The Royal Rumble 2026, also called Royal Rumble: Riyadh, was WWE’s 39th Royal Rumble event. It took place on January 31, 2026, at Riyadh Season Stadium in Saudi Arabia and featured Raw and SmackDown wrestlers. It was the first traditional Royal Rumble held outside North America and the first Big Five WWE event in Saudi Arabia. The show streamed on the ESPN app in the United States.
Liv Morgan won the women’s Royal Rumble, earning a title match at WrestleMania 42. Roman Reigns won the men’s Royal Rumble and secured his WrestleMania spot. Gunther defeated AJ Styles by submission in Styles’ final match. Drew McIntyre retained the Undisputed WWE Championship against Sami Zayn. The event included the debut of Royce Keys and returns from Roman Reigns, Brie Bella, LA Knight, Brock Lesnar, Chad Gable, and Tiffany Stratton.
The Women’s Royal Rumble featured high intensity and multiple surprises. Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair brawled early, while Maxxine Dupri showed improvement before being eliminated by Lynch, who was then thrown out by Natalya.
Liv Morgan entered strong at No. 14, hitting Oblivion on Flair. Judgment Day grew with Raquel Rodriguez and worked together to eliminate several competitors. Iyo Sky, Asuka, and Giulia shared the ring, followed by a big reaction for Rhea Ripley, who dominated until the later stages.
Nikki Bella returned at No. 25, and Brie Bella made a surprise comeback after four years. Tiffany Stratton entered last and reached the final three with Morgan and Sol Ruca. After close eliminations and big moves, Stratton eliminated Ruca, but Liv Morgan hit Oblivion on Stratton to win the Royal Rumble.
Gunther defeated AJ Styles in a career-threatening match, forcing Styles into retirement. Gunther had clear size and strength advantages and carefully avoided the Styles Clash and calf slicer. He slowed the match and focused on wearing Styles down. Styles kicked out of two powerbombs and hit a powerbomb, 450 splash, and Styles Clash.
Gunther responded with repeated chops and shut down a Phenomenal Forearm. He caught Styles, locked him in a sleeper hold, and put him to sleep for the submission win. After the match, Styles received a standing ovation, teased removing his gloves, and emotionally waved goodbye, leaving his future uncertain.
Drew McIntyre defeated Sami Zayn to retain the undisputed WWE title, ending Zayn’s hopes once again. Zayn entered the match still winless against McIntyre and without a world title. The match was fast and physical, with both men trading signature moves like Helluva Kicks, Claymores, exploder suplexes, and Future Shock DDTs.
Zayn came close several times, including a late push after a brutal powerbomb on the announcers’ table. When Zayn went for the Helluva Kick, McIntyre caught him with a Claymore. McIntyre then hit a second Claymore and pinned Zayn to win.
Roman Reigns won the Men’s Royal Rumble to secure his WrestleMania spot. The match opened with a major shock as Bron Breakker was attacked before entering and quickly eliminated by Oba Femi, who dominated the early stretch with multiple eliminations. Rey Mysterio was also taken out by Femi.
Cody Rhodes entered, aiming for a third Rumble win, but was eliminated by Drew McIntyre. Several surprises followed, including the debut of Royce Keys and the return of Brock Lesnar, though both were eliminated. LA Knight returned and cleared out members of The Vision.
Jey Uso entered but was quickly shut down by Reigns. Jacob Fatu looked strong until Reigns eliminated him. The final four were Reigns, Gunther, Randy Orton, and Logan Paul. Orton and Paul were eliminated, leaving Reigns and Gunther. Reigns finished the match by spearing Gunther to win the Royal Rumble.
A. It happened at Riyadh Season Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday, January 31, 2026.
A. It was the first WWE “Big Five” event to take place in Saudi Arabia and the first traditional Royal Rumble to take place outside of North America.
A. Roman Reigns prevailed in the men’s Royal Rumble match, while Liv Morgan prevailed in the women’s.
A. At WrestleMania 42, the winners are eligible to challenge for a world championship match.
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