The Road to WrestleMania 42 begins on Sunday. The WWE Royal Rumble is the starting line for a journey that culminates with two world title matches at the Showcase of the Immortals. The man and woman who win their respective Rumble matches will choose a world champion to face at WrestleMania. Surviving the gauntlet can instantly create a new star or give a main event talent another shot at glory.
This year’s fields are immensely competitive with numerous former champions in the mix.
Cody Rhodes, Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar are among the heavy favorites in the men’s match. Rhea Ripley, Becky Lynch and Liv Morgan are all big names on the women’s side. For every former world champion on the card, multiple hungry contenders are looking to break out. Keep a close eye on Bron Breakker, Jacob Fatu, Jordynne Grace and Giulia to upset the applecart.
Plus, a world title match is set for Saturday when WWE champion Drew McIntyre defends his title for the first time against Sami Zayn. Zayn, who has never won a singles world title, won a fatal four way to earn his opportunity against McIntyre. However, Zayn has a sorted history with the Scotsman as he is 0-12 all time in singles competition against him. If Zayn is to win his first world title, he’ll have to make some history to do so.
Also on the card is a retirement match between Gunther and AJ Styles. Gunther has become the boogeyman of WWE after retiring both Goldberg and John Cena last year. Now he faces Styles, who has already said 2026 will be his last year of in-ring competition.
Below is how you can catch all the action on Saturday afternoon. Be sure to check out our predictions and expert picks for each match on the card.
Where to watch WWE Royal Rumble 2026
Date: Saturday, Jan. 31
Location: Riyadh Season Stadium — Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Start time: 2 p.m. ET
Watch live: ESPN Unlimited (subscription required)
2026 WWE Royal Rumble match card
- Men’s Royal Rumble match — Cody Rhodes, Roman Reigns, Gunther, Jey Uso, Rey Mysterio, Jacob Fatu, Solo Sikoa, Dragon Lee, Penta, Bron Breakker, Logan Paul, Bronson Reed, Austin Theory, Je’Von Evans, Oba Femi, Randy Orton, Brock Lesnar and 13 more
- WWE Championship — Drew McIntyre (c) vs. Sami Zayn
- Women’s Royal Rumble match — Iyo Sky, Rhea Ripley, Roxanne Perez, Liv Morgan, Raquel Rodriguez, Bayley, Lyra Valkyria, Asuka, Chelsea Green, Jordynne Grace, Charlotte Flair, Alexa Bliss, Nia Jax, Lash Legend, Giulia, Maxxine Dupri, Becky Lynch and 13 more
- AJ Styles vs. Gunther*
*If Styles loses, he retires. If Gunther loses, Styles takes his Rumble spot.
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