WWE Royal Rumble 2026: A Historic Shift to Saudi Arabia
The world of professional wrestling is buzzing with excitement as WWE prepares to host the 39th annual Royal Rumble, and this year promises something truly special. Scheduled for January 31, 2026, the Royal Rumble will make history by taking place outside of North America for the first time. The event will be held at the King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marking a significant expansion of WWE's global reach.
The Royal Rumble is one of WWE's most prestigious events, known for its iconic match where wrestlers battle it out in a free-for-all elimination contest. The winners of the men's and women's Royal Rumble matches earn a coveted championship match at WrestleMania, the biggest event in WWE. This year's event is expected to draw a massive global audience, with WWE leveraging its partnership with Netflix to stream the event in numerous countries.
Event Details: Date, Time, and Location
Date and Time: The 2026 Royal Rumble will take place on Saturday, January 31, 2026. Fans in the United States can tune in via ESPN, with the event starting at 11 a.m. PT / 2 p.m. ET. This timing allows viewers across the US to catch the action live.
Location: The event will be held at the King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This modern venue is equipped to handle large-scale events, ensuring a spectacular experience for both in-person attendees and viewers at home.
How to Watch the Royal Rumble 2026
In the United States, the Royal Rumble will stream on ESPN. However, WWE has expanded its streaming partnership with Netflix, allowing viewers in multiple countries to watch the event live. Countries and regions where the Royal Rumble will stream on Netflix include Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Egypt, Finland, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Indonesia, Israel, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom.
Additionally, the following day's episode of WWE Raw will be available on Netflix, providing fans with more wrestling action. The episode will stream on February 2, 2026, at 5 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. ET.
Past Royal Rumble Events on Netflix
Fans who want to catch up on past Royal Rumble events will be pleased to know that every previous Royal Rumble is available to stream on Netflix, as well as the WWE's library of Premium Live Events (prior to September 2025), including WrestleMania, SummerSlam, and more.
Tickets for the Royal Rumble 2026
For those planning to attend the Royal Rumble in person, tickets are available for purchase. Fans can check the official WWE website for tickets to all upcoming WWE events, including the Royal Rumble 2026.
The Royal Rumble Card: What to Expect
While the full card for the Royal Rumble 2026 is still subject to change, the main attractions are the men's and women's Royal Rumble matches. These matches will feature a star-studded lineup of WWE Superstars, each vying for the chance to win a world championship at WrestleMania.
Men's Royal Rumble Match: The men's Royal Rumble match will see a mix of established champions and rising stars. With 30 participants, the match is always unpredictable, and this year is expected to be no different. The winner will choose which world championship to challenge for at WrestleMania, adding an extra layer of strategy and anticipation.
Women's Royal Rumble Match: Similarly, the women's Royal Rumble match will feature a diverse group of competitors, each with their own goals and ambitions. The winner will also earn a championship match at WrestleMania, making this one of the most prestigious prizes in WWE.
Additional Matches
Besides the Royal Rumble matches, additional matches are expected to be added to the card as the event approaches. These matches will likely feature current champions defending their titles and other high-profile feuds coming to a head. Fans can stay tuned for updates on the official WWE channels for the final card details.
What's at Stake: The Road to WrestleMania
The Royal Rumble is more than just a single event; it's a crucial stepping stone on the road to WrestleMania. The winners of the Royal Rumble matches secure a championship match at WrestleMania, which is the pinnacle of WWE's calendar. This year's Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia adds an extra layer of prestige, as the event will be watched by a global audience.
The 2025 Royal Rumble ended with a stunner, as Jey Uso eliminated John Cena to win the match and go on to defeat Gunther at WrestleMania for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. This year, the stakes are just as high, if not higher, with multiple world championships up for grabs at WrestleMania 2026.
For WWE Superstars, the Royal Rumble is a chance to make a statement and elevate their status. Eliminating top competitors and ultimately winning the match can launch careers to new heights. The event is also a gauge of fan support, as the cheers and boos from the audience can influence future storylines and match outcomes.
Preparing for the Royal Rumble 2026
With the Royal Rumble just around the corner, WWE fans are preparing for an action-packed event. Whether you're watching from home or attending in person in Saudi Arabia, the Royal Rumble promises to deliver excitement, drama, and unforgettable moments.
Stay tuned to WWE's official channels and Everythiiing.com for the latest updates on the Royal Rumble 2026. From predictions and analysis to live coverage, we've got you covered for all things WWE leading up to and during this historic event.
Conclusion
The 2026 Royal Rumble is set to be a landmark event in WWE history. With the event moving to Saudi Arabia for the first time, fans can expect a unique and unforgettable experience. From the star-studded Royal Rumble matches to the additional attractions on the card, this event is not to be missed. Mark your calendars for January 31, 2026, and get ready for WWE's biggest spectacle outside of North America.
