Roman Reigns clinched the 2026 Men’s Royal Rumble title by last eliminating Gunther, marking his second win in this event since his first in 2015. The final trio competing were Reigns, Gunther, and Randy Orton, with Reigns emerging victorious after a tense finale.
Gunther, who entered the match at number 30 shortly after defeating AJ Styles in Styles’ retirement bout, has now reached the final three of the Royal Rumble three times (2023, 2024, and 2026) but has yet to capture the crown. Reigns’ win sets him on a path to challenge either WWE Champion Drew McIntyre or WWE World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk at WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas.
Royal Rumble Winners and Milestones
By winning this year, Roman Reigns joined an elite group as the 10th different wrestler to win the Men’s Royal Rumble twice. This list includes notable champions such as Batista, Brock Lesnar, Cody Rhodes, Edge, Hulk Hogan, John Cena, Randy Orton, Shawn Michaels, and Triple H. Stone Cold Steve Austin remains the only superstar to have won the Rumble three times, with victories in 1997, 1998, and 2001.
Memorable Moments and Performances During the Match
The 2026 event featured the WWE debut of Royce Keys, formerly known as Powerhouse Hobbs, as well as appearances from AAA stars Mr. Iguana and La Parka. A highlight included a showdown between El Grande Americano, portrayed by Ludwig Kaiser, and the ‘Original’ El Grande Americano, Chad Gable.
Oba Femi and Roman Reigns both stood out with five eliminations each, while Je’Von Evans was recognized as the Iron Man of the match for lasting the longest in the ring. The contest offered a balanced mix of veteran superstars and emerging talent, creating a competitive and engaging atmosphere throughout the event.
Implications for WrestleMania 42 and the WWE Landscape
Roman Reigns’ victory automatically positions him for a championship bout against either Drew McIntyre or CM Punk, setting the stage for a high-profile match at WrestleMania 42. This outcome has significant implications for the WWE narrative going forward, as fans anticipate how these rivalries will evolve on the grandest stage in Las Vegas.
The consistent presence of Gunther in the Royal Rumble finals underscores his rising prominence, even as he continues to seek his first win in the event. Meanwhile, the event’s combination of established figures and new contenders highlights WWE’s ongoing balance between legacy and innovation.
“.@WWERomanReigns is headed to WrestleMania!!! ☝️ pic.twitter.com/tIiQbzpje6”
— WWE (@WWE) January 31, 2026
.@WWERomanReigns is headed to WrestleMania!!! ☝️ pic.twitter.com/tIiQbzpje6
— WWE (@WWE) January 31, 2026
