Liv Morgan Shocks in 2026 Women's Royal Rumble Win
In a night filled with drama, betrayals, and high-stakes action, WWE's 39th annual Royal Rumble lit up the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on January 31, 2026. The event, a cornerstone of professional wrestling, determined the main event superstars for WrestleMania 42. Liv Morgan's unexpected triumph in the women's match and Roman Reigns' commanding performance in the men's stole the show, setting the stage for an unforgettable April showdown in Las Vegas.
Women's Royal Rumble: Liv Morgan's Path to Glory
The women's Royal Rumble kicked off with Charlotte Flair entering at No. 1, immediately establishing her endurance prowess. Joined by tag team partner Alexa Bliss at No. 2, the duo toyed with tension before uniting to eliminate powerhouses like Nia Jax. However, an accidental toss saw Bliss become Flair's first unintended victim, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the battle royale.
As entrants arrived every 90 seconds, the ring became a chaotic battlefield. The return of WWE Hall of Famers Nikki and Brie Bella at No. 29 was a nostalgic highlight, reuniting the twins for the first time in years. They swiftly dispatched Bayley and Lyra Valkyrie, but their run ended abruptly at the hands of the imposing Lash Legend, who then went on a rampage.
Legend's dominance was short-lived yet impactful. She eliminated Flair after the Queen had survived nearly 60 minutes—a testament to her resilience. Raquel Rodriguez finally ousted Legend, only to face betrayal from her closest ally, Liv Morgan. This shocking turn propelled Morgan into the final three alongside Tiffany Stratton and rising star Sol Ruca.
Ruca impressed with acrobatic flair, but her high-risk turnbuckle attempt backfired when Stratton shoved her out. In a split-second masterclass, Morgan capitalized with her signature Oblivion on Stratton, securing the win and her WrestleMania 42 title shot. Morgan's journey from underdog to headliner underscores her evolution in WWE, blending cunning strategy with athletic precision.
Key Moments and Eliminations in the Women's Match
- Flair and Bliss's early alliance crumbles with accidental elimination.
- Bella Twins' emotional reunion leads to quick eliminations but swift exit.
- Lash Legend's elimination spree includes Charlotte Flair after 59 minutes.
- Liv Morgan's betrayal of Raquel Rodriguez shifts momentum.
- Final sequence: Ruca's fall, Stratton's Oblivion defeat.
Morgan's victory isn't just a personal milestone; it signals a shift in the women's division. With WrestleMania 42 looming on April 18-19, she could challenge for the Women's World Championship, potentially facing rivals like Rhea Ripley or Becky Lynch in a career-defining bout.
Men's Royal Rumble: Roman Reigns Reigns Supreme
The men's match exploded into action with Oba Femi, the former NXT Champion, at No. 1, followed by Bron Breakker at No. 2. Drama unfolded pre-entry as a masked assailant—speculated to mimic Seth Rollins' Stomp—ambushed Breakker, allowing Femi to eliminate him swiftly. Femi's 39-minute reign of terror included multiple tosses, showcasing his raw power.
Cody Rhodes entered at No. 11, injecting star power, while Royce Keys (ex-AEW's Powerhouse Hobbs) at No. 14 brought inter-promotional intrigue, eliminating Damian Priest and clashing with The Vision faction—Austin Theory, Bronson Reed, and Logan Paul.
Brock Lesnar's arrival at No. 22 with Paul Heyman shifted the tide, as he dismantled Femi. Yet, Rhodes and LA Knight's teamwork sent the Beast packing. The tension peaked with Roman Reigns at No. 26, Randy Orton at No. 29, and Gunther at No. 30.
Gunther, fresh off retiring John Cena and AJ Styles earlier in the night via his signature sleeper hold, entered as a monster. He dispatched Orton after an RKO distraction and locked Reigns in the hold. But the Tribal Chief endured, countering with a devastating Spear to eliminate Gunther and claim victory.
Standout Highlights from the Men's Battle
- Masked attack on Breakker hints at Seth Rollins' involvement.
- Femi's dominance ends with Lesnar's elimination by Rhodes and Knight.
- Gunther's double retirement of Cena and Styles adds gravitas.
- Drew McIntyre's ringside Claymore on Rhodes leads to his exit.
- Reigns survives sleeper to Spear Gunther for the win.
Reigns' win cements his status as WWE's top draw, positioning him for a Undisputed WWE Championship clash at WrestleMania. His resilience against Gunther, who ended two Hall of Fame careers in one night, amplifies the stakes.
Implications for WrestleMania 42 and Beyond
The 2026 Royal Rumble wasn't just about eliminations; it was a narrative goldmine. Liv Morgan's betrayal arc teases deeper storylines, possibly involving revenge from Rodriguez or a multi-woman title scramble. Roman Reigns' triumph extends his legacy, but whispers of Bloodline tensions with Solo Sikoa could complicate his path.
Earlier matches added layers: Gunther's retirements of Cena and Styles mark the end of eras, freeing up the ring for new blood like Sol Ruca and Royce Keys. With WWE expanding globally—evident in the Riyadh spectacle—the road to Las Vegas promises crossovers and surprises.
As fans dissect every Spear and Oblivion, one thing's clear: WrestleMania 42 will be electric. Morgan and Reigns' Rumble wins have ignited speculation—who will they face? Stay tuned to Everythiiing.com for updates on WWE's hottest developments.
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