The 2026 WWE Royal Rumble took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and once again delivered one of WWE’s most fan-favorite events of the year. While the men’s and women’s Royal Rumble matches were the main attractions, WWE also teased several surprises throughout the night.
Heading into the event, rumors were circulating about potential debuts and main-roster call-ups as surprise Rumble entrants. Here’s a full breakdown of what happened at this year’s Royal Rumble.
Royal Rumble Match Card
Men’s Royal Rumble Match
Women’s Royal Rumble Match
Drew McIntyre vs. Sami Zayn – Undisputed WWE Championship
AJ Styles vs. Gunther – If Styles loses, he retires
Women’s Royal Rumble: Entry Order and Highlights
Charlotte Flair entered first and went on to spend the most time in the ring at 59:50. Alexa Bliss followed as the No. 2 entrant.
Other notable entrants included Becky Lynch, Asuka, Bayley, Rhea Ripley, Iyo Sky, and several NXT call-ups. Lola Vice was eliminated first, while Sol Ruca, Raquel Rodriguez, Tiffany Stratton, and Liv Morgan made it to the final four.
Liv Morgan ultimately outlasted the field to win the Women’s Royal Rumble.
Full Entry Order:
Charlotte Flair – Most time in ring (59:50)
Alexa Bliss
Kiana James
Nia Jax
Ivy Nile
Lola Vice – Eliminated first
Candice LeRae
Jordynne Grace
Becky Lynch
Sol Ruca – Final Four
Roxanne Perez
Maxxine Dupri
Natalya
Liv Morgan – Final Four, Winner
Lash Legend
Zelina Vega
Raquel Rodriguez – Final Four
Chelsea Green
Giulia
Iyo Sky
Asuka
Rhea Ripley
Bayley
Jacy Jayne
Nikki Bella
Lyra Valkyria
Kelani Jordan
Kairi Sane
Brie Bella
Tiffany Stratton – Final Four
Match Recap
The Women’s Royal Rumble opened the show, with Flair and Bliss starting things off. The first elimination didn’t occur until eight competitors were in the ring, but once it began, eliminations came quickly.
Throughout the match, WWE revisited several past and ongoing rivalries. While eliminations happened at a steady pace, the ring remained crowded for most of the match.
There were plenty of entertaining moments, but the biggest criticism was how rehearsed the action felt. Each new entrant followed a familiar pattern, briefly dominating before blending into the flow of the match. While the live crowd seemed engaged, the choreography was noticeable on television.
Overall, the match was solid but far from the best Women’s Royal Rumble WWE has produced. It was also disappointing that there were no surprise appearances from AAA or TNA talent.
The match came down to Liv Morgan, Tiffany Stratton, and Sol Ruca in the final moments. After a tense battle on the apron, Morgan emerged as the last woman standing, earning her Royal Rumble victor.