Usually, I approach these events with a neutral mindset—another pay-per-view has passed, giving us plenty to discuss. However, honestly, the 2026 Royal Rumble may rank as one of the most disappointing shows in recent memory. We almost dedicated this entire recap to just the losers, but out of fairness, we had to acknowledge AJ Styles and Gunther for standing out on an otherwise bleak card.
That said, if you’re curious about the full rundown, the results page has all the details. Meanwhile, this review serves as an outlet to express frustration over the declining quality of WWE’s marquee pay-per-views, especially as they continue their stint in Saudi Arabia. Once we sort through the biggest disappointments, let’s dive into who came out on top and who fell short at this underwhelming Royal Rumble.
Losers: Everyone involved, including the fans
Both the men’s and women’s Rumble matches dragged on and ultimately ended predictably. While I anticipated Sami Zayn losing the world title match, the way it happened left doubt about his future as a credible contender. Announcer Michael Cole seemed disengaged, and the audience was far from energized. The event was held at the Riyadh Season Stadium, reminiscent of the post-pandemic ThunderDome with its muted lighting that made the arena look nearly empty despite decent attendance—a troubling aesthetic for a big show.
Roman Reigns and Liv Morgan, though winning, come across as uninspiring choices for WrestleMania’s main event. The pacing of the Rumble felt sluggish, bogged down by excessive graphics that didn’t add much. The event resembled a fragile, hollow spectacle more than the anticipated grand tradition WWE fans have come to cherish. If the Royal Rumble is usually a beautifully crafted surprise, this felt more like a cheaply made plastic version with only a few sweet moments inside.
Winners: AJ Styles and Gunther
AJ Styles has always offered a unique presence in WWE, distinct from legends like John Cena, and fittingly his exit felt different too. He almost retired unexpectedly in a match that was both solid and entertaining, capping his WWE decade with a memorable sendoff. His victory was both a satisfying farewell and a nod to his career highlights.
Gunther continues to build his reputation as a stalwart competitor in big matches. Despite past setbacks, his resilience has kept him relevant, and his performance alongside Styles was commendable.
Winner: Roman Reigns
When it comes to WWE careers, being Roman Reigns is the ultimate advantage. Success seems guaranteed for him, and he effortlessly remains the company’s cornerstone. His Royal Rumble win guarantees another WrestleMania appearance, reinforcing his dominance over wrestlers like Bron Breaker, Bronson Reed, and others who fell short trying to claim his spot. Fans are now resigned to follow Reigns’ ongoing WrestleMania journey—perhaps even involving The Rock—ensuring his story remains central.
Loser: Sami Zayn
Previously, Sami Zayn’s losses felt more justifiable, coming at the tail end of Roman Reigns’ reign and setting up future WrestleMania storylines. This time, however, despite a spirited match against Drew McIntyre, it seems Sami’s chances at the top tier are dwindling. WWE appears to be focusing more on McIntyre and Cody Rhodes as their main event draws. Even if Zayn finds himself in multi-person matches, a swift return to main event status feels unlikely. Though his recent match was among his best, the writing on the wall suggests his big dream might be slipping away.
Fan Take:
This Royal Rumble highlights a crossroads for WWE—while stars like AJ Styles and Gunther provide hope, the overall product appears stuck and uninspired. For fans, it signals a crucial moment where WWE must innovate and re-energize its Big Four events to maintain relevance and excitement in the evolving landscape of pro wrestling.
