The 2026 WWE Royal Rumble was one of the most infamous events in recent wrestling history, with many fans and performers alike expressing their discontent with various aspects of the show. None were more vocal about their disappointment than actor Stephen Amell, a former WWE guest star who appeared on the event’s pre-show.
According to sources close to Amell, he was thoroughly unimpressed with the production values on display at the 2026 Royal Rumble. When asked about his experience during a recent interview, Amell was candid in his assessment.
“I have to say, it was a bit of a bad experience,” Amell revealed. “The whole thing felt a bit rushed and chaotic, like they were trying to fit too much into one night. And those LED lights… honestly, it was like they were trying to blind everyone in attendance.”
Amell’s comments echo those of many fans who took to social media to express their frustration with the LED lights attached to the seats. While intended to enhance the viewing experience, the lights instead proved to be a distraction, casting an uncomfortable glare over the proceedings.
The 2026 Royal Rumble was meant to be a celebration of the WWE’s rich history, with a stacked card featuring some of the biggest names in the business. However, behind the scenes, sources close to the performers revealed a different story.
“Things got heated backstage,” a WWE insider revealed. “There were a lot of concerns about the card and the way the event was being run. It felt like the higher-ups were more focused on the production values than the actual wrestling.”
The tension came to a head during a heated argument between multiple performers, with several sources claiming that the situation became so heated that security was called in to intervene.
Despite the chaos that seemed to surround the event, the WWE remains tight-lipped about the issues that arose behind the scenes. When asked for comment, a WWE spokesperson simply stated that the company was “committed to delivering the best possible experience for their fans.”
However, it’s clear that the 2026 Royal Rumble was a misstep for the WWE, and one that will have long-term consequences for the company. As one industry insider noted, “When you’re not prioritizing the wrestling itself, you’re not doing what you’re supposed to be doing as a professional wrestling promotion.”
The 2026 Royal Rumble may have been a disaster, but it also served as a wake-up call for the WWE. As the company looks to the future, they would do well to remember the lessons of the past and prioritize the one thing that truly matters: the wrestling itself.
In the end, it’s hard to say whether the 2026 Royal Rumble was a one-off disaster or a sign of deeper issues within the WWE. But what is clear is that the company needs to do some serious soul-searching if they hope to regain the trust of their fans and performers.
As the WWE continues to navigate the ever-changing landscape of professional wrestling, one thing is certain: they can’t afford to take their fans or their performers for granted. The 2026 Royal Rumble may have been a bad experience, but it’s also a chance for the WWE to start anew and rebuild a sense of trust with the very people who make it all possible.
Notable Performances
Despite the chaos that surrounded the event, there were still some standout performances from the WWE’s top talent. Cody Rhodes, in particular, delivered a memorable match against Seth Rollins, showcasing his trademark blend of athleticism and technical skill.
Roman Reigns also turned in a solid performance, defeating Brock Lesnar in a dominant display of power and strength. However, even these standout performances couldn’t salvage the overall feeling of disappointment that hung over the event.
The Road Ahead
As the WWE looks to the future, they’ll need to take a long, hard look at the issues that arose during the 2026 Royal Rumble. Whether it’s addressing the concerns of their performers or finding ways to enhance the overall viewing experience, the company needs to make some serious changes if they hope to regain the trust of their fans.
Only time will tell if the WWE can learn from their mistakes and come out stronger on the other side. But one thing is certain: the 2026 Royal Rumble will be remembered for a long time as a cautionary tale about the importance of prioritizing the wrestling itself.
What’s Next for the WWE?
With the 2026 Royal Rumble behind them, the WWE has a clean slate ahead. They’ll need to carefully consider their next moves and prioritize the things that truly matter: the wrestling, the performers, and the fans.
One thing is certain: the WWE can’t afford to take their fans or their performers for granted. As the company looks to the future, they’ll need to remember the lessons of the past and make some serious changes if they hope to regain the trust of the very people who make it all possible.
Fan Reaction
The 2026 Royal Rumble may have been a bad experience for many fans, but it’s also sparked a lively conversation about the future of the WWE. On social media, fans are weighing in on the issues that arose during the event, from the LED lights to the card itself.
“I was really looking forward to the Royal Rumble, but it ended up being a total disaster,” one fan wrote. “The lights were so distracting, and the card just felt like a mess. I hope the WWE takes some of these comments to heart and makes some changes for future events.”
Others are calling for the WWE to take a more active role in listening to their fans and performers. “It’s time for the WWE to start prioritizing the people who make it all possible,” one fan wrote. “The performers, the fans, and the production team all deserve better than the chaos and confusion that surrounded the 2026 Royal Rumble.”
Conclusion
The 2026 Royal Rumble may have been a bad experience, but it’s also a chance for the WWE to start anew and rebuild a sense of trust with their fans and performers. As the company looks to the future, they’ll need to take a long, hard look at the issues that arose during the event and make some serious changes if they hope to regain the trust of those who matter most.
Only time will tell if the WWE can learn from their mistakes and come out stronger on the other side. But one thing is certain: the 2026 Royal Rumble will be remembered for a long time as a cautionary tale about the importance of prioritizing the wrestling itself.