The highly anticipated Road to WrestleMania 42 kicks off this Sunday with the WWE Royal Rumble, an event that sets the stage for two world title matches at the grandest spectacle of them all. Victors of the men’s and women’s Royal Rumble matches will earn the coveted opportunity to challenge a world champion at WrestleMania, a platform that has the power to propel careers and revitalize legacies.
This year’s Royal Rumble promises fierce competition, featuring a stellar lineup of former champions and rising stars alike. In the men’s match, heavyweights Cody Rhodes, Roman Reigns, and Brock Lesnar are considered frontrunners, while the women’s division includes formidable contenders such as Rhea Ripley, Becky Lynch, and Liv Morgan. The landscape is further charged by eager challengers like Bron Breakker, Jacob Fatu, Jordynne Grace, and Giulia, who could pull off stunning upsets.
In a thrilling addition to the card, WWE Champion Drew McIntyre is set to defend his title for the first time against Sami Zayn. Zayn, who has yet to capture a singles world championship, earned his title shot by overcoming formidable opponents in a fatal four-way match. His challenge is made even tougher by the fact that he has yet to defeat McIntyre in their previous twelve encounters.
The event will also feature a retirement match between the dominant Gunther and AJ Styles. Gunther, known for his imposing presence after eliminating both Goldberg and John Cena from the ring, now faces Styles, who has declared that 2026 will mark the final chapter of his in-ring career. The stakes are high, as Styles risks retirement should he fall to Gunther, adding another layer of tension to the match.
Fans eager to catch all the action can tune in on Saturday, January 31, at the Riyadh Season Stadium in Saudi Arabia. The event kicks off at 2 p.m. ET and will be available for viewing through ESPN Unlimited (subscription required).
The match card for the 2026 WWE Royal Rumble is stacked, including:
– Men’s Royal Rumble match featuring Cody Rhodes, Roman Reigns, Gunther, Jey Uso, Rey Mysterio, Jacob Fatu, and others.
– WWE Championship match: Drew McIntyre (c) vs. Sami Zayn.
– Women’s Royal Rumble match including Iyo Sky, Rhea Ripley, Liv Morgan, Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair, and many more.
– AJ Styles vs. Gunther, with significant implications for both competitors.
With the excitement building, the Royal Rumble stands as a pivotal event that not only shapes the road to WrestleMania but also offers fans a chance to witness dramatic turns in the careers of wrestlers. As the competitors gear up for the ultimate showdown, the wrestling world eagerly anticipates the remarkable moments that are sure to unfold.