WWE Royal Rumble 2026: Start Time, Confirmed Entrants, and How to Watch
NEW YORK, January 30, 2026 – WWE’s road to WrestleMania kicks into high gear this weekend with the 39th annual Royal Rumble, set to emanate from a custom-built outdoor stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The event marks a significant moment as the first major WWE Premium Live Event under the company’s new streaming partnership.
Event Details and Broadcast Information
The Royal Rumble will take place on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) in Riyadh. The main show is scheduled to begin at 2:00 PM Eastern Time / 11:00 AM Pacific Time. Preshow coverage will start one hour earlier at 1:00 PM ET / 10:00 AM PT. For viewers in the United States, the event will be available to stream on ESPN. Internationally, including in the United Kingdom, the Royal Rumble will stream live on Netflix.
Confirmed Participants and Key Storylines
As of the final buildup, several top superstars have been confirmed for the men’s and women’s Royal Rumble matches, which guarantee the winners a main event championship match at WrestleMania 42.
| Men’s Royal Rumble (Confirmed) | Women’s Royal Rumble (Confirmed) |
|---|---|
| Roman Reigns | Iyo Sky |
| Cody Rhodes | Rhea Ripley |
| Gunther | Liv Morgan |
| Jey Uso | Bayley |
| Rey Mysterio | Charlotte Flair |
| Solo Sikoa | Alexa Bliss |
| Dragon Lee | Nia Jax |
| Penta | (Additional names expected) |
The confirmed lineup sets the stage for major showdowns. The men’s match features the long-awaited Royal Rumble entry of “Tribal Chief” Roman Reigns, alongside former winners Cody Rhodes and Rey Mysterio, and the formidable faction power of The Bloodline’s Jey Uso and Solo Sikoa. Speculation is also high regarding potential surprise returns, with reports suggesting former stars Aleister Black and Zelina Vega have been spotted in Saudi Arabia ahead of the event.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the 2026 Royal Rumble start?
The main show begins at 2:00 PM Eastern Time / 11:00 AM Pacific Time on Saturday, January 31. Preshow coverage starts at 1:00 PM ET / 10:00 AM PT.
How can I watch the Royal Rumble?
In the United States, the event will be streamed on ESPN. For international viewers, including those in the UK, the Royal Rumble will be available live on Netflix.
Where is the 2026 Royal Rumble being held?
The event is taking place at a temporary outdoor stadium constructed in the King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This marks the 14th event in WWE’s partnership with Saudi Arabia.
Who are the favorites to win the Royal Rumble matches?
With names like Cody Rhodes, Gunther, Roman Reigns, Rhea Ripley, and Charlotte Flair in the field, the field is wide open. The winners will earn a championship match at WrestleMania 42, making the stakes particularly high for superstars looking to headline the “Show of Shows.”