The 2026 Men’s Royal Rumble match began with a surprising and controversial moment when Bron Breakker, entering second, was ambushed before stepping into the ring. This unexpected attack allowed Oba Femi to quickly eliminate Breakker, shaking up the event’s early dynamics. Despite the low-profile second entry spot, the swift elimination was a tough setback for Breakker and piqued widespread curiosity about the assailant’s identity.
According to details shared on the HSP Podcast, the figure behind the masked assault is Grayson Waller. This revelation is significant, as it may be linked to Austin Theory, the newest addition to The Vision faction. Wrestling fans will be keenly watching how this storyline develops moving forward.
Oba Femi and Two Others Highlighted at WWE Town Hall, Signals Major Push Ahead
Rumors about Oba Femi receiving a substantial WWE push have been circulating for some time, and recent developments at a WWE Town Hall suggest those talks are turning into reality. Since his days in NXT, Oba Femi has stood out with impressive performances, including winning the NXT Championship before vacating it to step onto a larger stage. At the 2026 Royal Rumble, Femi showcased his skills by entering first and lasting until Brock Lesnar eliminated him.
PWInsider Elite reports that three stars—Oba Femi, Je’Von Evans, and Sol Ruca—were highly praised during the Town Hall meeting. Je’Von Evans has made waves on Monday Night RAW as one of the youngest call-ups in NXT history, while Oba Femi recently secured a notable victory against The War Raiders and was officially promoted to the RAW roster. Sol Ruca remains with NXT, but her evident mainstream potential hints at an imminent call-up. WWE appears poised to elevate all three talents significantly in the near future.
Concerns Over Saudi Arabia Deal After Royal Rumble Raise Questions
Following the Royal Rumble, reports surfaced indicating WWE’s hesitation regarding its ongoing partnership with Saudi Arabia. The reasons for this shift have not been fully disclosed, but WrestleVotes Radio on Fightful Select shared that WWE plans to host the 2027 Royal Rumble back in the United States instead of Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, WrestleMania 43 will take place in Saudi Arabia, perhaps to avoid saturation by giving the kingdom two major events in the same year.
The Saudi deal, signed a decade ago for more than $1 billion, is set to conclude in 2028. With the new leadership under TKO, WWE is expected to pursue an extension to this lucrative contract, aiming to boost revenues while balancing its larger event schedule.
Royce Keys’ Next Move: SmackDown Beckons After Royal Rumble Debut
Newcomer Royce Keys, formerly known as Powerhouse Hobbs, is slated to appear on WWE’s SmackDown roster sooner than many anticipated, bypassing the expected route to NXT. According to BodySlam+, this assignment aligns with WWE’s strategy as NXT’s roster is already deep with veteran and rising talent. Under Joe Hendry’s guidance, NXT is evolving, and SmackDown will gain fresh energy with Keys’ aggressive style on Friday nights, which now extends to three hours.
Assigning Royce Keys to SmackDown creates a strong dynamic opposite Oba Femi’s rising influence on RAW. Fans can expect exciting developments across both shows as these emerging stars take on prominent roles.
Implications of These Developments for WWE’s Future
The revelation of Grayson Waller as Bron Breakker’s attacker sets the stage for a compelling rivalry and potential alliance dynamics involving Austin Theory. Meanwhile, the anticipated WWE push for Oba Femi, Je’Von Evans, and Sol Ruca signals WWE’s commitment to investing in fresh talent to invigorate its main roster.
The cautious stance on the Saudi Arabia deal and the decision to return major events like the Royal Rumble to the United States reflect WWE’s strategic recalibration amid evolving business partnerships. Lastly, placing Royce Keys on SmackDown strengthens the show’s roster depth and enhances competition across brands.
With these unfolding storylines and roster changes, WWE fans should prepare for an exciting and transformative year ahead as new stars rise and major business decisions reshape the company’s direction.
Aight then#RoyalRumble pic.twitter.com/oSXtGLafJE
— Royce Keys (@RealRoyceKeys) February 2, 2026
