On January 31, 2026, the WWE Royal Rumble took place at the King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with live coverage available on ESPN Unlimited and Netflix for international audiences. The event featured an intense competition including the Women’s Royal Rumble match, where participants battled for a world championship opportunity at WrestleMania 42. Drew McIntyre successfully defended the WWE Championship in a highly anticipated match, showcasing the ongoing prominence of the Drew McIntyre WWE Championship storyline.
Women’s Royal Rumble Match Spotlight
The Women’s Royal Rumble opened the event and included a roster of advertised entrants such as Iyo Sky, Rhea Ripley, Roxanne Perez, Liv Morgan, Raquel Rodriguez, Bayley, Lyra Valkyria, Asuka, Chelsea Green, Charlotte Flair, Alexa Bliss, Lash Legend, Nia Jax, Jordynne Grace, Giulia, Maxxine Dupri, and Becky Lynch. Thirteen additional competitors joined the battle, with Charlotte Flair entering first and Alexa Bliss following as the second entrant. The match was characterized by dynamic moments like Flair and Bliss exchanging near-submissions and collaborating briefly, intensifying the competition’s drama.
Notable Entrants and Key Moments
Early in the match, Kiana James entered as the third participant and was quickly targeted by Flair and Bliss, who worked together to overpower her. The arrival of Nia Jax, the fourth entrant, escalated tensions, especially given her conflicts with several other wrestlers. Ivy Nile’s strong performance with German suplexes soon followed as the fifth entrant, highlighting her technical prowess.
Lola Vice, entering sixth, made an immediate impact by aggressively attacking all her opponents with precise kicks. Wade Barrett and Michael Cole contributed from the commentary table, while ring announcer Mark Nash clarified the match rules to the audience before the first two entrants appeared. The entrants’ athletic gear notably covered their arms and legs, adding a distinct visual element to the contest.
Team-ups and Rivalries Develop Throughout the Match
Candice LeRae’s seventh entry brought further unpredictability to the match. After facing Nia Jax, the two briefly set aside rivalries to collaborate against Ivy Nile, emphasizing shifting alliances within the course of the battle. Backstage segments and arrival shots, narrated by Michael Cole and Paul Levesque, enriched the broadcast, providing fans insight into the wrestlers’ focus and determination ahead of each confrontation.
Significance and Future Outlook for WWE Champions
The Royal Rumble event in Riyadh cemented Drew McIntyre’s position as WWE Champion amid a rigorous field of competitors, maintaining momentum toward WrestleMania 42’s championship bouts. The Women’s Royal Rumble match also underscored the depth and versatility of WWE’s female roster, setting the stage for new rivalries and championship opportunities. As the season progresses, Drew McIntyre’s reign and the outcomes from this event will continue to shape storylines and fan anticipation within the WWE universe.
“She can shake it like a Polaroid picture,”
Michael Cole, Commentary Analyst
