Let's be real: we all knew WWE was going to push the envelope eventually, but moving one of the "Big Five" entirely out of North America for the first time? That’s a massive swing. Honestly, the WWE Royal Rumble 2026 isn't just another stop on the calendar. It’s a statement. Since 1988, this January tradition has been the soul of the Road to WrestleMania, usually anchored in cold American cities where fans huddle in stadiums dreaming of April. This time, we’re heading to the desert.
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, is the backdrop for the 39th annual event on Saturday, January 31, 2026. If you’ve been following the TKO era, this shouldn't be a total shock, but the logistics are still kinda wild. We're looking at a prime-time slot in the Middle East that’s going to force fans in the States to brew an extra-large pot of coffee for those early morning starts on the ESPN app.
🔗 Read more: Girona vs Real Sociedad: The Story of a Tactical Chess Match Most People Missed
The Riyadh Shift: What Most People Get Wrong
People keep comparing this to the "Greatest Royal Rumble" from back in 2018. Stop. That was basically a glorified house show with a giant trophy. The WWE Royal Rumble 2026 is the real deal—30 men, 30 women, and two guaranteed title shots at WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas.
The King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) is the venue. It’s sleek, it's futuristic, and it’s going to look incredible on the Netflix/ESPN stream. But for the wrestlers? This is a grueling trip right in the middle of the most important season of the year. There’s been a lot of chatter about how WWE will handle the "surprise" element. Usually, they hide legends in local hotels or buses. How do you hide a 7-foot returnee in a Riyadh airport? It's gonna be tricky.
Who’s Actually in the Mix?
Cody Rhodes already threw his hat in the ring during the January 16th episode of SmackDown. It’s a bold move. He’s basically saying he doesn't care about the travel or the heat; he wants that main event spot again. But he’s got a target on his back, especially with Jacob Fatu breathing down his neck.
Then there’s the champion situation. Drew McIntyre is currently sitting on the throne as the Undisputed WWE Champion. He’s been on a tear, but he’s heading into a nightmare scenario. Before we even get to Riyadh, there’s a massive Fatal 4-Way qualifier happening at Saturday Night’s Main Event on January 24th.
The names currently fighting for that slot?
- Randy Orton (The Viper just won a qualifying match against The Miz)
- Trick Williams (The kid is a phenom and just took out Matt Cardona)
- Damian Priest (With a little "help" from the Wyatt Sicks, much to Solo Sikoa's dismay)
- Sami Zayn (Who outlasted Ilja Dragunov in a match that honestly deserved five stars)
Whoever survives that mess has to face McIntyre in Riyadh. It’s a high-stakes gamble that could completely flip the WrestleMania card before the Rumble match even begins.
Returns, Rumors, and the Jericho Factor
Every year, the "leaked" lists start floating around Reddit. Most are garbage. But this year, the smoke around Chris Jericho is getting hard to ignore. His AEW contract has been the subject of endless speculation, and the idea of "Y2J" popping up at #30 in Saudi Arabia? That would break the internet.
We also have reports of Tiffany Stratton and LA Knight being spotted for the trip. Stratton has been gone since losing the gold to Jade Cargill, and the women’s Rumble needs that "Center of the Universe" energy. On the men’s side, Brock Lesnar is the perennial wildcard. He loves these big Saudi paydays, and seeing him toss bodies around the KAFD is almost a guarantee at this point.
The Women’s Rumble: Is it Bianca’s Year (Again)?
The Women’s Royal Rumble is looking stacked, but there’s a lot of drama behind the scenes. Bianca Belair has been sidelined with a hand injury since Mania 41, but the rumors say she’s cleared. If she shows up, she’s the odds-on favorite.
But don't sleep on Liv Morgan. She’s been the runner-up so many times it’s starting to get cruel. Fans are starting to rally behind her "redemption" arc. Then you’ve got the wildcard: Jordynne Grace. After her dominant showing against Chelsea Green, the TNA crossover appeal is at an all-time high. A Rumble appearance from her would be a massive "cross-promotional" win for WWE.
How to Actually Watch and Attend
If you’re planning to fly out, tickets are surprisingly accessible—at least the cheap ones. General admission starts around SAR 270 (about $72), which isn't bad for a "Big Five" show. But if you want to be ringside, you're looking at VVIP packages that top out over $400.
👉 See also: Red Sox Box Scores Explained (Simply): Why They Still Matter in 2026
For the rest of us sitting on the couch:
- Date: January 31, 2026.
- US Streaming: ESPN app (This is a change from the old Peacock-only days).
- Global Streaming: Netflix (except for specific local markets).
- Time: Expect a mid-morning or early-afternoon start time if you’re in North America.
Navigating the Hype
The WWE Royal Rumble 2026 is going to be polarizing. Some fans hate the move to Saudi; others love the spectacle. Regardless of where you stand, the talent is undeniable. With the Wyatt Sicks causing chaos and the Bloodline story evolving into whatever "The Vision" is doing with Jacob Fatu, the storytelling is actually keeping up with the production value.
Watch the Saturday Night’s Main Event show on January 24th very closely. That’s where the final pieces of the puzzle will fall. If Sami Zayn or Randy Orton takes the title from Drew there, the Rumble match itself becomes a hunt for a different beast entirely.
Keep an eye on the entry numbers. We've seen in the past that #1 and #27 have the highest win rates, but with the way WWE is booking lately, they might just give us a winner from #12 just to mess with the stats.
👉 See also: NFL Football Picks Week 10: Why Home Underdogs Are Kicking Teeth In
Track the "Road to Royal Rumble" tour results from the UK and Europe. These smaller shows often hint at which superstars are being "protected" for the big night in Riyadh. If someone like Gunther or Bron Breakker is going undefeated in Newcastle and Nottingham, they're likely planned for a deep run in the 30-man match. Focus on the momentum; it usually tells the story better than any "leak" ever could.