WWE Royal Rumble 2026: Everything You Need to Know
The countdown to WrestleMania 42 officially begins with the highly anticipated WWE Royal Rumble, set to take place this afternoon, January 31, at 2 p.m. ET. This year’s event will unfold at the iconic Riyadh Season Stadium in Saudi Arabia, bringing the spectacle of wrestling to a grand stage.
What is the Royal Rumble?
The Royal Rumble is a signature WWE event, featuring a thrilling 30-person match where the ultimate victor earns a shot at a world championship title during WrestleMania 42, scheduled for April 18-19. Participants can compete for prestigious titles, including:
- Men’s World Championship: Choose between Raw’s World Heavyweight Championship or SmackDown’s Undisputed WWE Championship.
- Women’s World Championship: Select from Raw’s Women’s World Championship or SmackDown’s WWE Women’s Championship.
How to Watch the Royal Rumble
The 2026 Royal Rumble is exclusively available for streaming on ESPN Unlimited. Here’s your quick guide to tuning in:
-
Event Start Time:
- Royal Rumble: 2 p.m. ET
- Pre-show Coverage: Begins at 12 p.m. ET
- Subscription Options:
- ESPN Unlimited: $29.99/month
- Disney+ Bundle: For $29.99/month, enjoy Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN (ad-supported). Opt for ad-free for $38.99/month.
- DIRECTV: Offers various streaming plans that include ESPN Unlimited, along with a five-day free trial for new users.
Match Card for WWE Royal Rumble 2026
The excitement ramps up with a diverse lineup of matches featuring top WWE superstars. Here’s the confirmed card:
Royal Rumble Matches
- Men’s Royal Rumble Match: 30 competitors vie for a world championship match at WrestleMania 42.
- Women’s Royal Rumble Match: 30 participants compete for a shot at the women’s championship at WrestleMania 42.
Championship Matches
- Undisputed WWE Championship: Drew McIntyre (c) vs. Sami Zayn
- Career-Threatening Match: AJ Styles vs. Gunther (if Styles loses, he retires from in-ring competition)
Confirmed Participants
In the Royal Rumble matches, several notable WWE superstars are ready to make their mark:
Men’s Division
- Cody Rhodes
- Gunther
- Jey Uso
- Rey Mysterio
- Roman Reigns
- Brock Lesnar
- Randy Orton
- And many more!
Women’s Division
- Rhea Ripley
- Charlotte Flair
- Becky Lynch
- Asuka
- Liv Morgan
- Bayley
- Nia Jax
- And many others!
Conclusion
With the stakes higher than ever, the WWE Royal Rumble 2026 promises to deliver unforgettable moments as wrestlers fight for supremacy. Fans worldwide will be eagerly watching to see who emerges victorious and earns the coveted title shot at WrestleMania 42.
Be sure to mark your calendars for January 31 and prepare for an afternoon filled with thrilling action, surprises, and intense rivalries as WWE gears up for one of its most exciting events of the year! Check out more details on how to watch the event on ESPN.
