The 2026 WWE Royal Rumble was a spectacle that left fans divided, with some praising the event’s unpredictability and others criticizing its pacing and booking. On paper, it seemed like a recipe for disaster, but in reality, it was a mixed bag that had something for everyone.
The Love: A Thrilling Women’s Rumble
The Women’s Royal Rumble match was undoubtedly the highlight of the evening, with 30 women vying for the top prize. The match was fast-paced, with a series of near-falls and shocking eliminations that kept the crowd on the edge of their seats. In the end, it was Liv Morgan who emerged victorious, shocking the world by sending Rhea Ripley crashing to the floor.
“I think Liv’s win was a masterstroke,” said a WWE insider. “She’s been building momentum for months, and this win puts her firmly in the title picture. It’s a great opportunity for her to make a run at the Women’s Championship.”
The Love: A Triumphant Roman Reigns
Roman Reigns was the last man standing in the Men’s Royal Rumble match, and his victory was met with thunderous applause from the crowd. Reigns has been on a hot streak lately, and this win cements his status as one of the top superstars in the company.
Reigns’ dominance in the ring was on full display, as he dispatched opponents left and right with ease. His interactions with the crowd were electric, and his post-match celebration was a highlight of the evening.
The Hate: A Pacing Problem
One of the biggest criticisms of the show was its pacing. The Royal Rumble match is all about building momentum and creating a sense of excitement, but this year’s event felt sluggish at times. The matches preceding the Royal Rumble felt rushed, and the show’s climax was somewhat abrupt.
“I think the problem was that the show was trying to pack too much in,” said a source close to the WWE creative team. “There were a few too many matches crammed in, and it made the whole thing feel a bit disjointed.”
The Hate: A Missed Opportunity for Cody Rhodes
Cody Rhodes was one of the biggest stars of the evening, but his match against Seth Rollins was a disappointment. The two men had a great chemistry in the ring, but the match itself felt formulaic and predictable.
Rhodes has been building momentum for months, and this loss is a setback for his career. It’s unclear what the plan is for him now, but it’s clear that he needs a strong push to get back on track.
The Hate: A Lack of Direction
One of the biggest criticisms of the show was the lack of direction. The Royal Rumble is a special event, but this year’s show felt like just another episode of Monday Night Raw. There was a lack of cohesion and a clear sense of purpose, which made the whole thing feel a bit aimless.
“I think the problem was that the show didn’t have a clear narrative thread,” said a WWE insider. “We saw a lot of great matches, but it was hard to get invested in any of them because we didn’t know what the stakes were.”
Conclusion
The 2026 WWE Royal Rumble was a mixed bag, with some moments of brilliance and others that fell flat. While there were some great performances and exciting moments, the show’s pacing and booking were a letdown. Despite this, there’s still plenty to be excited about, particularly the emergence of Liv Morgan and Roman Reigns as top stars. As we look to the future, it’s clear that the WWE has a lot of work to do to get back on track.