At the 2026 WWE Royal Rumble event held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Chad Gable made a notable return to the ring after recovering from injury, entering the men’s Royal Rumble as the 13th participant. His comeback was marked by the elimination of Ludwig Kaiser, who had been impersonating Gable’s original persona, El Grande Americano, before Gable himself was quickly ousted by Trick Williams. This moment added an exciting twist to the match, captivating the audience early on.
Alongside Gable’s return, LA Knight also made a highly anticipated comeback, entering at number 21. After months of absence due to a previous attack from The Vision, Knight immediately retaliated by eliminating Austin Theory and Bronson Reed, delivering a satisfying payback witnessed by the roaring Riyadh crowd. Meanwhile, Roman Reigns emerged as the ultimate winner of the men’s Royal Rumble, securing his position at the top of WWE’s hierarchy.
AJ Styles’ Career-Ending Match and Last Salute to Fans
One of the most emotional moments of the evening was AJ Styles’ match against GUNTHER, which culminated in a career-ending loss for Styles. After competing in WWE since his debut at the 2016 Royal Rumble and a wrestling career beginning in 1998 with various promotions like WCW, Styles was forced into retirement following this high-stakes contest. Despite the defeat, Styles respected the moment by saluting fans with his signature gesture, underlining a decade-long legacy.
Merchandise commemorating Styles’ career — hailed as “Forever Phenomenal” — was quickly released by WWEShop.com, allowing fans to celebrate his impactful journey in professional wrestling.
Fan and Wrestler Reactions Amidst Post-Rumble Atmosphere
The event wasn’t without drama backstage and in reaction to the outcomes. Becky ‘Trump’ Lynch and Finn Balor showed visible distress following the developments at the Royal Rumble. Additionally, Triple H faced harsh criticism during the post-show, with chants demanding figures like Vince McMahon and calls referencing Y2J and AEW interrupting the proceedings. These moments showcased the passionate divide among fans and participants alike.
Implications of the Royal Rumble Outcomes on WWE’s Future
Chad Gable’s return signals a potential resurgence for his character and fresh storylines heading into the upcoming WWE calendar. AJ Styles’ retirement closes a remarkable chapter, prompting speculation about his next role within or outside the wrestling world. Meanwhile, Roman Reigns’ Royal Rumble victory positions him as a leading contender for WrestleMania 42, where rumors suggest he could face CM Punk in the main event. The event in Riyadh, punctuated by these pivotal moments, sets the stage for compelling narratives and shifting dynamics in WWE’s landscape for 2026 and beyond.
ORIGINAL El Grande Americano?! 😳 pic.twitter.com/QOeuQPqx1D
— WWE (@WWE) January 31, 2026
.@RealLAKnight is BACK!! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/XFK9vfhdw6
— WWE (@WWE) January 31, 2026
Thank you AJ! Celebrate the legendary career of the Forever Phenomenal AJ Styles at WWEShop! Grab your gear, link in our story. #WWE #RoyalRumble
🛒: https://t.co/BwIlCCHuBA pic.twitter.com/fAuMLm9o9j
— WWEShop.com (@WWEShop) January 31, 2026
ORIGINAL El Grande Americano?! 😳 pic.twitter.com/QOeuQPqx1D
— WWE (@WWE) January 31, 2026
.@RealLAKnight is BACK!! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/XFK9vfhdw6
— WWE (@WWE) January 31, 2026
Thank you AJ! Celebrate the legendary career of the Forever Phenomenal AJ Styles at WWEShop! Grab your gear, link in our story. #WWE #RoyalRumble
🛒: https://t.co/BwIlCCHuBA pic.twitter.com/fAuMLm9o9j
— WWEShop.com (@WWEShop) January 31, 2026
