The 39th annual WWE Royal Rumble was held on January 31, 2026, live from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia — marking the first time WWE’s signature event has taken place outside North America.
1. Women’s Royal Rumble Match
Winner: Liv Morgan — outlasting 29 competitors to earn a championship opportunity at WrestleMania 42.
The match featured surprise returns including Brie Bella and Tiffany Stratton, and saw standout performances from Lash Legend (five eliminations) and Charlotte Flair (lasting nearly an hour).
Morgan’s victory came after eliminating Tiffany Stratton at the finish, sealing her first-ever Royal Rumble victory after two prior near-misses.
2. Men’s Royal Rumble Match
Live updates confirm the men’s Rumble followed traditional over-the-top-rope rules with 30 superstars competing for a title shot at WrestleMania 42.
(Result details like winner are still being updated by official coverage; this report will be refreshed as confirmed information becomes available.)
3. Undisputed WWE Championship Match
Drew McIntyre defended the Undisputed WWE Championship against Sami Zayn. This was positioned as Zayn’s biggest opportunity yet to capture WWE’s top title.
4. AJ Styles vs. Gunther
AJ Styles put his career on the line against Gunther in a deeply personal, emotional match. This bout was heavily teased as a potential retirement match for Styles.
Key Highlights & Analysis
📈 A Milestone Win for Liv Morgan
Liv Morgan’s Royal Rumble win was a major career milestone after falling short in past Rumbles.
Her performance — from taking out big names to finally surviving to the end — gives her substantial momentum heading into WrestleMania.
Expect WWE to leverage this for a major title program, possibly against Raquel Rodriguez or another Women’s World Champion.
🔥 Performances That Stole the Spotlight
Lash Legend emerged as a breakout force with multiple eliminations, showing WWE has new stars ready for elevation.
Surprise returns (like Brie Bella) added drama and nostalgia, helping boost crowd energy in Riyadh.
🤼♂️ Storytelling Stakes: Zayn, McIntyre & Styles
Sami Zayn’s title match versus McIntyre was positioned as a feel-good moment, though history suggested an uphill battle — Zayn was winless against McIntyre prior to this challenge.
AJ Styles’ career row against Gunther added emotional weight to the card. With contracts and legacy on the line, it hinted at a potential farewell for one of WWE’s all-time greats.
What This Means for WrestleMania 42
The Royal Rumble winners — particularly Liv Morgan — are now poised to main event WrestleMania 42 with championship opportunities in tow.
Traditionally, winners of the Men’s and Women’s Rumbles choose which title they challenge for at WrestleMania, creating fresh storylines and championship rivalries.
Expect WWE to build toward:
A Women’s Title feud featuring Liv Morgan;
Potential World/Undisputed Title arcs shaped by the Rumble’s major matches;
Long-term pushes for breakout stars like Lash Legend and returning legends.
Fan & Critical Reactions
Reactions from live fans and analysts highlighted:
Strong support for Liv Morgan’s long-anticipated victory;
Enthusiasm for new and returning names making impacts in the Rumble;
Emotional weight of the AJ Styles vs. Gunther match being one of the night’s main talking points.
As reactions continue to roll in from critics and fan communities worldwide, the 2026 Royal Rumble will be remembered as a night that set the tone for WrestleMania season.
