The 39th annual WWE Royal Rumble, held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, was a night full of drama and exciting twists, setting the stage for the highly anticipated WrestleMania 42. For the first time in the event’s storied history, the Royal Rumble took place outside of North America, in Riyadh Season Stadium, Saudi Arabia. This marked another significant milestone in WWE’s decade-long partnership with Saudi Arabia, which aligns with the country’s Vision 2030 initiative.
In a thrilling men’s Royal Rumble match, Roman Reigns emerged victorious, earning himself a coveted opportunity to compete for a world championship at WrestleMania 42. Reigns, who has dominated the WWE landscape for years, now faces the prospect of defending his reign at the grandest stage of them all. His win at the Royal Rumble only added fuel to the fire of his already storied legacy, further solidifying his place as one of the most dominant forces in WWE history. As he prepares for his WrestleMania showdown, questions abound about who will rise to challenge him for the championship in what promises to be a show-stopping match.
Meanwhile, Liv Morgan captured the win in the women’s Royal Rumble match, securing her own title shot at WrestleMania 42. Morgan, who has been on a remarkable upward trajectory in recent years, will now look to make history by becoming WWE’s next women’s champion. Her victory was met with roaring applause as she eliminated several top competitors in a contest full of surprising moments. With her grit and determination, Morgan now finds herself positioned for a career-defining match at the biggest wrestling event of the year.
Beyond the Royal Rumble matches, there were several other significant results that added to the spectacle of the night. Drew McIntyre successfully retained his WWE Undisputed Championship in a hard-fought battle, solidifying his status as one of the top champions in WWE today. His victory only adds to the intrigue as he continues to defend his title against top challengers in the weeks leading up to WrestleMania.
One of the most emotional moments of the night came during the career-ending match between AJ Styles and Gunther. The two men engaged in a brutal contest that saw Gunther emerge victorious, leading to AJ Styles’ retirement from in-ring competition. Styles, who has been a cornerstone of WWE for many years, left the ring to a standing ovation, marking the end of an era for one of the industry’s most respected and skilled performers. His farewell match was a testament to his enduring legacy, and while his in-ring career has ended, his impact on WWE and the wrestling world will remain for years to come.
The event was livestreamed in the United States through ESPN’s streaming platform, allowing fans to witness the action in real-time. The 2026 Royal Rumble set the stage for an exciting road to WrestleMania 42, with new rivalries and challenges on the horizon as the world’s top superstars now look ahead to WWE’s most monumental event of the year.
With Roman Reigns and Liv Morgan emerging as the top contenders for the respective world championships, the path to WrestleMania is now crystal clear. WWE fans around the world are eagerly awaiting the culmination of these storylines and the potential for even more unforgettable moments as the road to WrestleMania 42 unfolds.
