WWE has revealed a significant path to the Royal Rumble main event, as announced by SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis during today’s taping at Uber Arena in Berlin, Germany. The new format sets out a series of qualifying matches and high-impact bouts that will determine who challenges for the Undisputed WWE Championship at the Royal Rumble: Riyadh event later this month.
SmackDown Reveals Qualifying Round for Title Contention
The January 16 episode of WWE SmackDown, set for Wembley Arena in London, England, will feature four qualifying matches. Winners from these matches will move on to the next phase, as specified by Nick Aldis, who has taken a leading role in shaping the upcoming event. These bouts are designed to filter WWE’s top competitors, with each winner earning a coveted spot in a subsequent Fatal-4-Way Title Eliminator match.
Fatal-4-Way Title Eliminator to Decide Championship Challenger
The victors of the London qualifiers will compete in a Fatal-4-Way Title Eliminator on January 24 at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event, hosted at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. This pivotal match will decide which superstar goes on to the Royal Rumble main event, with a chance to claim the Undisputed WWE Championship at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on January 31.
Road to the Royal Rumble Main Event Intensifies
This latest announcement introduces high drama and anticipation for fans and competitors alike. WWE’s evolving structure not only brings global city icons such as London and Montreal into the spotlight, but also underscores the importance of upcoming matches in shaping the ongoing championship narrative.
With key figures like Nick Aldis making major announcements and popular stars—such as the current champion, as well as names like Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre pushing for big title changes—fans can expect fierce competition as the Royal Rumble main event approaches. The introduction of these high-stakes qualifiers and eliminators signifies WWE’s commitment to keeping the championship scene dynamic and widely competitive.
What to Expect Next on the Road to Riyadh
The outcome of these matches will not only determine who reaches the Royal Rumble main event, but may also set the stage for future rivalries and changes within the championship landscape. With the action packed between London, Montreal, and ultimately Riyadh, all eyes will be on the rising contenders as they fight for a chance to headline one of WWE’s most anticipated premium live events of the year.
