WWE Royal Rumble 2026 — Results, Winners & Highlights

The 39th annual WWE Royal Rumble took place on January 31, 2026, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, officially kicking off the Road to WrestleMania 42. The premium live event delivered major wins, emotional moments, surprise performances and storyline-defining outcomes.

Royal Rumble Match Winners

Men’s Royal Rumble Match

Roman Reigns emerged victorious after outlasting 29 competitors. In a dominant performance, Reigns eliminated Gunther in the final moments to secure a guaranteed world championship match at WrestleMania 42, further cementing his legacy as one of WWE’s most powerful figures.

Women’s Royal Rumble Match

Liv Morgan won the Women’s Royal Rumble match, earning her first-ever Royal Rumble victory. She eliminated Tiffany Stratton in the final sequence, booking a career-defining championship opportunity at WrestleMania.

Championship Matches

Undisputed WWE Championship

Drew McIntyre successfully defended the Undisputed WWE Title against Sami Zayn in a hard-fought and physical contest, retaining his championship heading into WrestleMania season.

Major Matches & Emotional Moments

AJ Styles vs. Gunther – Career Threatening Match

In one of the night’s most emotional bouts, Gunther defeated AJ Styles in a match where Styles had put his career on the line. The loss strongly hinted at the end of AJ Styles’ in-ring career, drawing a respectful ovation from the crowd.

Standout Performances

• Lash Legend delivered a powerful showing in the Women’s Royal Rumble, eliminating multiple competitors before being eliminated in the later stages.
• Oba Femi impressed fans during the Men’s Royal Rumble with strength-based dominance and a long run in the match.
• Several surprise entrants and unexpected eliminations kept the crowd engaged throughout both Rumble matches.

What This Means for WrestleMania 42

With their victories:

• Roman Reigns earned the right to challenge for a world championship of his choosing at WrestleMania 42, adding intrigue to the upcoming storyline.
• Liv Morgan secured the biggest singles opportunity of her career and is now firmly positioned in the championship spotlight.

The outcomes from Royal Rumble 2026 have set the stage for high-profile rivalries and title matches as WWE heads toward its biggest annual event.

Event Overview

• Royal Rumble is one of WWE’s prestigious “Big Four” events.
• Winners of the Royal Rumble matches receive guaranteed championship opportunities at WrestleMania.
• The 2026 edition highlighted WWE’s continued global expansion with a major international showcase in Saudi Arabia.