See the complete Royal Rumble match card, start time, predictions, and how to watch the show live from Ryan Wohl.
The road to WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas, Nevada, officially begins at the 2026 Royal Rumble premium live event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday, January 31. After hosting many WWE shows over the last decade, the company is bringing one of its premier events to Saudi Arabia before WrestleMania comes to the country in April 2027.
As in the previous three Royal Rumble premium live events, Saturday’s card features four matches. This event features: a men’s and women’s rumble match, AJ Styles putting his career on the line against Gunther, and Drew McIntyre vs. Sami Zayn for the WWE Undisputed Championship.
Last year, Jey Uso and Charlotte Flair won their respective rumble matches. This is the 39th Royal Rumble event, and the ninth consecutive year the WWE has hosted a women’s Royal Rumble match. Saturday’s event is the first Rumble taking place outside North America.
Check out my predictions for each match on the Royal Rumble card right here.
WWE Royal Rumble 2026 Predictions and Full Card
Men’s Royal Rumble Match: Cody Rhodes, Jacob Fatu, Gunther, Jey Uso, Rey Mysterio, Dragon Lee, Penta, Roman Reigns, Solo Sikoa, Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed, Logan Paul, Austin Theory, and Oba Femi
This year’s men’s Royal Rumble match is stacked with top-tier talent, which could bring WWE down multiple different paths to WrestleMania 42. Although this is a stacked field, in my opinion, the three wrestlers with the best chance of winning are Roman Reigns, Cody Rhodes, and Jacob Fatu.
Every year for this match, there are plenty of rumors of surprises and returns. The two biggest names who could possibly appear who aren’t already on the roster are Chris Jericho and Powerhouse Hobbs. Jericho last wrestled for AEW in April 2025, while Hobbs’ last appearance was two weeks ago. If we hear “break down the walls” at this event and Jericho returns to WWE after eight years away, it would instantly create one of the greatest moments in history.
After having Jey Uso win last year, WWE needs one of its biggest singles stars to win this match. Although Uso has been on an excellent run, his win at last year’s Rumble was a surprise, given that he was previously a tag team wrestler. Reigns has been up and down since he lost his title at WrestleMania XL, and having him win his second Rumble en route to a title match against Drew McIntyre or CM Punk makes the most sense.
Men’s Royal Rumble Match Prediction: Roman Reigns wins his second Royal Rumble Match.
Women’s Royal Rumble Match: Rhea Ripley, Iyo Sky, Bayley, Lyra Valkyria, Liv Morgan, Roxanne Perez, Raquel Rodriguez, Asuka, Jordynne Grace, Becky Lynch, Chelsea Green, Charlotte Flair, Alexa Bliss, Nia Jax, Lash Legend, Giulia, and Maxxine Dupri
The 2026 Women’s Royal Rumble match is the ninth one, and Charlotte Flair is coming off winning her second Rumble match last year. Over the last few months, since returning from injury, former Women’s Champion Liv Morgan has been working a ton of tag team matches. But this is the perfect moment to reinsert Liv Morgan into the world title picture, guaranteeing her a championship match at WrestleMania 42.
Women’s Royal Rumble Match Prediction: Liv Morgan wins the Women’s Royal Rumble Match.
WWE Undisputed Championship Match: Drew McIntyre (c) vs. Sami Zayn
Since beating Cody Rhodes on January 9 to win the Undisputed title, Drew McIntyre has had plenty of challengers come his way. But McIntyre’s first challenger will be Sami Zayn at the Royal Rumble. Zayn earned this title opportunity after defeating Trick Williams, Randy Orton, and Damian Priest at Saturday Night’s Main Event.
Over the last four years, McIntyre and Zayn have wrestled each other 12 times in singles competition. This has been a one-sided matchup, as McIntyre has won 11 of his matches against Zayn, with the other ending in a no-contest. After McIntyre shockingly dethroned Rhodes a few weeks ago, it would be very surprising to see his reign end so quickly. Zayn still has dreams of becoming a world champion, but it isn’t happening here.
Drew McIntyre vs. Sami Zayn Prediction: Drew McIntyre successfully retains his title against Sami Zayn.
Singles Match: AJ Styles vs. Gunther
Over the last few months, there has been plenty of talk about 2026 being the last year of AJ Styles’ in-ring wrestling career. But after Styles stood up to Gunther in response to the disrespect shown to John Cena, we see “The Phenomenal One” putting his career on the line. Two weeks ago, Gunther beat Styles in their first televised singles match. With Styles’ back against the wall, it would be surprising to see him suffer another loss to Gunther, ending his WWE career. Although it is possible, it would be an interesting decision for Styles’ career to end one month into 2026.
AJ Styles vs. Gunther Prediction: AJ Styles defeats Gunther and is not forced to retire.
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WWE Royal Rumble 2026: FAQ
Where will the 2026 Royal Rumble take place?
The Royal Rumble is taking place at the King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
What time does the 2026 Royal Rumble start?
The main card for the Royal Rumble begins at 2:00 p.m. ET.
How can I watch the 2026 Royal Rumble?
Fans in the U.S. can view this event live on ESPN Unlimited.
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