It’s unusual to preview the Royal Rumble without starting with one of the actual Royal Rumble matches, but WWE hasn’t exactly gone out of its way to hype those bouts. So instead, let’s begin with the match that could steal the show — AJ Styles potentially wrestling his final match against GUNTHER.
Fans were stunned last month when GUNTHER forced John Cena to submit in what was billed as Cena’s retirement match. Rather than showing any respect after scoring the biggest win of his career, the Ring General leaned fully into being an insufferable heel, boasting that he made Cena “tap out like a little bitch.”
AJ Styles, who has publicly discussed plans to retire from WWE in 2026, took issue with GUNTHER disrespecting Cena’s legacy. The Phenomenal One confronted him, leading to a main-event clash on the January 12 episode of Raw. Styles nearly won after locking in the Calf Crusher late in the match, but GUNTHER outsmarted him by secretly tapping AJ’s hip — out of the referee’s view. Thinking he had won, Styles released the hold. The match continued, and GUNTHER capitalized with a sudden powerbomb to steal the victory.
Styles demanded a rematch at Royal Rumble, but GUNTHER wasn’t interested in pulling double duty unless AJ agreed to put his career on the line. After discussing it with his wife, Styles accepted the challenge.
That brings us to tonight in Saudi Arabia, where AJ Styles’ WWE career could come to an abrupt end far earlier than anyone expected. While there’s still hope that Styles can pull off the upset, the larger story revolves around GUNTHER’s growing reputation as a career killer. He already retired Goldberg and John Cena last year — both bigger names than Styles — and now he has another legend in his sights.
The odds are stacked against AJ. He hasn’t beaten a top-tier WWE star since 2024, a stretch that even includes a loss to a YouTube celebrity at WrestleMania. Meanwhile, GUNTHER remains one of the most protected heels on the entire roster.
Will AJ Styles begin a Phenomenal Farewell Tour with a massive win, or will his WWE career end unceremoniously in the same humiliating fashion as Cena’s? We’ll find out at Royal Rumble.
The Rest of the Card
Drew McIntyre (c) vs. Sami Zayn — WWE Championship
This is Drew McIntyre’s first televised title defense since stunning the world by defeating Cody Rhodes earlier this month in a brutal Three Stages of Hell match. Sami Zayn earned his shot by winning a Fatal 4-Way in Montreal over Trick Williams, Randy Orton, and Damian Priest.
Three key facts define this matchup: Sami Zayn has never won the WWE Championship, he has never beaten Drew McIntyre, and he has never lost a match in Saudi Arabia.
Something has to give. While the crowd will be firmly behind Zayn, it would be shocking to see McIntyre drop the title so quickly — especially with rumors swirling about a WrestleMania 42 showdown involving Jacob Fatu and/or Cody Rhodes.
Men’s Royal Rumble Match
The 30-man Royal Rumble follows the familiar format: two wrestlers start, additional entrants join at timed intervals, and eliminations occur when a competitor is thrown over the top rope with both feet hitting the floor. The winner earns a world title match at WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas.
WWE has confirmed the following 21 entrants:
Cody Rhodes, Jey Uso, Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu, Rey Mysterio, GUNTHER, Dragon Lee, Penta, Roman Reigns, Bron Breakker, Logan Paul, Bronson Reed, Austin Theory, Je’Von Evans, Oba Femi, Brock Lesnar, Randy Orton, Damian Priest, Trick Williams, Ilja Dragunov, and The Miz.
That leaves nine open spots for surprises like Joe Hendry, LA Knight, Seth Rollins, Omos, Chris Jericho, or Powerhouse Hobbs.
Damian Priest has already drawn a poor entry number, and one unnamed superstar reportedly picked an even worse one. Meanwhile, Finn Bálor was denied entry altogether after waiting too long to declare.
Realistic favorites to win include Rhodes, Fatu, GUNTHER, Roman Reigns, Bron Breakker, and Brock Lesnar.
Even though Lesnar and Reigns were absent from Raw and SmackDown in the build-up, stars of their caliber are always threats to win — history proves that.
Fatu’s recent return didn’t help his cause, as he accidentally cost Rhodes the WWE Championship while attacking McIntyre. That tension is bound to resurface in the Rumble.
GUNTHER could be at a disadvantage if he wrestles AJ Styles earlier in the night. Bron Breakker will also have backup from his Vision stablemates — Logan Paul, Bronson Reed, and Austin Theory — though trusting a spotlight-hungry YouTuber may not be wise.
There’s also major buzz around Oba Femi’s main-roster debut, with speculation that he could lead the match in eliminations.
Women’s Royal Rumble Match
The women’s Royal Rumble follows the same rules as the men’s match, with the added restriction of conservative ring gear due to Saudi regulations.
Confirmed entrants include:
Rhea Ripley, IYO SKY, Liv Morgan, Roxanne Perez, Raquel Rodriguez, Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair, Alexa Bliss, Asuka, Bayley, Lyra Valkyria, Nia Jax, Lash Legend, Chelsea Green, Jordynne Grace, Giulia, and Maxxine Dupri.
That leaves 13 open spots for potential surprises such as Bianca Belair, AJ Lee, Tiffany Stratton, Trish Stratus, Sol Ruca, and more NXT call-ups.
Many believe this is Liv Morgan’s moment. Since returning in November — memorably kicking John Cena below the belt — she’s looked like the favorite. If she falls short, a betrayal from Judgment Day ally Roxanne Perez could be the reason.
Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY remain strong contenders despite currently holding the women’s tag titles. Becky Lynch, the reigning Women’s Intercontinental Champion, is always a threat due to her star power.
Charlotte Flair won last year’s Rumble, and tension could arise with Alexa Bliss as she attempts to repeat. Jordynne Grace has made it clear she wants Jade Cargill at WrestleMania, though a surprise Bianca Belair return and win may be the more realistic route.
Saudi Arabia’s sportswashing campaign continues to pay off, and WWE remains a willing partner by bringing one of its biggest events to Riyadh for an enormous payday.
This Royal Rumble could be remembered as the night AJ Styles’ legendary career came to an end — or as the moment Sami Zayn finally captured the WWE Championship. The men’s Rumble feels unusually unpredictable, while the women’s match has drawn attention for reasons beyond the action in the ring.
Either way, this event has the potential to reshape WWE’s road to WrestleMania.