The countdown to WWE’s Royal Rumble 2026 is almost over, and the energy around this year’s event has reached a fever pitch. Not only is the Premium Live Event being held in Saudi Arabia for the very first time, but it also marks the official start of the Road to WrestleMania 42—and now, with Brock Lesnar added to the mix, things just got even more chaotic.
WWE Royal Rumble Heads to Saudi Arabia for the First Time
This year’s Royal Rumble will be historic in more ways than one. For the first time ever, WWE is taking the iconic event to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Fans around the world will tune in live on ESPN and Netflix to witness who will punch their ticket to WrestleMania in April.
As always, the night will feature two 30-person over-the-top-rope matches: one for the men and one for the women. The winners of each match will earn a world championship opportunity at WrestleMania 42, and with several major names already confirmed, this year’s show is shaping up to be one of the biggest yet.
Men’s Royal Rumble Lineup Stacked with Top Stars
The men’s Rumble match was already loaded with heavy hitters, including:
- Roman Reigns
- Cody Rhodes
- Gunther
- Jacob Fatu
- Jey Uso
- Oba Femi
- All members of The Vision, including Bron Breakker, who has just been reinstated
With names like these already in, many fans thought the field couldn’t get more intense—but then Brock Lesnar happened.
Brock Lesnar Declares for the Royal Rumble
On The Pat McAfee Show this Wednesday, Brock Lesnar made a surprise call-in and dropped a bombshell. He’s not only returning to WWE—he’s entering the Royal Rumble match.
“I’m always in great shape and I’m headed to the Royal Rumble,” Lesnar said. “And I’m gonna win it. I’m in shape and we’re gonna do this.”
Lesnar, a two-time Royal Rumble winner (2003 and 2022), is one of the most dominant figures in WWE history. His return immediately changes the game for everyone else in the match.
Lesnar’s Royal Rumble Legacy
Brock Lesnar isn’t just entering the Rumble—he’s entering with one of the most impressive records in match history:
- Most eliminations in a single Rumble match: 13 in 2020
- Fourth-most total eliminations: 32 across all his Rumble appearances
- Two-time winner: 2003 and 2022
His mix of size, speed, and experience makes him a nightmare for any superstar who stands in his way.
Lesnar’s WWE Return Story So Far
Lesnar last wrestled at Survivor Series: WarGames in November 2025, where he helped The Vision secure a win. Before that, he returned at SummerSlam after a two-year break and shocked everyone by attacking John Cena. That led to a match between the two legends at the debut Wrestlepalooza event on ESPN, reigniting one of WWE’s biggest rivalries.
Now, he’s back for a shot at the WrestleMania main event—and potentially another world title run.
Other Matches Confirmed for Royal Rumble 2026
Aside from the two Royal Rumble matches, here are the other major bouts announced for the card:
- Gunther vs. AJ Styles
If AJ Styles loses, he must retire from WWE. - Sami Zayn vs. Drew McIntyre
For the Undisputed WWE Championship. - Becky Lynch and a possible return of Nikki Bella are also making headlines in the women’s division.
