The 2026 WWE Royal Rumble lived up to its billing as an unpredictable and action-packed event, with Liv Morgan making history as the first woman to win the Royal Rumble match. However, the evening was not without its mishaps and underwhelming moments, leaving fans and pundits alike with a mixed bag of emotions.
What Went Wrong: 3 Things We Hated
The 2026 Royal Rumble was not without its share of missteps. Here are three things that left a sour taste in our mouths:
1. Underwhelming Main Event
The main event saw a predictable outcome, with Roman Reigns retaining his WWE Championship against Brock Lesnar. While the match itself was engaging, the finish felt a bit too convenient, with Lesnar’s Beast Incarnate mode activated just a tad too early to set up Reigns’ victory. The result was a main event that felt more like a coronation than a hard-fought championship clash.
2. Inconsistent Commentary
The commentary team, consisting of Michael Cole, Corey Graves, and Byron Saxton, was inconsistent throughout the evening. At times, they were on point, providing insightful analysis and clever observations. However, there were also moments when they seemed out of sync, struggling to keep up with the pace of the action. It’s clear that the team still needs to find its footing, particularly in the face of increasingly complex and dynamic storylines.
3. Underutilized Talent
Despite a talented roster, some WWE Superstars were woefully underutilized throughout the evening. The likes of Finn Bálor, Kevin Owens, and Sheamus, all of whom have been in the WWE for years, were relegated to mere background roles. Given their skillset and experience, it’s puzzling that they weren’t given more meaningful opportunities to shine. As the WWE continues to build its momentum, it’s essential to give its top talent the spotlight they deserve.
What Went Right: 3 Things We Loved
While the 2026 Royal Rumble had its share of missteps, there were also several moments that left us beaming with excitement. Here are three things that had us on the edge of our seats:
1. Liv Morgan’s Historic Win
The women’s Royal Rumble match was a standout of the evening, with Liv Morgan making history as the first woman to win the coveted match. Her victory was a testament to her hard work and dedication, and we couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride and excitement for the WWE Women’s Division. Morgan’s win marked a milestone moment for the company and paved the way for future generations of women’s wrestlers.
2. Spectacular Match of the Year Candidate
The bout between Rhea Ripley and Shayna Baszler was a thrilling, back-and-forth contest that had us on the edge of our seats. The two women traded blows, displaying their incredible athleticism and grappling skills. The match was a testament to the WWE’s commitment to showcasing the best of the best in the women’s division, and we can’t wait to see these two talented competitors face off again in the future.
3. Innovative Storytelling
The 2026 Royal Rumble showcased the WWE’s commitment to innovative storytelling, with several storylines unfolding in unexpected ways. The surprise return of Cody Rhodes, who made a shocking appearance during the men’s Royal Rumble match, sent shockwaves throughout the audience. Sources close to Rhodes revealed that his return was a closely guarded secret, with the WWE working tirelessly to ensure that the reveal was as impactful as possible. Rhodes’ arrival marked a significant turning point in the evening, and we can’t wait to see how his story unfolds in the coming weeks.
Backstage Insight
According to a WWE insider, the company is thrilled with the direction of the women’s division, which has been a major focus of the brand in recent months. “The women’s division is one of the most exciting and dynamic areas of the company right now,” the source revealed. “We’re proud to showcase the talents of women like Liv Morgan, Rhea Ripley, and Shayna Baszler, who are consistently delivering high-quality performances that are captivating audiences worldwide.”
As the WWE continues to build momentum towards WrestleMania, it’s clear that the company has its work cut out for it. With a talented roster and innovative storytelling, there’s no doubt that the 2026 WWE WrestleMania will be an unforgettable event. But for now, let’s bask in the glory of Liv Morgan’s historic win and Rhea Ripley’s thrilling match against Shayna Baszler. It’s going to be an exciting ride, folks!