11, 2026, the landscape of both WWE and AEW is shifting rapidly.
From the uncertain future of "The Phenomenal One" to the impending return of "The Beast," here are the top seven stories you need to know today.
## 1. AJ Styles: Retirement or an AEW "World Tour"?
The wrestling world is still reeling from AJ Styles’ loss to Gunther in their high-stakes "Career vs. Championship" match at the Royal Rumble. While many expected a definitive retirement, Styles notably did not leave his gloves in the ring.
According to **PWInsider**, while retirement was the focal point of his January negotiations, Styles recently told Stephanie McMahon to "never say never." This has sparked massive speculation that Styles may not be done quite yet. Rumors are swirling that **AEW** is preparing a massive offer for a "final world tour" that would reunite Styles with longtime friends The Young Bucks and Kenny Omega.
## 2. The Beast Returns: Brock Lesnar’s WrestleMania Path
WWE has officially confirmed that **Brock Lesnar** will make his televised return on the **February 23 episode of Monday Night RAW** in Atlanta. This will be his first appearance since the Royal Rumble, where he was eliminated in a shock double-team effort by Cody Rhodes and LA Knight.
Internal reports from the **Wrestling Observer** suggest that WWE is moving toward a massive "passing of the torch" match for WrestleMania 42. The current leading pitch is **Brock Lesnar vs. Oba Femi**, a powerhouse collision designed to cement Femi as the next dominant force in the industry.
## 3. Cody Rhodes Forced into the Elimination Chamber
The rivalry between Undisputed WWE Champion **Drew McIntyre** and **Cody Rhodes** has taken a dark, legal turn. McIntyre has reportedly used "contract manipulation" to void Cody’s automatic rematch clause, leaving the American Nightmare without a clear path to the title.
As a result, Rhodes has been forced to enter the **Elimination Chamber** later this month to earn his way back to the main event of WrestleMania. Fans should expect a "visceral and angry" version of Cody Rhodes moving forward as he attempts to navigate McIntyre’s psychological warfare.
## 4. AEW Dynamite Preview: Championship Double Header & Mystery Team
AEW hits Ontario, California tonight for a stacked episode of *Dynamite*. The card is headlined by two major title fights:
* **AEW Women’s World Championship:** Kris Statlander defends against Thekla in a brutal "Straplander" Strap Match.
* **TNT Championship:** Tommaso Ciampa defends against the high-flying Kyle Fletcher.
The biggest talking point, however, remains the **"Wild Card" mystery team** set to face the Young Bucks and The Rascalz in a #1 Contenders match. While names like Private Party are being tossed around, **Fightful Select** notes that AEW is keeping the identity of this team "extremely close to the vest."
## 5. Bianca Belair Recovery Hits a Roadblock
There is somber news regarding "The EST of WWE." **Bianca Belair** has been out of action since WrestleMania 41 dealing with severe hand and finger injuries. While a Royal Rumble return was the original goal, **Bodyslam+** reports that her rehabilitation has faced significant setbacks.
While WWE still has her penciled in for a potential tag team reunion with **Jade Cargill** at WrestleMania 42, her medical clearance remains up in the air. We wish Bianca a speedy and full recovery.
## 6. Royce Keys (Powerhouse Hobbs) Spotted at WWE HQ
The artist formerly known as Powerhouse Hobbs, now competing as **Royce Keys**, was spotted at WWE Headquarters in Stamford today. Keys has been one of the most talked-about "free agent" acquisitions for WWE since leaving AEW.
While he was reportedly in town to film for Stephanie McMahon’s podcast, creative sources indicate that Keys is set to join the **SmackDown** roster permanently following the Elimination Chamber. WWE appears to have "monster" plans for his blue-brand debut.
## 7. Bron Breakker Out Indefinitely Following Surgery
In a major blow to the RAW roster, WWE has confirmed that **Bron Breakker** is sidelined indefinitely. Breakker underwent successful surgery for a hernia injury sustained during a segment on the February 2nd episode of RAW.
The injury has reportedly scrapped a high-profile singles match originally planned for WrestleMania 42. However, **PWInsider** notes there is "cautious optimism" that Breakker could return in a non-wrestling or limited capacity just in time for the Showcase of the Immortals.
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**What do you think of today's news?** Will AJ Styles actually show up in AEW, or is he WWE for life? Is Oba Femi ready for Brock Lesnar?
**Sound off in the comments below and let’s discuss!**
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