DUESSELDORF, GERMANY – JANUARY 12: Liv Morgan and Roxanne Perez celebrate their win in ring during Monday Night RAW at PSD Bank Dome on January 12, 2026 in Duesseldorf, Germany. (Photo by Andrew Timms/WWE via Getty Images)
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HIGHLIGHTS
- Nearly a third of the Royal Rumble field is already confirmed.
- A career-threatening stipulation match has been added to the card.
- Surprise entrants could steal the show in Riyadh.
As we head into the last episode of SmackDown before Saturday Night’s Main Event, 15 of the 60 Royal Rumble entrants are confirmed. There are six on the men’s side and nine for the women’s Rumble, which means nearly a third of it is already filled. Let’s take a closer look.
Who Are the Confirmed Entrants into the 2026 WWE Royal Rumble?
When looking at the men’s side, of the confirmed entrants, Gunther is the only one who seems like a logical pick as the winner. However, he is seemingly scheduled to pull double duty at the event.
Men’s Royal Rumble (Confirmed)
Women’s Royal Rumble (Confirmed)
Both Rumble winners will earn world championship matches of their choice at WrestleMania 42.
What’s the Confirmed Card for the 2026 WWE Royal Rumble?
BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND – JANUARY 19: Gunther addresses AJ Styles during Monday Night RAW at The SSE Arena Belfast on January 19, 2026 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. (Photo by Andrew Timms/WWE via Getty Images)
WWE via Getty Images
There are four confirmed matches for the premium live event. Because of the length of the Rumble matches, I’d be surprised if we got more than one more added to the program.
30-Man Royal Rumble Match Winner gets a men’s world championship match of his choice at WrestleMania 42.
30-Woman Royal Rumble Match Winner gets a women’s championship match of her choice at WrestleMania 42.
Gunther vs. AJ Styles If AJ Styles loses, he must retire from in-ring competition.
Undisputed WWE Championship Drew McIntyre (c) vs. TBD – The challenger will be determined at Saturday Night’s Main Event on January 24.
Event Details:
- Date: Saturday, January 31, 2026
- Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Start Time: 2 p.m. ET
- Watch: ESPN
Royal Rumble Predictions?
I’m sticking with Bron Breakker as my pick for the men. The choice for the women’s side is a little tougher, but I’m going with Morgan. I believe WWE has huge plans for her again in 2026, and she’ll probably wind up as champion again before the year is done.
Betting odds currently lean toward Roman Reigns as a favorite despite him not being officially announced, with Breakker, Gunther, and Rhodes all in the conversation. On the women’s side, Bianca Belair and Ripley are emerging as logical winners in early prediction pieces, though neither path is certain.
Beyond the projected winners, the aspect of the Rumble that has many people most excited is the surprise entrants. Many expect to see Chris Jericho and Powerhouse Hobbs show up on the men’s side while Belair’s return seems like one of the highest potential surprises in the women’s Rumble.
In any case, the Rumble in Riyadh should be a memorable one.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianmazique/2026/01/22/wwe-royal-rumble-2026-new-confirmed-entrants-and-updated-card/
