The 2026 WWE Royal Rumble lived up to its billing as one of the most unpredictable and action-packed pay-per-views of the year, but it wasn’t without its drawbacks. Liv Morgan’s shocking underdog victory in the women’s Rumble match and Roman Reigns’ fifth consecutive Men’s Royal Rumble win stole the show, but several key moments fell flat for fans.
A Thrilling Women’s Rumble Match Falls Victim to Rushed Pace
One of the most anticipated matches of the night was the women’s Royal Rumble. Despite the talented field of competitors, the match felt rushed and disorganized at times, with several key participants making quick exits. Sources close to the WWE locker room revealed that the women’s Rumble match was originally scheduled to be longer, but time constraints forced the creative team to make tough decisions about which wrestlers to feature and when.
“I think the women’s match got a little shortchanged,” said a WWE insider. “We had some incredible talent in that ring, but with the time constraints, it felt like we were rushing through some of the spots. It’s a shame, because I think it had the potential to be one of the highlights of the night.”
Liv Morgan’s shocking victory was a bright spot in an otherwise haphazard match. The fan favorite used her quickness and cunning to outmaneuver the competition and emerge victorious, sending a message to the WWE Universe that she’s a force to be reckoned with.
A Dominant Roman Reigns Reigns Supreme
Roman Reigns made it five consecutive wins in the Men’s Royal Rumble match, cementing his status as the biggest star in the WWE. Reigns’ dominant performance was a testament to his enduring popularity and wrestling prowess.
Despite the excitement surrounding Reigns’ win, the match itself was marred by some predictable moments. Several of the top contenders, including Kevin Owens and Seth Rollins, made early exits, which left the match feeling a bit predictable.
“I think Roman’s got the magic, no question,” said a WWE source. “But I also think we need to mix it up a bit more. We can’t have the same guys dropping out early every year. It’s time to shake things up and give the fans something new to get excited about.”
The Midcard Matches Steal the Show
While the Royal Rumble matches were the main event, the midcard matches provided some of the most memorable moments of the night. The intergender match between Rhea Ripley and Ricochet was a standout, with both competitors delivering impressive performances and showcasing their versatility in the ring.
“I think that match was one of the highlights of the night,” said a WWE insider. “It’s not every day you see a match like that, and I think it really showcased the talents of both competitors. I’m hoping to see more intergender matches in the future – it’s a great way to mix things up and keep the fans guessing.”
The midcard matches also provided some much-needed comic relief, with the likes of The Miz and Dolph Ziggler delivering their signature blend of humor and heelish antics.
A Missed Opportunity with the Women’s Championship Match
The women’s championship match between Ronda Rousey and Becky Lynch was a highly anticipated bout, but it ultimately fell flat. The match itself was good, but the finish felt like a cop-out, with Rousey emerging victorious after a questionable pin.
“I think the finish was a bit of a letdown,” said a WWE source. “I mean, Ronda’s a great champion, but we need to see more of a challenge from Becky. I think the fans were expecting a more competitive match, and instead we got a bit of a quickie. It’s a shame, because I think it had the potential to be a real classic.”
Overall, the 2026 WWE Royal Rumble was a mixed bag of thrills and disappointment. While the midcard matches stole the show and Liv Morgan’s victory in the women’s Rumble match was a highlight, several key moments fell flat for fans. With a few tweaks to the creative team’s approach, the WWE can turn this mixed bag into a must-see event that truly lives up to its billing.