The road to WrestleMania is officially moving through Riyadh this year. It’s wild to think that we’re just weeks away from the 2026 Royal Rumble, and for the first time ever, the big January spectacle is happening outside North America. Specifically, the King Abdullah Financial District in Saudi Arabia.
With the shift in scenery comes a massive shift in how people are looking at the womens royal rumble odds. Honestly, the betting markets are all over the place right now because of one specific reason: health. You’ve got top-tier superstars like Bianca Belair who have been sidelined for a significant chunk of time, and when a "EST" sized hole is left in the roster, the odds start to get twitchy.
👉 See also: Monday Night Football Texans: Why Houston Is Actually a Prime Time Problem
Currently, Bianca Belair is sitting as the frontrunner at most books, generally hovering around 5/4 or 2/1 depending on where you look. That’s a roughly 44% implied probability. People are betting on the comeback story. She hasn’t wrestled since WrestleMania 41 due to that stubborn finger injury, but the rumors of her being "secretly cleared" are fueling a lot of the money. If she returns as a surprise entrant, those odds are going to evaporate instantly.
The Liv Morgan Factor and the Changing Board
While Bianca is the "expert" pick, Liv Morgan is the one the fans are actually putting their cash on. Liv is currently joint-favorite or a close second, usually found at 9/4. Why? Because she’s been the runner-up so many times that it’s becoming a narrative trope.
WWE loves a "finish the story" arc. Liv returned at Survivor Series 2025 and helped Dominik Mysterio beat John Cena, which basically told us everything we need to know about her current standing in the company. She’s "over" in a way few others are. If you’re looking at the womens royal rumble odds, Liv at 9/4 feels like a safer bet for someone who is actually on TV every week, whereas Bianca is still a "maybe she shows up" play.
Current Betting Favorites at a Glance
Instead of a boring table, let's just break down the top of the pile. Bianca Belair leads the pack at 5/4. Liv Morgan is right behind her at 9/4. Then things get interesting. Rhea Ripley is sitting at 6/1, which is surprisingly high for Mami, but she’s already won it before, and WWE tends to avoid repeat winners in the women’s division.
Then you have the wildcards. AJ Lee is showing up at 15/2. She returned in 2025, and while she’s not a full-timer, the betting markets always hedge against a legend win for the "moment." Lyra Valkyria (12/1) and Roxanne Perez (14/1) are the NXT representatives getting the most love. Honestly, Lyra at 12/1 is a tempting long shot if you think WWE wants to pull the trigger on a new era.
Why 2026 is Different for Betting Markets
The move to Saudi Arabia on January 31st changes the "vibe" of the betting. Usually, we see a lot of local leaks or smart money moving 48 hours before the show. Because this show is part of the Riyadh Season, there’s a lot of pressure to have a "huge" moment. That usually means a legend or a massive return.
That’s why someone like Tiffany Stratton is such a dark horse. She reigned most of 2025 as the WWE Women's Champion before taking a break. The womens royal rumble odds for her aren't even consistently listed in the top five, but if she's the surprise #30, those 16/1 or 20/1 odds people grabbed early are going to look genius.
There's also the Stephanie Vaquer situation. She’s the current Women's World Champion. If she’s the one waiting at WrestleMania, she needs a challenger who can match her intensity. Rhea Ripley (6/1) fits that perfectly, even if she's already won a Rumble. Sometimes the "repeat winner" rule gets tossed out if the match-up is too good to pass up.
Misconceptions About Rumble Odds
A lot of people think the person with the shortest odds is a lock. Not even close. Remember last year? Jey Uso winning was a genuine shocker for the betting public. The women’s side is even more volatile because the roster is so deep right now.
You also have to look at the "Iron Woman" or "Most Eliminations" markets. Bron Breakker is a massive favorite on the men's side for eliminations, but for the women, Jade Cargill is the name to watch. She’s the current WWE Women's Champion, but there’s a rumor she might pull double duty or get involved in a way that shifts the Rumble's momentum. If she's not in the match, her tag partner Bianca is the logical beneficiary.
📖 Related: LeBron James Body Pillow: Why This Meme-Tier Collectible is Actually Everywhere
How to Handle the Volatility
If you’re actually looking to place a wager or just winning your office pool, you've got to watch the "Go-Home" episode of Raw. WWE tends to tip their hand. If a superstar gets a ten-minute emotional video package the week before the Rumble, their odds will plummet.
Right now, the smart play is looking at the mid-range. Someone like Raquel Rodriguez or IYO SKY. Iyo is a multi-time champ and a former Money in the Bank winner, yet her odds are often buried behind the "return" hype of Bianca and AJ Lee. She has the work rate to win from the #1 spot, which is something the "Iron Woman" bettors look for.
Actionable Strategy for Rumble Season
Don't just chase the 5/4 favorites. The value in womens royal rumble odds usually lives in the 8/1 to 12/1 range. Look for wrestlers who have a clear path to a champion. Jade Cargill vs. Bianca Belair is the "dream match" WWE has been teasing for two years. Since Jade is the champ, Bianca winning the Rumble is the cleanest way to get there.
Watch for line movement on January 30th. If AJ Lee's odds suddenly drop from 15/2 to 3/1, someone knows something about a flight landing in Riyadh. Keep an eye on the NXT call-ups too. If a name like Roxanne Perez gets pulled from an NXT booking that week, it's a massive red flag that she's headed for the Rumble.
The most important thing to remember is that the Royal Rumble is a storytelling device first and a sporting event second. The odds reflect who the bookies think the writers like most. Right now, they think the writers want Bianca Belair back on top.
Pay close attention to the social media of the "sidelined" stars. A single "training in the gym" video can shift the entire betting market in an afternoon. If you see Bianca posting about being "100%," that 5/4 price is going to be long gone.