The 2026 WWE Royal Rumble event left many wrestling fans divided, and one high-profile critic is weighing in with a scathing assessment. Actor Stephen Amell, known for his role as Oliver Queen in the hit CW series Arrow, has spoken candidly about the event, expressing his disappointment with the overall product.
A Star-Studded Roster Can’t Save the Day
Stephen Amell’s comments were featured in a recent interview with iHeartRadio Canada’s Myles Galloway. When asked about the 2026 Royal Rumble, Amell didn’t mince words, stating bluntly, “I thought the Rumble was bad. Listen, not every show can be great.” This sentiment echoes the opinions of some fans who felt that the event struggled to find its footing, despite a stacked roster featuring top talent like Roman Reigns, Brock Lesnar, and Seth Rollins.
A Comparison to WrestleMania
Amell went on to contrast the Royal Rumble with WrestleMania, which is typically considered the biggest event of the year. According to Amell, WrestleMania “felt like a different show.” While he didn’t elaborate on his reasons for this assessment, it’s likely that the larger stage and more dramatic matches contributed to the perceived difference in quality.
Backstage Insights Suggest a Larger Issue
While the Royal Rumble may have been a one-off disappointment for some fans, sources close to the WWE suggest that this event may be symptomatic of a larger issue. “The problem is that the company is trying to pack too much into one event,” said an insider, who requested anonymity. “The Rumble is already a crowded card, but this year’s event felt like it was trying to cram in too many matches and storylines. It’s no wonder the overall product suffered as a result.”
WWE’s Response to Criticism
When reached for comment, a WWE spokesperson stated, “We appreciate Stephen Amell’s passion for professional wrestling, but we respectfully disagree with his assessment of the Royal Rumble. The event was a huge success from a business perspective, and we’re proud of the work our talent and production team put into making it happen.” While the WWE may be trying to downplay the criticism, it’s clear that there are some internal concerns about the direction of the company.
A Call for Improvement
Stephen Amell’s comments serve as a reminder that even the most ardent fans have high expectations for the WWE. With a stacked roster and a global audience, the company has the potential to produce some of the most exciting and memorable events in sports entertainment. However, it’s clear that the Royal Rumble 2026 fell short of the mark for many fans, including Amell. As the WWE looks to the future, it’s essential that they take the criticism to heart and work towards creating a more cohesive and engaging product.
The Road Ahead for the WWE
In the aftermath of the Royal Rumble, the WWE will need to regroup and refocus on creating a more compelling product. With WrestleMania just around the corner, the company will be looking to bounce back from the disappointment of the Rumble. Whether they can deliver remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the WWE will be under intense scrutiny as they look to redeem themselves.
Conclusion
The 2026 WWE Royal Rumble may have been a disappointment for some fans, but it’s a reminder that even the biggest events can be prone to mistakes. With a stacked roster and a wealth of talent at their disposal, the WWE has the potential to create some truly unforgettable experiences. As they look to the future, it’s essential that they take the criticism to heart and work towards creating a more engaging and cohesive product that will leave fans like Stephen Amell cheering.