Quick Read
- Cody Rhodes aims for a record-tying third Royal Rumble victory, having won in 2023 and 2024.
- Rhodes publicly stated his intention to eliminate Brock Lesnar at the Royal Rumble.
- On WWE SmackDown, Bron Breakker laid out Cody Rhodes and Sami Zayn in a chaotic eight-man tag match.
- The SmackDown event in Riyadh saw notable empty seats, despite an energetic crowd for the opening segment.
- The 2026 Royal Rumble, featuring 30 men and 30 women, takes place on January 31 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
RIYADH (Azat TV) – Two-time Royal Rumble winner Cody Rhodes enters the 39th annual WWE Royal Rumble in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, this weekend with a chance to make history, but not without a significant pre-event challenge. His ambitions for a record-tying third victory were underscored by a chaotic WWE SmackDown appearance, where he was laid out by Bron Breakker, further intensifying the competitive landscape for the men’s main event.
Cody Rhodes’ Quest for Royal Rumble History
Cody Rhodes stands on the precipice of an unprecedented achievement at the 2026 Royal Rumble. Having secured back-to-back victories in 2023 and 2024, Rhodes is one of only four men to accomplish this feat. A win this year would tie him with WWE Hall of Famer Stone Cold Steve Austin for the most Royal Rumble victories ever, with three. His journey to this potential milestone has been a central narrative for WWE, positioning him as a top contender for a world championship match at WrestleMania 42.
Ahead of the event, Rhodes explicitly stated his intentions, telling ESPN that he aims to be the one to eliminate Brock Lesnar, another two-time Royal Rumble winner and a formidable opponent confirmed for the match. This declaration highlights Rhodes’ strategic focus and confidence as he navigates a field of 30 superstars, including former winners like Randy Orton, Roman Reigns, and Jey Uso, all vying for a coveted spot in the WrestleMania main event.
SmackDown Chaos Ahead of Royal Rumble
The final WWE SmackDown before the Royal Rumble, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on January 30, 2026, was marked by intense confrontations and unexpected developments. Cody Rhodes opened the show, engaging with the audience before being interrupted by Randy Orton, Sami Zayn, and Jey Uso, leading to an eight-man tag team match. Rhodes teamed with Orton, Uso, and Zayn against ‘The Vision’ – Bron Breakker, Logan Paul, Bronson Reed, and Austin Theory.
The match culminated in chaos, ending in a disqualification after Undisputed WWE Champion Drew McIntyre interfered. In the ensuing melee, Jacob Fatu and McIntyre exchanged blows, but it was Bron Breakker who delivered a decisive moment. As Rhodes and Sami Zayn simultaneously grasped the Undisputed WWE title, Breakker seized the opportunity, spearing both men. This impactful move, as reported by CBS Sports, positioned Breakker as a significant threat in the crowded Royal Rumble field, reminding observers of his prowess just hours before the major event.
Despite the high-stakes action in the ring, the SmackDown broadcast drew attention for its sparse attendance. USA Today Wrestling Junkie noted the presence of ‘So. Many. Empty. Seats.’ throughout the arena, particularly after the initial segment. While the fans present during Rhodes’ opening segment were described as ‘going bananas for the babyfaces,’ the overall visual of a half-empty stadium was unusual for a WWE live show, especially one preceding a Premium Live Event. WWE commentator Michael Cole even referenced a ‘late-arriving crowd’ at the start of the program, acknowledging the visible gaps.
The 2026 Royal Rumble: What to Expect
The 39th annual Royal Rumble is scheduled for January 31, 2026, at the King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The event, which officially kicks off the ‘Road to WrestleMania,’ will stream on ESPN+ for US viewers and Netflix internationally, with the main show starting at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT, preceded by a pre-show at Noon ET/9 a.m. PT, as detailed by WrestlingNews.co and Sports Illustrated.
The Men’s Royal Rumble match features 30 competitors, with 21 confirmed participants including Cody Rhodes, Brock Lesnar, Randy Orton, Roman Reigns, Gunther, Jey Uso, and newcomer Oba Femi, making his main roster debut. The Women’s Royal Rumble match will also feature 30 participants, with 17 confirmed, including Charlotte Flair, Becky Lynch, Rhea Ripley, Bayley, and Nia Jax. Both matches offer a world championship opportunity at WrestleMania 42, ensuring a highly competitive and unpredictable night.
The Royal Rumble serves as a critical juncture for Cody Rhodes, where his pursuit of a record-tying third win will not only test his in-ring capabilities but also his resilience in the face of escalating rivalries and the unpredictable nature of the event itself.