Just like Cookie Monster with his favorite cookies, I usually look forward to the WWE Royal Rumble match. However, my enthusiasm for the 2026 event has diminished compared to previous years.
This time around, the participants for the 2026 Men’s and Women’s Royal Rumble were confirmed much later, with announcements starting on January 16th. The involvement of wrestlers leading up to this point (shout-out to Cody Rhodes) gave the Royal Rumble a sense of being secondary to Saturday Night’s main event, which felt almost unnecessary.
For us long-time fans, the announcement of Royal Rumble entrants carries significant weight. It helps us understand who will be competing and allows us to start theorizing about which wrestlers might fill in the remaining spots for this prestigious event. Fans typically enjoy advocating for their favorite competitors to win the over-the-top-rope battle. Unfortunately, the recent Saturday Night Main Event, held just a week prior to the 2026 Royal Rumble, has overshadowed this excitement, causing everything to feel rushed.
Superstars like Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY were unable to announce their Royal Rumble participation without also referencing Saturday Night’s main event. This was similarly the case for Roxanne Perez and Liv Morgan, who couldn’t talk about their upcoming Royal Rumble appearances without mentioning their tag title match on SNME.
Had WWE kept the tradition of announcing Royal Rumble participants in December or at least by early January, the buildup to this match would not have felt as frantic and would reflect the significance it truly deserves. After all, the Royal Rumble marks the official kickoff to the journey toward WWE WrestleMania, the biggest event in professional wrestling.
Aside from the physical aspects, I can’t help but express concern over an unfortunate reality, especially for the women. Due to cultural restrictions, female WWE wrestlers often have to alter their ring gear to more conservative attire when performing in Saudi Arabia. With the 2026 Royal Rumble taking place in Riyadh, I already feel empathy for the women who will be required to wear long-sleeved bodysuits and manage lengthy performances during the match.
Written by Ella Jay
Editorial Opinion: This situation highlights the importance of traditions in wrestling that help build excitement and narrative. For passionate fans, the way WWE organizes events influences both the anticipation leading up to WrestleMania and the overall experience of the sport.
