The WWE Royal Rumble 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, kicked off with a bang, setting the stage for the road to WrestleMania! But did it live up to the hype?
Women's Royal Rumble Match:
The women's division showcased their talent in a thrilling Royal Rumble match. Charlotte Flair (#1) and Alexa Bliss (#2) teased an attack, setting the tone. Kiana James (#3) impressed with her strength, but it was Nia Jax (#4) who dominated early on. Ivy Nile (#5) and Lola Vice (#6) joined the fray, with Vice showcasing rapid-fire kicks. Jax, James, and Bliss's interactions were entertaining, especially when Jax mocked Vice's dance. Candice LeRae (#7) and Jordynne Grace (#8) made their mark, with Grace eliminating LeRae and Vice. The action intensified with the arrival of WWE Women's Intercontinental Champion Becky Lynch (#9), Sol Ruca (#10), and Roxanne Perez (#11), who delivered a Scorpion Kick. Maxxine Dupri (#12) and Nattie (#13) entered, with Nattie rocking Maxine with her signature moves. Becky eliminated Maxxine, but her celebration was short-lived as Nattie eliminated her. Liv Morgan (#14) and Lash Legend (#15) made their presence known, with Lash eliminating Grace and showcasing her power. The match continued with exciting moments, including Giulia (#19) and Iyo Sky (#20) receiving huge reactions, and Asuka (#21) joining the ring. Rhea Ripley (#22) entered with a bang, eliminating Zelina (#16) and Chelsea Green (#18). Bayley (#23), NXT Women's Champion Jacy Jayne (#24), and Nikki Bella (#25) added to the excitement, with Nikki eliminating Bayley. Lyra Valkyria (#26) and Brie Bella (#29) made their mark, with Brie receiving a warm welcome from the fans. Tiffany Stratton (#30) entered with a Swanton Bomb, and the eliminations continued, with Lash eliminating Nikki and Brie, and Charlotte eliminating Jax. The final moments saw Ripley, Lash, and Liv battling it out, with Liv ultimately eliminating Rodriguez to win the Women's Royal Rumble Match. Liv's victory was a highlight, and the match had its moments, but it could have been more engaging.
AJ Styles vs. Gunther:
In a highly anticipated match, AJ Styles faced off against the dominant heel, Gunther. The match began with mat wrestling, but quickly escalated with Styles' corner chops and Gunther's side headlock. Styles caught Gunther with a dropkick, but Gunther responded with a running boot, sending Styles outside the ring. Gunther took control, dropping Styles onto the announcer table and launching him with a huge backdrop. Styles fought back with a Pele Kick and the Phenomenal Blitz, but Gunther countered with a lariat and a Stack Power Bomb. The action was intense, with Styles catching Gunther in the Calf Crusher, only for Gunther to reverse it into a Sleeper Hold. Styles swung Gunther outside the ring and hit a slingshot Phenomenal Forearm. The match continued with near falls and reversals, with Styles connecting with a Spiral Tap and a Styles Clash. However, Gunther caught Styles in a Sleeper Hold, and the match ended with Gunther submitting Styles, leaving the crowd in shock. This was a well-worked match, showcasing Gunther's strength and underhanded tactics. Styles' incredible WWE run was celebrated, and the question remains: what's next for this fan favorite?
Undisputed WWE Championship Match:
The Undisputed WWE Championship match between Sami Zayn and Drew McIntyre had the potential for a big moment, especially with Zayn's entrance in Arabian garb. McIntyre started strong, but Zayn responded with a flying axe handle and a Tope Con Hilo. The match had its back-and-forth moments, with McIntyre hitting a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker and Zayn catching McIntyre with an avalanche Sunset Power Bomb. Zayn's near falls and McIntyre's power moves kept the fans engaged. Zayn went for a Helluva Kick, but McIntyre countered with a Claymore Kick, retaining the title. This match set the stage for McIntyre's heel persona heading into WrestleMania, but it lacked the grandeur one might expect from a championship match in Saudi Arabia.
Men's Royal Rumble Match:
The Men's Royal Rumble Match delivered surprises and intense action. Oba Femi (#1) started strong, but was quickly eliminated by Bron Breakker (#2), who was attacked by a hooded individual before entering the ring. Matt Cardona (#6) and Damian Priest (#7) entered, with Priest delivering a double Choke Slam. The match featured exciting moments, including the debut of Royce Keys (#14), who eliminated Priest and showcased his power. Austin Theory (#15), Bronson Reed (#16), and Ilja Dragunov (#17) joined the fray, with Reed and Theory working together. LA Knight (#21) made a strong return, eliminating Theory and Reed. Brock Lesnar (#22) entered with a bang, dominating the ring and eliminating Rey Fenix (#24). The match continued with Roman Reigns (#26) entering and eliminating Jey Uso (#25). The final moments saw Gunther (#30) and Randy Orton (#29) facing off, with Reigns ultimately eliminating Gunther to win the Men's Royal Rumble Match. Reigns' victory sets up an exciting challenge for the WWE World Heavyweight Title at WrestleMania.
The WWE Royal Rumble 2026 had its highs and lows. The women's match had its moments, but could have been more engaging. Styles vs. Gunther was a standout, showcasing the talent of both wrestlers. The Undisputed WWE Championship match lacked the expected grandeur. The Men's Royal Rumble delivered surprises and set the stage for WrestleMania. Overall, an enjoyable show, but not the best Royal Rumble in WWE history. And this is the part most people miss: will the follow-up to this event live up to the hype and deliver the strong stories fans crave as we approach WrestleMania? Only time will tell.
