In 2011, WWE tried to reinvent one of its most iconic events by hosting a 40-wrestler Royal Rumble match, only for it to fall flat with both critics and fans. The 40-wrestler Royal Rumble concept was shelved soon after, but shifting dynamics in WWE’s talent pool and the broader wrestling landscape raise the question: should WWE give this expanded format another chance?
Excitement was high when the 2011 Royal Rumble introduced ten additional competitors. However, the match quickly exposed flaws, most notably the lack of a strong and deep enough roster at the time. Instead of an epic battle filled with star power, the event featured numerous lower-card wrestlers such as Justin Gabriel, Zack Ryder, Ted DiBiase, Yoshi Tatsu, Husky Harris, Chavo Guerrero, JTG, Chris Masters, David Otunga, Michael McGillicutty, Tyler Reks, Vladimir Kozlov, Tyson Kidd, Ezekiel Jackson, and more. These additions resulted in tepid audience responses and a slower rhythm, dragging down what should have been a high-energy contest.
The match ended with Alberto Del Rio’s victory, a move that failed to ignite fans’ enthusiasm. With major stars like CM Punk ousted earlier than expected and only the surprise returns of veterans like Diesel and Booker T providing a spark, disappointment ran through the arena. A last-second tease of Santino Marella winning briefly raised the stakes but could not salvage the overall flat atmosphere. WWE has since stuck with the 30-entrant format, only venturing outside it once more, in the “Greatest Royal Rumble” in Saudi Arabia in 2018.
WWE’s Roster in 2026 Offers Unmatched Variety for a Larger Rumble
Looking at today’s WWE, the landscape is vastly different from the state it was in during 2011. The depth and breadth of the current roster—bolstered by emerging stars from NXT, established veterans, and a mix of worldwide talent—mean putting together a dynamic 40-person field is not just possible, but excitingly viable. WWE has added formidable depth by acquiring AAA and forming partnerships with promotions such as TNA, creating new opportunities for crossover appearances and surprise showdowns.
Names like Roman Reigns, Gunther, Mustafa Ali, RVD, and Cody Rhodes can stand alongside talents from other companies—including NOAH’s Tetsuya Naito, Vikingo, and Moose—as well as mainstays like Booker T or veterans like David Otunga and Chris Masters. Integrating this expanded talent base would not only allow WWE to include more deserving participants, but also enable original scenarios, legendary returns, and dream encounters that fans would never expect.
The increased roster size occasionally means that established and talented wrestlers are left without a slot in the now standard Royal Rumble matches. By expanding the field, WWE would do justice to the talent available, giving more stars, both up-and-coming and established, a moment to shine on one of the biggest stages.
A Two-Night Format Could Make the Royal Rumble Even More Spectacular
Another critical element to the discussion is WWE’s continued expansion of its major pay-per-live-events (PLEs) to two-night affairs, as seen with recent WrestleMania and SummerSlam editions. Having both a men’s and a women’s 40-person Royal Rumble on a single card would be unwieldy and distract from the spectacle. However, if split across two nights, each Rumble could serve as the marquee match for its respective evening, giving ample room for the participants and their stories to breathe.
This structure would amplify the importance and grandeur of the Royal Rumble, heightening the stakes for every entrant and adding anticipation for both nights. WWE could build unpredictable moments, wild alliances, and surreal confrontations that stretch across both the men’s and women’s matches. For example, fans could see Gunther facing off against Moose or Mr. Iguana surprising established names, allowing for the kind of timeless, larger-than-life action that has defined the Royal Rumble over decades.
Although skepticism remains, especially after the lackluster 2011 event, WWE is now in a significantly better position to deliver a memorable 40-wrestler Royal Rumble. With the prestige of major titles such as the WWE Championship up for grabs and renewed interest in the Royal Rumble’s unpredictability, fans could experience an event far grander and more meaningful than ever before. As WWE approaches milestone events like WrestleMania 42, the time may be right to revisit and revitalize the expanded Rumble format, ensuring it captures the attention of the wrestling world once again.
