The 2026 WWE Royal Rumble, held on January 29 at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona, lived up to its billing as an unpredictable and action-packed night of professional wrestling. However, the event was not without its share of disappointments, leaving fans and analysts alike with a mixed bag of emotions.
The Main Event: A Thrilling Conclusion to a Thrilling Night
The evening culminated in an electrifying finale, as Liv Morgan emerged victorious from the Women’s Royal Rumble match, while Roman Reigns dominated the men’s counterpart to claim the top spot. The matches were filled with exciting surprises, including a shocking elimination by a returning superstar that sent shockwaves through the WWE Universe.
According to a WWE insider, “The company was thrilled with the response from the crowd to Liv Morgan’s win, as it marked a major moment for the women’s division. The backstage energy was palpable, with everyone from the superstars to the production team feeling a sense of pride and accomplishment.”
The Good: What the WWE Got Right
The 2026 Royal Rumble had its fair share of highlights, showcasing the best of the WWE roster. Here are three aspects of the show that truly shone:
- Innovative Match Booking: The WWE creative team deserves credit for taking risks and pushing the boundaries of traditional match booking. The Women’s Royal Rumble match featured a thrilling sequence of eliminations, while the men’s counterpart saw Roman Reigns emerge victorious after a grueling battle with top contenders.
- Strong Performances from Top Stars: Superstars like Brock Lesnar, Becky Lynch, and Seth Rollins delivered exceptional performances, showcasing their athleticism and in-ring prowess. Their matches were a testament to their hard work and dedication to their craft.
- Exciting Surprises: The event was filled with unexpected twists and turns, including a surprise return by a fan-favorite superstar. The crowd was electric, as the WWE Universe was treated to a series of breathtaking moments that will be remembered for a long time.
The Bad: What the WWE Got Wrong
While the 2026 Royal Rumble had its share of highlights, it was not without its disappointments. Here are three aspects of the show that fell short:
- Underutilized Talent: Several talented superstars were relegated to secondary roles, with some not even appearing on the main card. This was a missed opportunity to showcase their skills and give them a chance to shine.
- Inconsistent Booking: The evening’s match booking was inconsistent at times, with some matches feeling like an afterthought. This led to a disjointed viewing experience, where fans felt like they were missing out on exciting action.
- Lack of Build-Up: The event’s build-up was lacking, with some matches and storylines feeling rushed or underdeveloped. This made it difficult for fans to invest in the outcome of certain matches.
Sources Close to Cody Rhodes Reveal Concerns
Sources close to Cody Rhodes revealed that the WWE superstar was disappointed with his role in the event, feeling that he was underutilized and relegated to a secondary storyline. “Cody felt like he was being held back by the creative team, and that his character was not being used to its full potential,” a source revealed. “This was a missed opportunity for him to showcase his skills and make a statement.”
The Verdict: A Mixed Bag of Action and Disappointment
The 2026 WWE Royal Rumble was a mixed bag of action and disappointment, with the evening’s highlights and lowlights leaving fans and analysts with a sense of uncertainty. While the show had its share of exciting moments, it was not without its disappointments. As the WWE looks to build momentum heading into the rest of the year, they would do well to take note of the lessons learned from this event and strive to create a more cohesive and engaging viewing experience.