The final WWE SmackDown before the 2026 Royal Rumble was filled with action, emotion, surprise appearances, and chaos in the main event. Taking place at the KAFD Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, this go-home episode had everything—from a passionate Cody Rhodes promo to Bron Breakker’s statement-making spear that closed the show.
With the Royal Rumble just hours away, SmackDown gave fans one last fiery taste of what’s to come.
Main Event Chaos: Bron Breakker Stands Tall
The night’s explosive main event saw Cody Rhodes, Sami Zayn, Randy Orton, and Jey Uso take on The Vision—Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed, Logan Paul, and Austin Theory. But just when things were heating up, interference from Drew McIntyre and Jacob Fatu led to a disqualification.
The moment everyone will remember, though, came after the match, when Bron Breakker delivered a brutal double spear to Cody and Zayn. It was a clear message: the “Unpredictable Badass” is ready to dominate the Men’s Royal Rumble Match.
Cody, Orton, Zayn, and Uso Face Off Before Rumble
The show opened with Cody Rhodes, followed by appearances from Randy Orton, Jey Uso, and Sami Zayn—each making their case for Royal Rumble glory.
- Rhodes wants to win his third straight Rumble and challenge for a world title at WrestleMania 42.
- Orton reminded everyone he’s also a two-time Rumble winner chasing a 15th world title.
- Jey Uso vowed to go back-to-back after his 2025 win.
- Zayn, speaking Arabic to a loud pop, claimed he’s never lost in Saudi Arabia and plans to finally defeat McIntyre for the Undisputed WWE Championship.
Paul Heyman interrupted, pushing Breakker as “The Vision’s” chosen winner. But the night ended with Zayn and Cody holding the WWE Title—before being flattened by Breakker’s spear.
Carmelo Hayes Retains Against Rey Fenix
Carmelo Hayes defended his United States Championship in an intense open challenge against Rey Fenix. After countering Fenix’s high-flying offense, Hayes finished the match with Nothing But Net, marking yet another successful title defense.
Meanwhile, Ilja Dragunov continued his hunt for a title shot, defeating The Miz later in the night and sending a clear message to Hayes.
Women’s Division Heats Up Ahead of the Rumble
The women’s Royal Rumble build continued with backstage brawls, in-ring confrontations, and a tag match:
- Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss defeated Judgment Day’s Liv Morgan & Roxanne Perez, thanks to interference from Stephanie Vaquer.
- Jordynne Grace was attacked by Jade Cargill, her rumored WrestleMania opponent, leading to a wild backstage fight.
- A multi-woman backstage segment featured Rhea Ripley, IYO SKY, Giulia, Kiana James, Nia Jax, and Lash Legend, all staking their claim for Royal Rumble victory.
AJ Styles Promises to End GUNTHER’s Reign—or Retire
AJ Styles cut a heartfelt promo about his career-threatening match at Royal Rumble against GUNTHER. After declaring the start of “The Phenomenal Farewell Tour,” he was interrupted by “The Ring General,” who promised to make AJ tap out and retire him.
Styles fired back with venom, promising to knock GUNTHER’s teeth out and continue his career beyond the Rumble.
Gargano Loses His Mask Match; Axiom Wins
In a high-stakes match, Axiom defeated Johnny Gargano, reclaiming his old mask. After teasing fans with emotional psychology and heated exchanges, Axiom used the Golden Ratio to pin Gargano after taking back his original identity.
More Key Moments from SmackDown
- R-Truth, Damian Priest, and others were shown picking their Royal Rumble numbers, with some fun and tension added to the build.
- Roman Reigns’ return promo aired again, teasing his involvement in the Royal Rumble.
- Solo Sikoa vowed to win the Royal Rumble and win the WWE title for his family.
- Uncle Howdy responded with a cryptic message, promising revenge and redemption for The Wyatt Sicks.
- Shinsuke Nakamura and Tama Tonga had a tense backstage exchange that set up a match for next week.
