KEY POINT
- Liv Morgan wins the women’s Royal Rumble, securing a title shot at WrestleMania 42.
- Drew McIntyre retains the Undisputed WWE Championship against Sami Zayn.
- Gunther defeats AJ Styles in a high stakes career match.
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — WWE’s Royal Rumble 2026 kicked off the road to WrestleMania 42 on Saturday, January 31, delivering dramatic outcomes and surprise moments at the King Abdullah Financial District Stadium.
The event marked the first Royal Rumble held outside North America and featured the traditional 30 person men’s and women’s matches alongside marquee championship bouts.
In the women’s Royal Rumble, Liv Morgan emerged as the victor, earning a championship opportunity at WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas.
Drew McIntyre successfully defended his Undisputed WWE Championship against Sami Zayn, while Gunther defeated AJ Styles in a career defining match, highlighting his dominance in the ring.
The 2026 Royal Rumble served as WWE’s first major live event of the year and the opening installment of the “Big Four” pay per view schedule.
With winners of the men’s and women’s Royal Rumble matches receiving guaranteed championship opportunities at WrestleMania, the outcomes are crucial for shaping storylines and title contention heading into WWE’s flagship event.
The Royal Rumble match, introduced in 1988, has long been a cornerstone of WWE’s calendar, with the winner traditionally earning a world title match at WrestleMania.
By staging the 2026 edition in Saudi Arabia, WWE continues to expand its international presence, building on prior shows in the Middle East that have attracted global audiences and elevated local engagement.
Liv Morgan, previously considered a rising talent, capitalized on her opportunity in a women’s match filled with returning stars and new contenders.
Drew McIntyre, a former multiple time champion, successfully defended his title, reinforcing his status as the company’s central figure.
AJ Styles, a veteran of nearly two decades in WWE, faced Gunther in a match billed as a potential endpoint for Styles’ in-ring career.
Booker T, WWE Hall of Famer and on air analyst, said, “Morgan’s victory is a milestone moment for women’s wrestling. She’s earned her spot among the top contenders for WrestleMania, and her performance shows she can carry a main event spotlight.”
Dave Scherer, founder of PWInsider.com, commented, “McIntyre’s retention keeps the championship scene stable, which is important for WrestleMania storytelling. Gunther beating Styles sends a strong message about the next generation of talent and how WWE is planning its future stars.”
According to WWE statistics, the event drew tens of thousands of spectators to Riyadh, reflecting the company’s strategy of building global live event experiences while generating significant digital and television viewership.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | January 31, 2026 |
| Location | King Abdullah Financial District Stadium, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia |
| Men’s Royal Rumble Match | Main Event |
| Women’s Royal Rumble Winner | Liv Morgan |
| Undisputed WWE Championship | Drew McIntyre (Retained) |
| Singles Match Winner | Gunther (defeated AJ Styles) |
Liv Morgan stated in a post-match interview, “This is a dream come true. WrestleMania is the biggest stage, and I can’t wait to prove myself there.”
Sami Zayn, reflecting on his loss, said, “Drew fought an incredible match. I’ll take the lessons from tonight and come back stronger. The road to WrestleMania isn’t over for me.”
Gunther added, “AJ Styles is one of the all-time greats. Tonight was about respect and legacy, and I gave it everything in the ring.”
With WrestleMania 42 approaching in April, Liv Morgan’s victory positions her as a central player in the women’s division.
Drew McIntyre’s championship defense solidifies him as the focal point for title storylines, while Gunther’s win over Styles signals potential shifts in the hierarchy of male competitors.
WWE’s continued international expansion indicates further global shows may become key milestones for the promotion’s major events.
The 2026 Royal Rumble in Riyadh established critical pathways for WrestleMania 42, combining veteran performances, emerging talent, and landmark victories.
Morgan, McIntyre, and Gunther all left the event in positions that could shape WWE’s storytelling and competitive landscape through the spring and beyond.