The 2026 Royal Rumble Marks the first time WWE’s signature January spectacle takes place outside North America, moving to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The event serves as the official gateway to WrestleMania 42, with the men’s and women’s Rumble winners earning world title opportunities at the Showcase of the Immortals.
Royal Rumble 2026: Date, Time, and Venue
Date: Saturday, January 31, 2026
Start Time: 2 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. CT / 11 a.m. PT (United States)
International Times:
- 7 p.m. BST (United Kingdom)
- 12:30 a.m. IST (India) – February 1
- Additional international listings available through regional WWE partners
Venue: King Abdullah Financial District, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
How To Watch the Royal Rumble 2026?
United States: Stream live on ESPN+ (formerly ESPN Unlimited)
International: WWE Royal Rumble 2026 streams on Netflix in the following countries: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Egypt, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Indonesia, Israel, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, and United Kingdom.
Also Read: Complete List of Men’s Royal Rumble Winners by Entry Number
Confirmed Match Card for Royal Rumble 2026
Undisputed WWE Championship Match
Drew McIntyre (c) vs. Sami Zayn
McIntyre recently claimed the title by defeating Cody Rhodes in a Three Stages of Hell match. Zayn qualified as the #1 contender at Saturday Night’s Main Event and holds an undefeated record in this rivalry, though he has never captured a world title.
Career-Threatening Singles Match
AJ Styles vs. Gunther
Styles announced 2026 as his final year in WWE, making this match potentially his last Royal Rumble appearance. Styles has not won a match at a WWE Premium Live Event since 2022, while Gunther has accumulated 10 PLE victories in that span, including a win over Pat McAfee at Backlash 2025.
Men’s Royal Rumble Match (30-Man)
Winner earns a world title match at WrestleMania 42
Participants for 2026 Men’s Royal Rumble:
- Cody Rhodes
- Roman Reigns
- Brock Lesnar (surprise entrant)
- Gunther
- Jacob Fatu
- Bron Breakker
- Jey Uso
- Rey Mysterio
- Dragon Lee
- Penta
- Solo Sikoa
- Logan Paul
- Bronson Reed
- Austin Theory
- Je’Von Evans
- Oba Femi
- Randy Orton
- 13 additional participants TBA
Women’s Royal Rumble Match (30-Woman)
Winner earns a women’s world title match at WrestleMania 42
Participants for Women’s Royal Rumble 2026:
- Rhea Ripley
- Iyo Sky
- Roxanne Perez
- Liv Morgan
- Raquel Rodriguez
- Bayley
- Lyra Valkyria
- Asuka
- Becky Lynch
- Charlotte Flair
- Alexa Bliss
- Jordynne Grace
- Nia Jax
- Lash Legend
- Giulia
- Maxxine Dupri
- Chelsea Green
- 13 additional participants TBA
Bianca Belair and Tiffany Stratton are rumored to return from injury for possible surprise entries.
Predictions for Royal Rumble 2026
Men’s Royal Rumble
Roman Reigns emerges as the top contender following his five-month absence. His return from Survivor Series makes him an immediate WrestleMania title match. Bron Breakker and Jacob Fatu present legitimate upset threats, while Cody Rhodes seeks an unprecedented third consecutive victory.
Women’s Royal Rumble
Liv Morgan attempts to break through after finishing as runner-up in consecutive years. Jordynne Grace’s recent WWE promotion makes her a credible dark horse. Bianca Belair could emerge if she returns from injury, while established veterans like Rhea Ripley and Becky Lynch face steeper odds.
Drew McIntyre vs. Sami Zayn
McIntyre retains the Undisputed WWE Championship. Despite Zayn’s undefeated record in their rivalry, McIntyre’s recent title acquisition demands a substantial reign.
AJ Styles Vs. Gunther
This match genuinely divides expert opinion. Gunther’s modern booking credibility favors his victory and Styles’ retirement, but WWE could extend Styles’ farewell run beyond immediate defeat.
