The 2026 Royal Rumble took place on Saturday, January 31, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marking the first time the event was hosted there. Roman Reigns emerged victorious in the intense 30-man men’s Royal Rumble match, securing a championship opportunity at WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas this April. Reigns’ win came amid a stacked field, positioning him to challenge for either the Undisputed WWE Championship currently held by Drew McIntyre or the World Heavyweight Championship held by CM Punk.
Earlier that week, Reigns appeared on The Pat McAfee Show, where he expressed his intention to return and correct the direction of WWE, claiming that the young stars had not risen to the challenge during his absence.
Key Moments and Surprising Eliminations Shaped the Men’s Rumble
Roman Reigns outlasted a competitive final four consisting of Gunther, Randy Orton, Logan Paul, and himself, ultimately eliminating Gunther to secure victory. This marked a significant moment as Reigns chose to focus on regaining the championship he held for an impressive four years.
One of the night’s mysteries involved a hooded figure who interrupted the early part of the match by assaulting Bron Breakker with a move resembling Seth Rollins’ “Curb Stomp” before Breakker was eliminated. Speculation surrounding the masked figure ranges from Seth Rollins and Adam Pearce to Austin Theory, with some theorizing it may have been Logan Paul, who previously hinted at supporting Breakker.
Other noteworthy moments included Brock Lesnar‘s return with manager Paul Heyman, where Lesnar eliminated the dominant entrant Oba Femi before being taken out himself by L.A. Knight and Cody Rhodes. Roman Reigns showed ruthless intent by eliminating his cousins Jey Uso and Jacob Fatu. Fatu was on the verge of eliminating Rhodes when Drew McIntyre—who was not participating in the Rumble—intervened with a Claymore Kick, leading to Fatu’s exit. This sets up Cody Rhodes’ path back to WrestleMania through a victory at the upcoming Elimination Chamber event.
The event also featured several notable arrivals and returns: former AEW star Hobbs appeared under his new WWE moniker Royce Keys; Chad Gable returned as the Original El Grande Americano; and La Parka, known from WCW, made an unusual appearance. Je’Von Evans, recently promoted from NXT, impressed during his debut Royal Rumble appearance.
Women’s Royal Rumble Showcases Emerging Talent and Unexpected Twists
The show’s opening featured the Women’s Royal Rumble match, with tag-team partners Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss entering as the first two participants, creating early tension. Although friendly throughout the match, Flair accidentally eliminated Bliss, which intensified the drama. Ultimately, Liv Morgan of Judgment Day claimed the victory after eliminating returning competitor Tiffany Stratton.
Morgan’s win grants her a title opportunity at WrestleMania, marking a breakthrough after two previous runner-up finishes. However, Morgan’s path to victory included a betrayal—she eliminated her former tag partner and stablemate Raquel Rodriguez, ending Rodriguez’s chances in the Rumble.
The match featured standout performances from Lash Legend, who, despite heavy crowd boos, eliminated multiple contenders, and Sol Ruca, who nearly reached the final three before being ousted by Stratton. A major highlight was Brie Bella’s surprise return at #29; she had not competed since the 2022 Rumble. Alongside her sister Nikki, the Bellas eliminated Bayley and Lyra Valkyria, raising questions about a potential renewed pursuit of tag team titles.
Many fans anticipated Bianca Belair as the final entrant, but her absence fueled speculation about her health and WWE’s plans, including the possibility of a major return at an upcoming Raw, SmackDown, or the Elimination Chamber event in Chicago.
AJ Styles’ Career on the Brink Following Defeat to Gunther
AJ Styles, known as “The Phenomenal One,” faced Gunther in a singles match with Styles’ WWE career at stake. Gunther forced a submission via a sleeper hold, marking a dramatic moment reminiscent of John Cena’s recent career-ending loss to Gunther. Styles lost consciousness but eventually woke, receiving a standing ovation from fans in recognition of his contributions.
Despite the loss, Styles did not follow standard retirement protocol by removing his wrestling boots or gloves, leaving his future uncertain. Fans and commentators speculate whether he might pursue opportunities in other promotions such as TNA or AEW, or if other plans are unfolding behind the scenes.
“Will Never Go Out of Style,”
– AJ Styles
Several WWE superstars, including John Cena, took to social media to commend Styles’ career and describe the emotional backstage atmosphere following his defeat to Gunther.
Sami Zayn’s Challenging Title Attempt and Future Prospects
Sami Zayn, a Syrian-born fan favorite, faced Drew McIntyre in what was widely regarded as the weakest match of the night. McIntyre dominated, overwhelming Zayn in a relentless offense that lacked excitement despite its intensity. Although Zayn did not capture the championship, the WWE has an opportunity to build a compelling storyline around him, particularly with WrestleMania 43 scheduled to return to Riyadh in 2027. A well-crafted narrative could significantly enhance Zayn’s appeal worldwide.
Royal Rumble 2026: Assessment and Looking Ahead
The 2026 Royal Rumble in Riyadh delivered several thrilling moments and surprising twists, culminating in strong performances by Roman Reigns and Liv Morgan, both of whom earned title shots at WrestleMania 42. The event also stirred conversations regarding AJ Styles’ uncertain retirement and the mysterious identity of the hooded assailant. With major storylines setting up future events such as Elimination Chamber and WrestleMania, WWE fans have much to anticipate as the road to next year’s Saudi Arabia event unfolds.
Phenomenal is an understatement. Respect is earned and few are more worthy of universal industry wide respect than @AJStylesOrg. Thank you AJ for all you’ve done for wrestling. From anyone who’s seen you and those lucky enough to share canvas with you.
— John Cena (@JohnCena) January 31, 2026
