The excitement is mounting as WWE Royal Rumble 2026 gets set to take place on January 31 at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marking the first time the prestigious event is held outside North America. This year’s Rumble brings added anticipation as top superstars battle for a main event spot at WrestleMania, with fans and insiders debating who will emerge among the WWE Royal Rumble 2026 winners.
WWE Royal Rumble Takes Center Stage in Saudi Arabia
The WWE universe looks to Riyadh as superstars descend on the Kingdom Arena for a historic Royal Rumble event in Saudi Arabia’s capital. The Royal Rumble, known for deciding who steps into the main event of WrestleMania, draws exceptional attention as it breaks new ground outside North America, amplifying the stakes for every participant seeking a coveted WrestleMania moment. This setting has fueled speculation and energized both performers and fans worldwide.
AJ Styles Poised for a Phenomenal Farewell
AJ Styles, widely praised as The Phenomenal One, is approaching his final year in professional wrestling, and WWE may seize the chance to honor his storied career with a grand send-off. Given his unmatched in-ring ability and two WWE Championship reigns, Styles stands as a leading candidate to win this year’s Royal Rumble, offering him another shot at championship glory at WrestleMania 42. Notably, he made his debut in the 2016 Royal Rumble and has since participated in five Rumble matches, yet victory has always eluded him. Recently, Styles parted with the tag team titles alongside Dragon Lee, further propelling speculation that the stage is set for his last major singles triumph at the pinnacle of WWE.
Gunther Riding a Wave of Momentum
Gunther’s prospects are stronger than ever after a career-defining victory over John Cena in what was billed as Cena’s retirement match during Saturday Night’s Main Event. His star power surged further after achieving something no other superstar managed in over two decades—forcing Cena to submit. Gunther, a proven champion with previous experience as World Heavyweight Champion, is viewed by many as an irresistible force heading into the Rumble. The timing appears perfect for WWE to capitalize on his red-hot momentum and potentially set up a headline opportunity for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 42.
Roman Reigns Eyes Another Royal Rumble Triumph
Roman Reigns enters the conversation with perhaps the highest expectations this year. Known as The Big Dog, Reigns has reportedly sidelined his Hollywood ventures to pursue another championship run within WWE. This potential shift has driven speculation within the creative team, sparking talks of major changes in the run-up to the Premium Live Event (PLE).
During last year’s Survivor Series: WarGames, Reigns had a tense confrontation with Cody Rhodes following a loss, which sharpened rumors about his intentions. While Reigns has not appeared in WWE since, many anticipate a dramatic return at the Royal Rumble. Statistically, he won the Rumble once in 2015 and has finished as runner-up four times since, demonstrating remarkable consistency at the top. The possibility of Reigns emerging victorious this year to secure a marquee WrestleMania bout is seen as a defining story for the Road to WrestleMania.
How the Winners Could Shape WrestleMania 42
This year’s field is especially notable for its blend of established champions like Roman Reigns, rapidly rising stars such as Gunther, and beloved veterans including AJ Styles. Each potential winner represents a different path for WWE’s storytelling heading into WrestleMania 42. In particular, Roman Reigns’ anticipated comeback and AJ Styles’ emotional farewell set the stage for dramatic twists that will captivate audiences globally. The Riyadh setting adds further prestige, with the eyes of the wrestling world watching to see which superstar will seize history in this groundbreaking event. With speculation running high and the WWE Royal Rumble 2026 winners soon to be determined, fans are set for an unforgettable start to the WrestleMania season.
