The 2026 Royal Rumble showcased thrilling victories in both the men’s and women’s matches, with Liv Morgan and Roman Reigns emerging as the champions. Each year, top wrestlers elevate the excitement with standout performances, earning titles like Iron Man and Iron Woman for their endurance and eliminations.
This year featured several impressive competitors who gave their all to outlast others, making the Royal Rumble a captivating spectacle as fans watched to see who would endure the longest.
Raquel Rodriguez, competing in just her sixth month as a world title contender, impressed greatly after entering at number 17. Teaming up with her Judgment Day allies, she dominated early, notably eliminating Rhea Ripley and Kiana James with a harsh chokeslam. Despite her strong showing lasting 35 minutes and 29 seconds, Rodriguez was unexpectedly sent out by her ally Liv Morgan, finishing fourth.
Looking for his third Royal Rumble triumph, Cody Rhodes started at entry 11 and fought hard for 36 minutes and 50 seconds. However, his run was cut short by current Undisputed WWE Champion Drew McIntyre, who halted Rhodes with a claymore while he was holding on to the ropes, possibly setting up a WrestleMania 42 showdown.
Rush Legend, a rising star in the women’s division, gave the best female performance by lasting 38 minutes and 46 seconds. Even without tag partner Nia Jax, she eliminated multiple strong contenders, including Charlotte Flair, Jordynne Grace, Iyo Sky, and both Bella Twins, standing out as the match’s most dominant wrestler.
Oba Femi, entering at number one in just his second main roster appearance, was a force to be reckoned with. He led the men’s match in eliminations with five and fought valiantly for 39 minutes and 4 seconds, only falling to Brock Lesnar after dispatching top competitors like Rey Mysterio and Matt Cardona.
Young Jevon Evans was the Ironman of the men’s Royal Rumble, surviving the longest at 40 minutes and 58 seconds. Though he didn’t notch any eliminations, his impressive high-flying skills earned him eighth place and plenty of recognition.
Liv Morgan, the 2026 women’s Royal Rumble winner, lasted an impressive 43 minutes and 50 seconds. Entering at number 14, she overcame many hurdles, including eliminating her ally Raquel Rodriguez, and triumphed over Sol Luka and Tiffany Stratton in a dramatic finale to secure her WrestleMania 42 title shot.
Sol Luka, entering at number 10, demonstrated his growing star power by lasting 50 minutes and 47 seconds, making it to the final three. Despite an impressive showing, his inexperience led to his elimination by Tiffany Stratton in a risky move.
Charlotte Flair, the previous year’s winner, opened the women’s match at number one and earned the 2026 Iron Woman accolade by surviving an incredible 59 minutes and 49 seconds—longer than anyone else in either the men’s or women’s matches. Though ultimately defeated by Rush Legend, Flair’s resilience and babyface comeback alongside Alexa Bliss were admired by fans and critics alike.
Fan Take: The 2026 Royal Rumble demonstrated the rising stars’ potential alongside established legends, signaling a thrilling future for WWE storytelling and competition. These standout performances not only excite fans but also promise memorable rivalries and moments leading into WrestleMania 42 and beyond.
