Royal Rumble Erupts In Riyadh As WWE Launches Global Road To WrestleMania

WWE has officially launched its 2026 Road to WrestleMania with a bang, as the Royal Rumble event unfolds for the first time outside North America. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, is the stage for this historic night, with the action taking place at a temporary outdoor stadium in the city’s King Abdullah Financial District. Kicking off at 2 p.m. ET, fans across the globe are tuning in via ESPN Unlimited in the United States and Netflix internationally, eager to witness what promises to be a landmark moment in professional wrestling.

This year’s Royal Rumble is headlined by two traditional 30-person over-the-top-rope matches—one for the men and one for the women—each offering the coveted prize of a main event title shot at WrestleMania 42, scheduled for April in Las Vegas. The event marks the first of WWE’s so-called “Big Four” premium live events of the year, and the company isn’t holding back on star power or drama.

On the men’s side, the Royal Rumble match is wide open, with no clear favorite emerging from the stacked field. Wrestling pundits are buzzing with predictions and theories, and the excitement is palpable. Geno Mrosko of Cageside Seats speculated, “They’re really going to give Cody Rhodes his third win in four Royal Rumble matches. I’m just wondering how the fans are going to react to that.” Others, like Sean Rueter, are hoping for a breakout moment: “I’m really hoping the men’s Rumble can make a star into a superstar.”

Names like Cody Rhodes, Finn Balor, Bron Breakker, Brock Lesnar, Roman Reigns, and Seth Rollins are all being floated as potential winners. The unpredictability is part of the magic, with Claire Elizabeth suggesting that Finn Balor could pull off a surprise by sneaking into the match and stealing the show. Meanwhile, Cain A. Knight argued, “Cody Rhodes will likely be in one of the world title matches at WrestleMania, but a third Royal Rumble win is overkill when he can instead get there via the Elimination Chamber.” It’s a sentiment echoed by several others, as the WWE Universe awaits the final outcome with bated breath.

Turning to the women’s Royal Rumble, the field is just as competitive. Liv Morgan, a prominent WWE ambassador in Saudi Arabia and a self-professed lucky charm for the region, is a popular pick among analysts. “I always have good luck when I come to Saudi Arabia. I won my Women’s World Championship here, I became the first Women’s Crown Jewel Champion... And I’m going to win the Royal Rumble this year,” Morgan declared to WWE’s social media channel in the Middle East. Her confidence and track record in the Kingdom have many believing she could finally clinch the big one.

Other favorites include Rhea Ripley, Bianca Belair—who is rumored to be making a dramatic return—and IYO SKY. Still, as Claire Elizabeth pointed out, “This is wrestling and we all know it’s every woman for herself here,” suggesting that even alliances may be fleeting once the bell rings. The unpredictability, rivalries, and the possibility of shocking betrayals are all fueling anticipation for what could be a career-defining night for several superstars.

Beyond the Royal Rumble matches, two high-stakes singles bouts add extra intrigue to the card. Drew McIntyre, the reigning Undisputed WWE Champion, faces off against Sami Zayn. Zayn earned his shot by winning a Fatal 4-Way on Saturday Night’s Main Event last weekend, and he’ll have the crowd firmly in his corner. The Saudi fans are known for their passion, and Zayn’s popularity in the region could create a fever-pitch atmosphere. However, McIntyre is a formidable champion, and opinions are split on whether Zayn can finally overcome the odds. As Sean Rueter noted, “Triple H likes to zag when we think he should zig. So let’s say McIntyre stomps out a thrilling Zayn comeback through nefarious means en route a win, allowing Adam Pearce to book a rematch down the road where Sami can win… after McIntyre’s reign has lasted another defense or two.”

Some, like Kyle Decker and Marcus Benjamin, are putting their faith in a Zayn upset, especially given the crowd’s fervor and Zayn’s underdog status. “If there’s one case where I wouldn’t complain one single whit at Saudi interference in WWE booking, it’s Sami Zayn winning the title in front of a crowd that’s frenzied hot for him,” Claire Elizabeth wrote, capturing the emotional stakes of the main event. Yet, others remain skeptical, citing Zayn’s track record in high-profile matches and McIntyre’s recent momentum.

Perhaps the most emotionally charged contest of the night is AJ Styles versus Gunther, with Styles’ career on the line. Styles has already indicated that 2026 will be his final year as an active WWE star, but the possibility of retirement tonight has fans on edge. Gunther, meanwhile, has built a reputation as a career-ender, having retired both Goldberg and John Cena in 2025. “This guy killing all your heroes is perfect,” Mrosko commented, while Marcus Benjamin added, “The writing is on the wall with this one. Right? Unless this whole thing is part of some elaborate ruse, and I’m not ruling out that it isn’t, this is AJ’s last match in WWE. At least for a while.”

Despite the looming sense of finality, there’s always the chance for a last-minute twist. “I just know I don’t want AJ Styles to retire, and I know you can never count the Phenomenal One out,” Claire Elizabeth remarked, echoing the hopes of Styles’ legion of fans. Still, the consensus among analysts leans toward Gunther continuing his run as WWE’s resident legend killer.

Adding to the spectacle, the event is being broadcast to a global audience, with the “Countdown” pre-show setting the stage for the main card. The significance of WWE’s first Royal Rumble outside North America cannot be overstated, as the company looks to expand its international presence and engage new fans in the Middle East. With WrestleMania 43 also rumored to be headed to Saudi Arabia in the future, tonight’s event could be a harbinger of even bigger things to come for WWE and its global ambitions.

As the action unfolds, one thing is clear: the 2026 Royal Rumble is delivering on its promise of unpredictability, high stakes, and unforgettable moments. Whether it’s a surprise entrant stealing the show, a beloved underdog finally reaching the mountaintop, or a legend bidding farewell, the WWE Universe is in for an emotional roller coaster. The road to WrestleMania 42 has never started with more excitement or intrigue, and as the night continues in Riyadh, anything can happen. Stay tuned as the drama develops and new legends are made.