Quick Read
- Roman Reigns officially declared his entry into the 2026 Men’s Royal Rumble match.
- The WWE Royal Rumble is scheduled for January 31st in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
- Jordynne Grace, Chelsea Green, Alexa Bliss, and Charlotte Flair are among the confirmed participants for the Women’s Royal Rumble.
- The MFTs (Solo Sikoa and Tama Tonga) defeated The Wyatt Sicks to win the WWE Tag Team Championships on SmackDown.
- AJ Styles will face Gunther in a singles match at Royal Rumble, with Styles’ career on the line if he loses.
RIYADH (Azat TV) – Former Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns has officially declared his entry into the 2026 Men’s Royal Rumble match, set to take place on January 31st in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The announcement, made via a video package during the January 23rd episode of WWE SmackDown, has immediately heightened the stakes for one of WWE’s most anticipated annual events, promising a direct path to a championship match at WrestleMania.
Reigns’ Return Ignites Royal Rumble Excitement
Roman Reigns’ declaration for the Royal Rumble comes after a period of absence from the event’s buildup, sparking speculation among fans regarding his status. His entry is particularly notable given it will be only his second Royal Rumble appearance in the past five years, a result of his historic 1,316-day-long world championship reign that concluded at WrestleMania 40. Reigns, a Royal Rumble winner in 2015, has consistently been a dominant force in the match, reaching the Final 4 in six out of seven years between 2014 and 2020, as reported by Forbes.
His return immediately positions him as a strong contender, with betting odds placing him as a favorite to win, closely followed by Gunther. The announcement confirmed by Sescoops.com through a vignette shown on SmackDown, underscores the significance of his participation and its potential impact on the upcoming WrestleMania season.
Star-Studded Rosters for Men’s and Women’s Royal Rumbles
The 2026 Royal Rumble is shaping up to be a monumental event with a robust lineup of participants already confirmed for both the men’s and women’s over-the-top-rope battle royals. For the Men’s Royal Rumble, confirmed participants include Cody Rhodes, Gunther, Jey Uso, Rey Mysterio, Dragon Lee, Penta, and Solo Sikoa, alongside the newly declared Roman Reigns.
The Women’s Royal Rumble match is also packed with prominent names. Declarations have poured in, including Rhea Ripley, IYO SKY, Liv Morgan, Roxanne Perez, Raquel Rodriguez, Bayley, Lyra Valkyria, Jordynne Grace, Chelsea Green, Alexa Bliss, Charlotte Flair, Lash Legend, Nia Jax, and Giulia. Notably, Jordynne Grace, a newcomer, declared her entry on SmackDown after a confrontation with Jade Cargill, as detailed by Fightful. The field represents a mix of established champions, rising stars, and returning veterans, all vying for a championship opportunity at WrestleMania.
Crucial Bouts and Championship Shifts
Beyond the Royal Rumble matches, the event’s weekend also features several high-stakes contests that will shape the landscape of WWE. On the January 23rd SmackDown, The MFTs (Solo Sikoa and Tama Tonga) defeated The Wyatt Sicks to capture the WWE Tag Team Championships, marking a significant title change heading into the pay-per-view. This adds another layer of intrigue, especially with Solo Sikoa also confirmed for the Men’s Royal Rumble.
The Royal Rumble card itself boasts a highly anticipated singles match between AJ Styles and Gunther, with an added stipulation: AJ Styles will retire if he loses. This match carries immense career implications for Styles, adding a dramatic element to the event. The Undisputed WWE Title will also be defended by Drew McIntyre against the winner of a Fatal Four Way match set for Saturday Night’s Main Event, further solidifying the championship picture leading into the Royal Rumble.
The return of Roman Reigns to the Royal Rumble match after a notable absence not only reintroduces one of WWE’s most dominant figures into the main event picture but also strategically positions the company to leverage his star power for a compelling narrative heading into WrestleMania season, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of this pivotal annual event.