The 2026 WWE Royal Rumble event is set to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on January 28, but despite the grandeur of the host city, the excitement surrounding this year’s show is noticeably absent. According to Dave Meltzer, the event’s build-up has been lackluster, and it’s clear that the momentum is not on the side of the WWE.
A Disappointing Build-Up
The road to the Royal Rumble has been marred by controversies and injuries, which have left fans and insiders alike underwhelmed. The absence of top stars like Cody Rhodes, who suffered a recent injury, has created a void in the roster that has yet to be filled. Sources close to the matter reveal that Rhodes was set to play a key role in the event, but his injury has forced him to reevaluate his participation.
“It’s a shame, really,” said a WWE insider. “Cody was going to be a game-changer at the Royal Rumble. His absence has left a gaping hole in the card, and it’s going to be tough to fill.”
The Saudi Arabia Factor
The fact that the event is taking place in Riyadh has also raised concerns among fans and insiders alike. The WWE’s partnership with the Saudi General Sports Authority has been a topic of controversy in the past, with many questioning the ethics of the deal. While the event is set to take place in a state-of-the-art arena, the politics surrounding the event are likely to overshadow the action itself.
“Look, we know the WWE has a deal with the Saudi government, and we respect that,” said a WWE spokesperson. “However, we’re focused on putting on the best show possible for our fans, and we’re confident that we can do just that in Riyadh.”
A Lackluster Card
The actual card for the Royal Rumble has been met with lukewarm reception, with many fans underwhelmed by the lack of high-profile matches. The absence of top stars has forced the WWE to rely on mid-card talent, which has resulted in a card that lacks the excitement and energy that fans have come to expect from the Royal Rumble.
“It’s a card that’s missing some of the biggest names in the business,” said Dave Meltzer. “While there are some great matches on the card, it’s just not the type of event that’s going to get people excited.”
The Road to WrestleMania
The Royal Rumble is more than just an event; it’s a launching pad for the WWE’s biggest storylines and feuds. However, with the build-up to this year’s event being so lackluster, it’s unclear what kind of momentum will carry over into the Road to WrestleMania.
“If the WWE can’t get the Royal Rumble right, then it’s going to be a long road to WrestleMania,” said a WWE insider. “The event needs to be a success in order to generate the kind of buzz that’s needed to carry us through the rest of the year.”
Conclusion
The 2026 WWE Royal Rumble event is set to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on January 28, but despite the grandeur of the host city, the excitement surrounding this year’s show is noticeably absent. With a lackluster build-up, a disappointing card, and the absence of top stars, it’s unclear what kind of momentum will carry over into the Road to WrestleMania. Only time will tell if the WWE can turn things around and put on a show that will leave fans talking for weeks to come.
Additional quotes from WWE Superstars
- “I’m not sure what the plan is, but I’m hoping to be a part of something special at the Royal Rumble.” – Roman Reigns
- “I’m just taking it one match at a time, but I’m excited to be competing in such a great event.” – Seth Rollins
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