WWE Royal Rumble 2026 Review

The 2026 Royal Rumble lands in the kingdom of Riyadh Saudi Arabia with 4 almighty match-ups. The two traditional and colossal Royal Rumble matches are on the marquis for both the male and female superstars, and on top of this we've got a (pardon the pun) phenomenal bout between Gunther and AJ Styles, and if Styles loses he is vanquished from the WWE.

READ MORE: Revisiting WWE's 2003 Royal Rumble Match

Also, a huge singles match for the WWE Championship between Sami Zayn and Drew McIntyre, which pits the underdog from the underground against the ruthless and vengeful Scottish warrior. So without further ado, let's find out how this Royal Rumble stacks up among its own prestigious history.

Women's Royal Rumble Match

Match Type	Royal Rumble
Length	1 hour and 7 minutes
Winner	Liv Morgan

We kick things off with the Women's Royal Rumble Match, and how bland it was mostly! Anyway before we lunge into critique, let's analyse the entire match, and then we'll drive a stake through its heart like the vampire of banality it is.

Out of the gate at number 1 is Charlotte Flair and she makes her entrance decked in golden elegance. She gets in the ring and prepares to meet her first opponent to start the match, and what do ya know it's her Allies of Convenience tag-team partner Alexa Bliss. Neither woman knows what to do initially as they didn't expect to be drawn as number 1 and 2, so they stare at each other for a bit, but Alexa thinks it'd be a good idea to wait for entry number 3. Alexa extends her hand with a half heart gesture and encourages Charlotte to join with her hand to make a full heart-which is cute but this is the Royal Rumble ladies, get them dukes out! Charlotte decides to rush Alexa over to the corner in some attempt to be serious, and they join their hands for the love heart gesture. Alexa surprisingly sets up Sister Abigail on Charlotte but just plays around in a similar fashion to what Charlotte just did. Charlotte pretends to go for her Figure Eight on Alexa but jokes with her. Alexa and Charlotte then engage in a cuddle and Alexa hops on Charlotte's back as they await entry number 3. Yeah, this is how you start a Royal Rumble folks-with barely any wrestling and silliness.

Entry number 3 is Eve Tor... nah it's Kiana James-sorry it's just Kiana has a swagger sort of like heel Eve Torres post-Zack Ryder WrestleMania 28 ball break. She saunters down to the ring carrying her handbag. And what would you know, a heel actually starts the real wrestling exchanges in the match-up with her quick clotheslines.and althleticism-tinged shoulders to the guts of bother Charlotte and Alexa. Kiana lands Eat Defeat on Charlotte. Kiana's momentum comes to a halt as Charlotte and Alexa double-team her with a hoisted DDT maneuver with Charlotte doing the hoisting and Alexa doing the DDTing. Both of the attempt to hurl Kiana out but Nia Jax enters at number 4 and they turn their attention to her instead!

Nia walks calmly but determine-minded down to the ring. When Nia gets in she starts crushing Alexa and Charlotte, making no allegiances with Kiana as Nia knocks her down. She stacks Alexa and Charlotte in the corner and splashes into them. Nia's charge meets a ring post courtesy of Kiana and already we're at number 5!

And the fifth entrant is a member of American Made Ivy Nile, and no don't be fooled thinking it's Chelsea Green because she's not entering yet, though Nile's titantron may make you think it's Green on her way to the ring. Nile runs down to the ring as fans shout you suck as a nod to Kurt Angle. Nile lands a stylish DDT and does her best to pick up Nia but she just can't do it. Oh and number 6 is here!

Lola Vice enters with a sparkling blue and pink getup. Vice kicks up everybody in the ring and delivers a German Suplex to Charlotte. She shakes her hips and runs hip-first into Charlotte and Alexa and back into Charlotte. Nile tries to intercept but she eats a back elbow from Vice. Nia approaches Vice and drops her with a clothesline to halt her momentum. Nia does get double-kicked by the odd team of Kiana and Charlotte, but she bulldozes them both with a double clothesline. Jax then positions Kiana for the Annihilator, but Kiana tries to unsuccessfully push her out of the ring and eliminate her. Kiana delivers an impressive Samoan Drop to Nia. Everyone tries to eliminate Nia as entry seven arrives.

Candice LeRae enters and she delivers a tornado DDT to Charlotte. Kiana is almost eliminated by Candice but she holds on, though Candice sends Nile into Kiana but Kiana drops to the apron and scoots into the ring to save herself. Nia and Candice decide to team up a bit but their unity is snuffed out as they are attacked by other competitors. As entry number eight draws near Vice is stacked up precariously on the top rope and Candice is entangled in front of her as well.

Number 8 is Jordynne Grace and she's ball of fire with a bunch of powerful slams, and she proceeds to eliminate both Vice and Candice-so good for her! Nile and Grace attempt and miss quick strikes at one another and Grace is lifted up by Nile, though Grace overpowers her and uppercuts Nile out of the Rumble! Nia delivers some kind of clothed Stink Face to Grace and she tries to eliminate Charlotte and Alexa but fails to do so. Nia finds herself on the apron and Charlotte boots her out, but seeing as Alexa was also tussling with Nia on the apron as well, Charlotte accidentally eliminates Alexa too! Charlotte seems to be crying over what just happened but on comes the ninth entrant.

THE MAN HAS COME AROUND! You can tell because of Charlotte's upwards glare as Becky's music hits. So yeah, Becky Lynch is here and decides to flaunt her Intercontinental Championship too. Charlotte raises her arms because she's ready to battle Lynch. Becky and Charlotte engage in the center of the ring and Becky almost eliminates Charlotte but she holds on. Becky shows the crowd her muscles before re-engaging with Charlotte. They pummel back and forth and it becomes a bit of a cat fight before they spill outside the ring. Oh look it's entry number 10!

It's Sol Ruca! She comes in and delivers a springboard 360 clothesline. Becky attempts to thwart her and the two meet in the center of the ring. Becky goes for a slap but misses and Sol sends her spinning in the air the crashes her down with a face buster. Sol shows off her athleticism off with an aerial double dropkick, a German Suplex and some kicks before number 11 arrives.

Roxanne Perez is here and she decides to do her signature taunt before running to the ring. Perez tries to eliminate Becky but is unsuccessful, then goes on to scream and wail at Charlotte. Sol delivers devastation to Grace as Grace clutches her arm in pain and Perez delivers her double knees to Sol's back. Becky and Perez engage in a slap-off before entry 12 gets here.

Oh look Becky, another one of your enemies! It's Maxxine Dupri. Not sure if she's channeling David Bowie with her attire, but she makes a B-line towards Becky and delivers a Lou Thesz Press to her. Maxxine is all over Becky and tries to eliminate her, but is instead hung up on the top rope. Maxxine executes a nice Fisherman's Suplex and nip up. Her straps go down and she starts to kick up her adversaries and connects with a nice legdrop to Kiana. She German suplexes Becky too as we head towards entry thirteen.

Maxxine gives us a grimacing stare a bit too prematurely, but entry number 13 is Nattie (or Natalya if you haven't caught up with the product yet). Maxxine is determined to swashbuckle, and as soon as Nattie enters they come together in a cat fight-woohoo! Not for long though as Nattie finds herself in an ankle lock submission from Maxxine. All of a sudden though Becky delivers a Manhandle Slam and tosses Maxxine over the top rope to exit her from the match. Becky is proud of her accomplishment and tries to join Nattie in celebration but Becky cheekily tries sending her over the top rope. Ultimately Nattie sends Becky over and she's out of her whilst Becky lies in utter shock at what just happened. Nattie smiles straight back at Becky as Becky is protesting that her feet never touched the ground.

Number 14 is Liv Morgan! She rushes into the ring and delivers Oblivion to Kiana and proceeds to deliver three amigos to Sol. Perez and Morgan team up because they're Judgment Day teammates, but number 15 arrives as Charlotte wipes the two out with a double clothesline.

Number 15 is Lash Legend! She enters and delivers a double chokeslam to Kiana and Morgan. Legend slams Perez, points at the WrestleMania side and tussles with Grace. Legend hoists Grace up in a Samoan-style position and dumps Grace to the floor and out of the Rumble!

Entry 16 is here and it's Zelina! She approaches the apron and trips Perez before sending Nattie into Morgan in an athletic and unconventional way. She tries a Hurracanrana on Legend but instead Zelina's body is rammed into Charlotte's and Zelina herself is powerbombed. Legend tries forcing Zelina of over the ropes but Zelina hangs on.

Another Judgment Day member has arrived! It's Raquel Rodriguez! Rodriguez comes in and shows you why she's the muscle of The Judgment Day with some thwarting clotheslines. Soon Rodriguez and Legend lock eyes like they're about to throw down, but Morgan and Perez chop Legend down for their Judgment Day comrade. Soon after Kiana tries to eliminate Morgan but is stopped by Perez, Kiana sends Perez over and onto the apron, and all three women are now duking it out on the apron with the tense threat of elimination looming. As Kiana is trying to hold off Morgan and Perez, Rodriguez boots Kiana off the apron and onto the floor to eliminate her. The Judgment Day have a group hug as number 18 is about to come out.

No it's not Ivy Nile again, it's time to pledge allegiance to Chelsea Green.......and Alba Fyre too! I'm a hot mess wooah wooah....c'mon it's a good tune! The Judgment Day await her and as Chelsea enters she tries to form an alliance with them. The Judgment Day have a group huddle to decide what they're going to do, and Morgan slaps Chelsea's hand, which forces Chelsea to slap Morgan in the face. Chelsea gets ganged up on but Alba saves her temporarily, but she is dragged back into the ring and is the subject of a temporary tug of war, but The Judgment Day have their way with her.

The nineteenth entrant is Giulia! Giulia shoulder barged Morgan and Perez, but has some trouble with Rodriguez, she does however get her flung into the corner though. Chelsea tries to send Giulia over the top rope because the two have had their rivalry on SmackDown, but Alba supports her from getting eliminated. Charlotte is teetering on the edge of elimination too at this point.

The twentieth entrant makes her way and it's Iyo Skye. The Genius of the Sky does her crazy cute taunt gesture thing and enters the ring. She takes out several participants with shotei uppercuts. Iyo almost sends Chelsea over and out but Chelsea hangs on. Iyo single-handedly contends with the Judgment Day before doing her crazy taunt thing again as number 21 counts down.

Look who it is, it's Asuka! Asuka decides to wave her fan and ascend the top turnbuckle before entering the ring. Asuka tries to form an alliance with Giulia to go after Iyo but she kicks her hand away. Initially the two double-team Iyo, but Asuka sends a dropkick into Giulia's face and has a go at her. Asuka takes down Iyo and Giulia before twenty-two comes around.

Business is about to pick up because Rhea Ripley is here! Rhea immediately knocks down The Judgment Day as she goes on her eradicating rampage. Rhea then comes up against an intimidated Chelsea Green, but before we get stuck into that Giulia eliminated Zelina with Arrivederci. Chelsea salutes Rhea and Rhea salutes Chelsea, but Rhea decides to knock her straight down. Rhea superkicks Alba on the apron and Rhea sends Chelsea over the top rope to eliminate her. Perez tries Poprox on Rhea but finds herself in a Razor's Edge and dumped over and onto Chelsea and Alba, thus exiting her from the match. Morgan and Rodriguez aren't pleased and they go after Rhea, but Iyo enters the fray to save her friend and tag-team partner.

Twenty-three is Bayley! She immediately runs round the outside of the ring where Sol tries to athletically dodge Bayley but she trips her up with only Sol's feet hanging inside the ring to save her from falling out. Sol saves herself from her predicament but Legend is there waiting on both Sol and Bayley. Bayley crushes Legend and Asuka with corner attacks and then throws down with Charlotte. Bayley riddles Charlotte with chops before number 25 turns up.

Look at who's at number 25 it's Victoria......no sorry it's Jacy Jane! Jacy comes in and attacks everyone with rolling sentons while her adversaries are posted in the bottom of the turnbuckle corners, as well as quick flurries. She tries sending Morgan over but doesn't quite pull it off, then Nattie tries to send Jacy over to no effect. Rhea and Nattie come to blows and Nattie successfully neutralizes Rhea. Rodriguez attempts to powerbomb Nattie over the ropes but doesn't quite get it done, but as Nattie hangs on the apron, Morgan connects with Oblivion to send Nattie packing.

Nikki Bella comes out as the twenty-fifth entrant. Nikki has a push-off with Morgan before going after her and taking her down. Nikki delivers a tornado DDT to Rodriguez, but afterwards is caught by another Eat Defeat (or should we just call it a Codebreaker because that's what it is?).

Twenty-six is former Women's Intercontinental Champion Lyra Valkyria! Lyra comes in and pelts her adversaries with kicks and takes it to Legend. Lyra uses Legend as a launching point to take out Nikki and Charlotte which looked cool. Lyra does get caught up in a strange crucifix submission hold by Giulia and the the two find themselves hanging over the ropes but once untangled Bayley goes to save her tag partner and Lyra is used as a launch pad for Bayley to punch Giulia out of the Rumble!

Kelani Jordan is here with a lovely three-tiered attire. She wipes out everyone with her tricky offense and tremendous athleticism. We see Rhea and Iyo utilizing double-team offence and somehow number twenty-eight is already here.

The other half of the Kabuki Warriors has turned up spyglass and all-Kairi Sane!. Sane sprints to the ring and dazzles with her offence. She briefly celebrates with her tag-team partner Asuka, but soon they're embroiled in a situation with Iyo and Rhea. Iyo pushes Kairi into Asuka as Kairi desperately tries to keep Asuka from elimination. As Iyo lands in a seated position Kairi lunges forward but instead of connecting with Iyo, she pummels Asuka straight out of the Rumble! Kairi is shocked in disbelief, then Iyo takes advantage and eliminates Kairi.

Oh gosh what's this horrible autotune nonsense? Ahh yeah Brie Bella is back! Entering at number 29, Nikki now has her sister on hand to help her out. The WWE Universe is rapturous with YES! Chants. Brie takes it to Rodriguez, especially with her kicks to the chest reminiscent of a wrestler who doesn't work in the WWE and is her husband.

The final entrant is Tiffany Stratton! It's been a little while since we've seen her! She Swantons into a pile of superstars, then spinebusters Jacy, doles out an Alabama Slam to Kelani, and she stares down with Charlotte before they go at it. The Judgment Day are taken out momentarily and then we seen The Bella Twins staredown with Bayley and Lyra. Nikki and Brie engage their Twin Magic to headscissor both Bayley and Lyra over and out of the Rumble. The spring up their big L signs too as the crowd are still roaring their approval. Jacy manages to kick Kelani Jordan out of the Rumble match whilst she hangs upside down. Sol hits her Bone Snatcher on a distracted Jacy, she then flings her over the top rope to eliminate her.

The Bella Twins team up against Legend. Despite their efforts, both Bellas are eliminated by Legend. Legend then goes after Charlotte but fails to get her out of there initially, but after a bit of a distraction by Sol, Legend kicks Charlotte out of the Rumble!

Seven more to go! They all break off to beat each other up. Rhea delivers Riptide to Rodriguez, but gets blindsided by Legend. Legend and Iyo battle whilst seated on the ring apron. Iyo goes for a leg lock but Legend heel kicks her to the nose to get her out of here.

Rhea is furious that Lash eliminated Iyo, so the two come together, but before they do Legend takes out Stratton, also Rhea takes out Sol. Rhea does her best to put Legend out, but Legend bicycle kicks her, and Rodriguez takes her out before Legend and Rodriguez come to blows. Eventually Rhea clotheslines Legend out of the Rumble before Rodriguez send Rhea out, and then Morgan eliminates Rodriguez.

And just like that we're down to three! Stratton is taken out by simultaneous offence by Sol and Morgan. The three of them take each other out with their flashiest moves with so many interceptions and counters. Sol hits an amazing double Soul Snatcher and tries to eliminate them both but all three find themselves outside on the apron as all three of them fight for their survival in a highly intense struggle. Sol is thrown to the ground after a failed top turnbuckle move and she's exited, and Morgan takes out Tiffany with Oblivion to win the Women's Royal Rumble.

It's difficult to find much to complement this Royal Rumble Match for. Though Charlotte and Alexa are tag-team partners, they should still be throwing down rather than playing silly games. Lash Legend was the star of this Royal Rumble match, though she could've been more dominant. Brie's return was ok, but hard to get excited about unless you're a superfan of hers. The problem is the calamity and surprises were low. When you've got plenty of women on the roster that have super athleticism, they all blur together because they don't stand out very much, making many of the participants forgettable. Liv Morgan winning is great and seeing her rise year after year is a pleasure, though what this means for her and her teammates position in The Judgment Day is unclear. Altogether it was a dry and meh Rumble match despite all the athleticism on display.

• Rating: 5/10

AJ Styles Vs. Gunther

Match Type	Singles Match (Career Threatening Match)
Length	24:15
Winner	Gunther

Gunther continues his crusade to retire WWE legends, and now he vows to end the career of the phenomenal AJ Styles. Can Styles and his flashy offence overcome the gritty wrestling of Gunther and save himself from retirement? Actually let's not ask this question because I'm sure you'll know what the answer is if you've been watching WWE in recent times, but let's get to analyzing this match shall we?

The match starts with classic grappling exchanges where it appears that Gunther was trying to lock in a sleeper already, but AJ reverses it into a wrist lock then goes overhead takedown. They break for a spell to let the crowd take in the moment before AJ grabs Gunther's leg and Gunther backs AJ into the corner but misses a chop and AJ lands one of his own. Gunther then grabs and wrenches AJ's neck in a headlock which AJ breaks out of and lands a speed dropkick off an Irish whip. Gunther then lands a thunderous chop and viciously boots AJ right outside of the ring to the mat. Gunther exits the ring and suplexes AJ back-first onto the announcer's table and Irish whips him into the steel ring post. Another nasty chop lands on AJ and he is rammed into the barricade.

Gunther throws AJ back into the ring and continues his assault with a chop and a kick to the back of the head, AJ starts to build back momentum but it's muted by Gunther throwing AJ hard into the corner turnbuckle. Gunther lands an elevated back suplex too before locking in a Boston Crab in an attempt to get AJ to submit. AJ kicks Gunther hard a few times to get out of the submission, but after he does Gunther kicks AJ in the chest to re-assert control.

Gunther goes for a wristlock and chops AJ down, but his second attempt is met with a flurry of strikes and AJ counters Gunther with a Pele Kick. AJ is starting to build momentum and he dazzles Gunther with his patented quick strike combination, the lands a jumping clothesline in the corner followed by an inverted neckbreaker from the Samoan position with the back of Gunther's head landing on AJ's knee for a two-count. AJ sets up Styles Clash but Gunther bucks out of it, yet AJ rolls Gunther into a sunset flip and tries the Styles Clash again but Gunther bashes AJ with the heel of his boot to break free. Gunther lands a vicious clothesline for a two-count.

Both men struggle to their feet and Gunther takes a momentary breather, but finds himself tangled into a Calf Crusher attempt from AJ, yet breaks free and lands another devastating chop sending AJ front-first onto the canvas near the apron. Gunther picks up AJ over his shoulder but AJ counters and puts him into the Calf Crusher, but Gunther swiftly grabs the bottom rope to break the hold. AJ attempts to grab Gunther's leg again but is swatted away and Gunther forward dropkicks AJ with ferocity. Gunther lands huge powerbomb pin combo but AJ kicks out just before three.

Gunther ponders what to do in frustration and there's a momentary pause in the action before Gunther chops AJ again. Gunther sends AJ hard into the corner, but is then met with a dropkick to the knee and AJ executes another Calf Crusher attempt which is successful, and when Gunther tries to reach the bottom rope he re-positions the hold to keep Gunther towards the center of the ring. Gunther reaches over to AJ's neck and puts on his sleeper hold, which forces AJ to break his Calf Crusher and play defense, which he does successfully by standing up and then rolling backwards over Gunther for a pin attempt which gets a two count.

AJ briefly applies his own sleeper but is gradually countered and AJ is Irish whipped and Gunther then grabs AJ into another sleeper hold. AJ sends Gunther around in circles then manages to get him off by hurling him outside of the ring. AJ lands a head-busting Phenomenal Forearm over the top rope to Gunther on the outside, then gets back in the ring to try an aerial move but gets chopped down by Gunther. Gunther goes for a superplex but AJ drops down for a powerbomb, which is countered by Gunther and he sets up his powerbomb pin again, but that's countered and AJ finally lands his own version of a powerbomb pin.

Another momentary break in the action until AJ goes to the outside for a springboard 450 splash and follows that up with a Styles Clash for a near fall! AJ sets up a Phenomenal Forearm but is met with a sleeper hold which AJ briefly counters but Gunther hits a donkey kick low blow and proceeds to execute another powerbomb pin for another near fall!

Afterwards Gunther chops AJ repeatedly in the corner and stomps away at him before waiting for him to get back up for a series of violent repeated chops and AJ lays in the corner as Gunther waits for him to get back up yet again for more agonizing chops. Gunther clotheslines AJ down and there's another break in the action as Gunther waits for AJ to arise.

Even more chops are delivered to AJ's chest but AJ rallies back with strikes of his own cos he's had enough. AJ sets up a Phenomenal Forearm but is grabbed by Gunther and Gunther positions him in an electric chair position before throwing him down and clutching AJ's head for yet another sleeper hold. AJ looks to be fading fast, but he elbows Gunther's leg to fight out, however Gunther reapplies the hold quickly and AJ still tries to fight out but Gunther re-position so that his body is over AJ's. AJ reaches for the bottom rope and is fingertips away but Gunther ensures he doesn't get there and lands some brutal elbows to AJ's face before re-applying the sleeper yet again, and AJ finally fades at long last and Gunther wins.

Easily the Match of the Night, it's a true boss battle for AJ to contend with. Gunther was dominant and unrelenting, but AJ showed phenomenal perseverance to keep on going and giving Gunther everything he had left in him. These are the kind of matches that showcase not only how ruthless Gunther is, but how persistent AJ is, and this match is applaud-worthy because of that. Maybe it was too long-winded and Gunther controlled too much of it, but then again that is Gunther's character trait to be in control. Styles showed the herculean effort Cena did, and that is why this match is worth watching

• Match Rating: 8/10

Sami Zayn Vs. Drew McIntyre For The WWE Championship

Match Type	Singles Match for the WWE Championship
Length	16:15
Winner	Drew McIntyre

This bout between the Scottish warrior Drew McIntyre and Sami Zayn is one birthed from Sami's fatal 4 way victory at the most-recent Saturday Night's Main Event. Sami has been on a quest to become WWE Champion for a long time, so this joust with Drew is very important for him, but Drew wants to ensure that his title reign is sufficient and dominating. Something has to give here and so we find out whether a dawning of a new era emerges, or whether the champion proves to himself and everybody else that he is the man to carry the weight of WWE Championship gold and glory.

Drew and Sami grapple up and Drew pushes Sami into the corner. Drew attempts a chop but misses and Sami lands one instead. Drew grabs Sami in a headlock but is then pushed away but knocks down Sami with his shoulder. Drew chops Sami by the ropes and Sami fires back with some of his own until Drew drops him and proceeds to pummel and stomp Sami on the ground. Drew lifts Sami for a vertical suplex for a two count. Drew attempts a few shots on Sami but they are countered and Sami goes to the top turnbuckle and lands an axe handle smash. Sami the Irish whips, leapfrogs over Drew and clotheslines him to the outside. Sami lands his Swanton onto Drew over the ropes but hurts himself in the process, moreso than Drew as Drew pick Sami up and slams his back against the ring apron, following that up with spinebuster against that same ring apron.

Drew gets Sami back into the ring and lands a backbreaker. Drew taunts the crowd before launching Sami hard back-first into the corner. Drew continues taunting Sami as Sami tries to fight back. Drew continues his onslaught punching Sami in the back, then gets him up for more punishment before giving Sami a tilt-a-whirl backbreak for a two count. Drew props Sami on the top rope, delivers a chop, then goes for a superplex but Sami fights out, landing a few shots to Drew's back and then flipping over for a sunset flip powerbomb, which gets a two!

Sami attempts a Blue Thunder Bomb but can't lift Drew, so as Sami attempts to strike back Drew lands a neckbreaker and kips up. Drew sets up a Claymore but is met by a huge boot from Sami and he connects with a Blue Thunder Bomb for a near fall. Sami and Drew exchange blows in the center of the ring but the chain stops when Drew headbutts Sami to the ground. Drew sets up the Claymore again but misses wildly and lands on his backside. Sami quickly takes advantage of this and rolls Drew up for a two. Sami punches Drew on the ground a few times, but then rolls out to the apron and tries some aerial offence, but quickly gets shut down by Drew and Drew connects with an avalanche White Noise for a two count.

Drew gets up and attempts a Futureshock DDT, but Sami fights out momentarily before Drew lands three Futureshock DDTs in succession, but as he goes for the pin Sami gets his shoulder up. Sami crawls to the corner and rises, catching Drew with a surprise exploder suplex but Drew thwarts the attempt. Drew clotheslines Sami in the corner but afterwards Sami follows him for a Helluva Kick attempt but misses, and finds himself on a receiving end of a Claymore, but Sami gets his foot on the bottom rope. Drew gets frustrated at the referee and this leads to an out of nowhere Helluva kick, which gets a near fall.

Drew falls to the outside of the ring to reach for his championship and Zayn chases after him, but Drew catches and powerbombs Sami through the announcer's table. Referees check on Sami but Drew returns him to the ring, stomps his back and punches him a few times before slapping him furiously, but Sami retaliates with an exploder suplex before setting up another Helluva Kick but is fiendishly met with a Claymore. Drew sets up another Claymore when Sami's on his knees and gets the three count and retains his WWE Championship.

Though the story of Sami's courage against adversity from his back and Drew's onslaught, it was too dry and predictable. Sami always has to appear as the underdog and usually he comes up short and he did so again tonight in pursuit of the WWE Championship. Drew proved he belongs at the top of the heap, but you can't help but think the match could've been more exciting and juicier.

• Match Rating: 6/10

Men's Royal Rumble Match

Match Type	Men's Royal Rumble
Length	56:10
Winner	Roman Reigns

Main event time! Before the Royal Rumble begins we find out that Bron Breakker will draw number 2, so who was number 1 then? The Ruler Oba Femi it is! Femi has quite the climb indeed in order to win the whole shebang, but let's see how he fares. Bron comes out and we believe we're going to witness a huge muscle-bound showdown between him and Femi, but Bron is surprising attacked by a masked man. The masked man attacks Bron in an eerily similar fashion to Seth Rollins, and in a way reminiscent of Austin Theory's attacks as a masked man when he was trying to help The Vision. Not really gelling with the masked man foibles in recent times, but seeing Bron dismantled completely was a surprise. Bron is thrown back into the ring and Femi easily clotheslines him over the top rope to eliminate him from the match.

Femi waits for entry number 3 and that percussion starts beating-it can only be the leader of MFT Solo Sikoa! Femi and Solo stairdown and then exchange blows and they try to match each other's power but Solo is overpowered by Femi. Just before entry 4, Solo sends Femi into the ring post.

Next in is at number 4 is Rey Mysterio! Rey enters and attacks both Femi and Solo with flashy offence including a seating senton, and Rey sets up 619 on Solo but is countered and Solo hold Rey in the Samoan position until Femi boots him in the face.

The fifth entrant is Rusev! Rusev throws strikes at Femi and Femi attempts to choke throw Rusev out of the Rumble but doesn't quite manage it. Rusev clotheslines Femi in an attempt to eliminate him but is unsuccessful, but tries a bigger attempt by running the ropes but is tripped into the middle rope by Rey. Rey lands the 619 and Femi clotheslines him to signal the second elimination of this men's Royal Rumble! Solo tries to take advantage as Femi kisses Rusev goodbye with a kick and a Samoan Spike attempt, but Femi reverses and lands an Irish Curse-style backbreaker and proceeds to eliminate Solo! Rey tries his fare with a 619 attempt at Femi but Femi grins back at Rey, and as Rey tries to mount more offence, Femi delivers a vicious strike and takes Rey out of the Rumble match!

Number 6 is here and it's Matt Cardona! Woo Woo Woo You......gotta catch up with the times! Cardona tries to back Femi up with offence but gets quickly shut down. In the corner Cardona puts his knees up as Femi approaches and lands a dropkick. Cardona lands his super punch, boot to the face, and sets Femi up for Rough Ryder but he is powerbombed instead (or as it's called Fall From Grace). Femi then throws Cardona over the top rope to take him out of the match.

Entry seven is Damian Priest. Priest is not intimidated and takes the fight straight to Femi. Priest crashes into Femi in the corner and delivers martial arts kicks to him, then clotheslines him down. Priest tries to take Femi over the top but Femi's power is too much and he backs Priest up with a choke.

The eighth entrant is Je'Von Evans! Evans makes Priest miss his kicks and stings him with one of his own. Evans goes for a springboard cutter on Femi but is thwarted. Evans trips on the top rope and almost eliminates himself. Evans tries a springboard move on Femi but Priest grabs Evans' neck, but Evans ultimately springboard-leaps onto Priest with a huge clothesline. Evans then wipes out Femi with a super athletic backwards kick as entry number nine comes around.

Mr Iguana makes his entrance with his puppet iguana thing and slaps Evans with it before ascending to the top rope and lands a cross body. Evans picks up Mr Iguana but Iguana swings him into a tornado DDT. Femi tries to powerbomb Iguana but Evans catches him with a kick. Priest and Iguana stare each other down and Priest double chokeslams Mr Iguana and the iguana itself as Mr Iguana is frozen into position on the canvas.

Entrant number ten is Trick Williams! He comes in and gets on the offensive against Priest and throws Mr Iguana over and out of the Rumble, and his send the puppet iguana out with him. Trick flapjacks Priest and then has a triangle squareoff with Femi and Evans. Trick tries to eliminate Evans but Evans hangs on and then Trick tries to eliminate Femi but is unsuccessful.

Out comes the eleventh entrant and it's Cody Rhodes! Cody goes after Trick, powerslams Evans, flips out of a suplex attempt by Priest and connects with a Cody Cutter. Femi and Rhodes exchange strikes before number eleven arrives.

El Grande Americano is here! He tries to take Evans out but Evans hangs on, then Evans tries taking Americano out but fails and is hung up on the top rope for his troubles. Americano inserts the metal plate into his mask and headbutts a couple of his adversaries.

The twelfth entry makes his way to the ring and it's an impostor El Grande Americano. Both Americanos point at each other before exchanging blows in the center of the ring. The impostor tries to rip of the original's mask but fails, and the original Americano tries to walk the ropes but gets caught by the impostor and is German suplexed. The original manages to throw the impostor over the ropes as the latter holds onto the top rope to desperately escape elimination. The original Americano tries to unmask the impostor, but the impostor traps the original Americano in a headscissors and eliminates him. Trick then blasts the impostor off the apron and sends him head-first into the original Americano and eliminating him also. Afterwards Trick tries a kick on Cody but Cody dodges and connects with Cross Rhodes before eliminating him from the match. Priest lands South of Heaven on Cody as we await entry fourteen.

And it's Powerhouse Ho.....Oh wait it's Royce Keys! Named after the English car manufacturer no doubt. Anyway he enters and stares down Priest. Priest attempts a martial arts kick but is picked out of the air and powerslammed by Keys and powerfully clotheslines Pries out of the Rumble. He then spinebusters Evans and battles with Cody before entry fifteen turns up.

And look who it is it's Austin Theory-the version where he's been injected with Triple H hormone-only joking obviously! He immediately attacks Evans and then Cody, and tries to eliminate Evans but cannot get him removed.

The sixteenth entry is here already and it's Bronson Reed! Reed ascends the top rope and squashes Evans with Tsunami! Reed and Theory double team Femi with high-low like Trevor Murdoch and Lance Cade used to do. Theory almost eliminates Cody but Cody drops down to the apron.

Number seventeen is The Mad Dragon Ilja Dragunov. Ilja fires up with powerful strikes to his fellow combatants. He tries to send Cody over but Cody punches out of the situation, but Ilja tries to get Cody over a couple more time but Cody keeps fighting out.

Eighteen is La Parka (not the WCW one), and he flips across the ring and wipes theory out and executes a unique powerslam on Ilja before he dances around showing us his moves. He tries to damage Keys but Keys retaliates and gets La Parka down before entry 19 comes out.

It's Dragon Lee! He kicks Bronson over the ropes then ascends the top turnbuckle and stomps a hanging Evans. Lee and Ilja strike each other until Ilja is taken down with a reverse DDT. Bronson goes for a powerbomb but Lee reverses with a huge DDT.

Entry 20 is here and it's The Maverick Logan Paul! Paul takes out Lee and side slams La Parka. He tries taking it to Keys but Keys delivers a World's Strongest Slam to him. The Vision then work together with team strikes and eliminate Keys. The Vision continue their onslaught with Bronson gorilla pressing La Parka and Theory connecting with a dropkick to his head to eliminate him. After this, Bronson picks up Lee in a gorilla press and sends him flying over the top rope and only La Parka to signal another elimination. The Vision gang up on Cody before number 21 comes out.

It's The Mega Star L.A Knight. He immediately charges The Vision and although he is overwhelmed a little bit, he successfully takes out Theory then hits BFT on Bronson and eliminates him too! Knight takes on Paul and stomps him in the corner before entry 22 becomes present.

The Beast is here! Brock Lesnar! Brock suplexes everybody. Brock F-5s Evans and then stares down Femi for a while to build hype, but entry 23 interrupts the rising tension.

The Miz runs out and tries entering the ring but considering Femi and Brock are in there he momentarily slides out. Everyone attacks Femi and Brock in each corner. Ilja tries chopping up Brock but it doesn't have any impact and Brock sends him over to eliminate him. The Ruler and The Beast staredown before the next entrant comes out.

Rey Fenix is here! Fenix tries a springboard crossbody on Brock but is caught. He tries to send Fenix into Femi but Femi steps aside to avoid contact. Brock German suplexes Femi and F5s Fenix and swings him out of the Rumble. Femi clotheslines Lesnar and uppercuts Logan Paul until he dangles precariously from the top rope near elimination. Femi turns away from Lesnar and pays for it as Brock eliminates Femi! Meanwhile, Paul backrolls back into the ring as entry 25 buzzes in.

USO! Main Event Jey Uso is now in the city of Saudi! Jey arrives as he usually does-through the crowd while hyping up the crowd with YEET chants. Cody and Knight team up to clothesline Brock over the top rope and eliminating him! Jey is still entering and his slaps hands with Wade Barrett and Michael Cole before he enters the ring. Cody tries eliminating Evans as Jey rewinds his YEET hype. Oh and twenty-six is here!

The Tribal Chief Roman Reigns has entered! Roman and Jey stare each other down and Roman wants Jey to rewind the Yeet chant again, but Roman hits him with a right hand before he gets to work delivering an array of Superman Punches and he spears The Miz before sending him to hit the showers. Entry twenty-seven has turned up.

Jacob Fatu comes out and Cody tries to dive onto him through the middle rope but is caught and assaulted by Fatu. Fatu throws Evans wildly up into the air and catches him with a Samoan drop. Reigns and Fatu stare at each other but Cody blindsides Fatu. Cody and Reigns stare at each other and Jey blindsides Cody before Jey and Reigns hit a 1D on him. Reigns stomps on Paul and punches up Knight before entry twenty-eight enters.

And out comes Penta! He strikes fast on Paul and delivers a backstabber to Fatu. Knight powerslams Penta and delivers BFT to Roman, and counters a Cross Rhodes attempt with a reverse DDT. Cody recovers quickly and sends Knight over the rope and out to the apron, and Cody blasts Knight with a Disaster Kick to eliminate him! Fatu kicks and assaults Cody before number 29 walks his way to the ring.

The Viper Randy Orton makes his presence felt emphatically! He quickly performs two scoop powerslams on Jey and Penta, then drapes them over the middle rope for a double vintage Orton DDT. Orton RKO's Paul. Penta attacks Orton for a bit then springboards but is caught with a massive RKO instead. The final entry is imminent!

Not content with just retiring AJ Styles, Gunther has his eyes set on a main event slot at WrestleMania! Gunther is limping a bit but her still chops Paul and delivers a German Suplex to Jey, and he tries to do the same with Evans but Evans' speed and athleticism overwhelms Gunther. Evans hypes up while Orton stalks him. Evans delivers another fascinating flip kick. Evans tries the OG Cutter on Orton but is met with an RKO! Randy then flies Evans over the top rope to send him packing.

Penta kicks up Gunther and tries a handstand on the top turnbuckle but Gunther pushes him out of the Rumble match instead. Gunther taunts the crowd but turn around into an RKO! Cody and Orton stare at each other a bit but decide to double-team Gunther. Cody tries a Cody Cutter intended for Gunther but Gunther pulls Orton into it instead. Fatu tries sending Cody over the top rope and while Cody initially hangs on, Drew McIntyre smashes Cody's head with a Claymore to get him eliminated. Drew looks impressed with his work as Fatu stares at him on the ramp way, but this distraction gives Reigns the opportunity to send him over the top rope, so Fatu is out of here! Reigns is distracted and Jey tries to send Reigns over but fails. Jey connects with a spear and tries again to send him over the top rope, but Roman reverses and Jey is eliminated.

Four men are left! Logan Paul, Randy Orton, Gunther and Roman Reigns are the only remaining superstars! Participants tear off into different corners of the ring as Orton and Gunther battle and Paul and Reigns fight each other. Reigns tries sending Paul over but Paul flips over the top rope and meets a Superman Punch instead. Randy has Gunther hanging precariously in the corner, but Reigns sends Paul flying over the top rope and back to the dressing room. No time for Reigns to celebrate as he is caught with an RKO! Gunther then pushes Orton over the top rope to get him eliminated!

Now it's all down to Gunther vs. Reigns, who is going to WrestleMania? The tension is palpable! Gunther kneels against the middle turnbuckle waiting for Reigns to recover. Gunther stalks Reigns and synches in a sleeper hold. Of course you can't win the Royal Rumble with a submission, but incapacitating Reigns enough to send him over is viable! Reigns gets out of it and battles out of a powerbomb attempt by Gunther before sending him over the ropes to the apron. Reigns tries a Superman Punch but is caught with a punch by Gunther. Gunther latches on another sleeper hold but Reigns fights out, tries a Superman Punch but is countered and Reigns winds up in the sleeper hold position yet again. Reigns manages to send Gunther into the top turnbuckle to escape, Reigns then spears Gunther and subsequently dumps him over the top rope to eliminate him. Roman Reigns wins his second Royal Rumble!

The Men's Royal Rumble much like the Women's was alright. There was more drama in the men's Rumble thanks to the masked man attacking Bron and getting him eliminated by Femi, and witnessing a lot of the flashy offence was fun. The problem is there were no throwback entrants, the ending was rather bland, and you'd think Brock would've dominated more-though that's not a bad thing that he did not. Reigns winning was very predictable too as many on social media seemed to think he would win, and he indeed did win. Royal Rumble winners shouldn't be predictable, though it does make sense for Reigns to clash with CM Punk at WrestleMania, but also it'd be understandable if he chooses Drew. In any event, this year's Men's Royal Rumble was alright but only marginally better than the Women's Royal Rumble.

• Match Rating: 6/10

Final Thoughts

The 2026 Royal Rumble Premium Live Event was overall a disappointment. While AJ Styles and Gunther delivered a fantastic match-up, both the Royal Rumble matches and the WWE Championship match were lackluster. While the Men's Royal Rumble had more interesting drama, the ending was predictable, whereas the Women's Royal Rumble had the opposite problem, the drama was meh but the ending was awesome. The WWE Championship match between Drew McIntyre and Sami Zayn was good, but it could've existed on an episode of SmackDown. Sami is a comeback kid and he showed that, but Drew remained an almighty force and proved why he is the WWE Champion. It was just too bland of a match-up unfortunately and could've done with additional spice. So altogether this Royal Rumble was passable and that might be generous when you consider the grand history of the event. Styles vs. Gunther is the best reason to watch this show as they put a lot of effort into it being great.

• Overall Show Rating: 6/10

What about you? Did you enjoy the 2026 Royal Rumble? Sound off in the comments!