Royal Rumble 2026: Reigns & Morgan Win, AJ Styles Retires
Royal Rumble 2026: Winners and Losers Analysis
Major WWE events generate enormous anticipation from wrestling fans. Premium Live Events must deliver memorable moments consistently. Moreover, expectations rise when WWE travels to international locations. Furthermore, Royal Rumble outcomes determine WrestleMania storylines significantly. Therefore, analyzing the 2026 event reveals WWE’s creative direction.
Mixed Audience Reaction
WWE Royal Rumble 2026 produced divided opinions among viewers. The event didn’t satisfy everyone watching globally shown. Moreover, it received a mixed reaction from fans. Furthermore, from the audience watching worldwide online. A mixed reaction was received by the event overall. Therefore, some elements succeeded while others disappointed fans.
Positive Rumble Match Reactions
However, the main attractions satisfied most observers. The majority of fans are happy overall. Moreover, with the outcomes of something specific here. Furthermore, the Men’s and Women’s traditional matches specifically. Additionally, traditional Rumble matches delivered excitement expected. Therefore, the actual Rumble winners pleased most fans.
Failing to Meet Expectations
Nevertheless, the overall event disappointed many viewers. But the PLE still seemingly fell short. Moreover, failed to live up to expectations. Furthermore, to its hype created beforehand massively. Therefore, anticipation exceeded actual delivery for many observers.
Contrasting Fortunes
Individual wrestlers experienced vastly different outcomes throughout. Career trajectories changed dramatically during the event. Moreover, some of the stars received benefits. Furthermore, a massive push on the show. Therefore, certain wrestlers gained enormous momentum from appearances.
Momentum Killers
Conversely, others suffered setbacks during the event. While others miserably failed in their moments. Moreover, and their momentum was derailed completely. Furthermore, poor booking damaged their championship aspirations. Therefore, not everyone benefited from Royal Rumble participation.
Article Purpose
This analysis examines who gained and lost most. In this article, we will discuss specifically. Moreover, the seven biggest winners identified clearly. Furthermore, and losers from the 2026 event. Additionally, from the 2026 Royal Rumble held internationally. Moreover, in Saudi Arabia hosted this year. Therefore, let’s examine who benefited and who suffered from WWE’s booking decisions at the 2026 Royal Rumble Premium Live Event in Saudi Arabia.
#7. Winner: Roman Reigns
Historic Royal Rumble Victory Secured
Here is the post-winning moment on X celebrating the triumph. The footage captures the historic achievement perfectly and emotionally. Fans can watch the celebration unfold online now. The clip has been shared millions of times already. Social media erupted after the final elimination occurred.
Reigns Outlasts 29 Competitors
Roman Reigns is the 2026 Men’s Royal Rumble match winner. He earned the victory after an grueling battle tonight. The Original Tribal Chief delivered a great performance throughout. He showcased his endurance and skill for over an hour. Moreover, he eliminated Gunther in the end dramatically. The final elimination secured the victory for Reigns decisively. Gunther’s elimination came after an intense showdown between both. The crowd erupted when Reigns’ music hit after victory.
Main Event Spot Guaranteed
Consequently, by winning the Rumble match, Reigns achieved something major. He secured another WrestleMania main event spot officially. This marks another opportunity to headline the biggest show. The road to WrestleMania begins now for the Tribal Chief. Furthermore, the Head of the Table is indeed the biggest winner. This applies from the recent international PLE without question. His victory overshadows all other outcomes from the night. Reigns continues his dominance at WWE’s premier events.
Indeed, Roman Reigns’ victory as the 2026 Men’s Royal Rumble winner, secured by eliminating Gunther in the climactic final moments after delivering a great performance throughout the match, makes the Original Tribal Chief the biggest winner from the international premium live event by guaranteeing another WrestleMania main event for the Head of the Table.
#6. Loser: Sami Zayn
Championship Opportunity Ends in Disappointment
Sixth, Sami Zayn locked horns against Drew McIntyre recently. The match was an Undisputed WWE title match with high stakes. The championship was on the line for Zayn tonight. Moreover, the former Honorary Uce had all the support available. He received support from the Saudi Arabia crowd passionately. The fans chanted his name throughout the contest. Nevertheless, still he failed to dethrone the champion unfortunately. He couldn’t overcome the Scottish Psychopath despite crowd support. McIntyre retained his title successfully against Zayn’s challenge.
Devastating Finish Compounds Defeat
Furthermore, even the match ended on a devastating note. The conclusion proved particularly brutal for Zayn physically. Specifically, this happened for Zayn when he was badly dominated. McIntyre dominated him by McIntyre in the closing moments. The champion beat him down mercilessly before the bell. The beating continued even after the match ended. Zayn left the ring battered and defeated completely.
Major Setback for Former Honorary Uce
Consequently, all this makes Sami Zayn a major loser. He suffers significantly from the Royal Rumble 2026 event. His performance came from the Royal Rumble 2026 Premium Live event. The failed title challenge represents a significant setback. Zayn’s momentum has been halted by this defeat. His future championship opportunities remain uncertain now.
Indeed, Sami Zayn’s failure to dethrone Drew McIntyre for the Undisputed WWE Championship despite massive support from the Saudi Arabia crowd, combined with the devastating manner in which he was badly dominated by the Scottish Psychopath in the match’s closing moments, makes the former Honorary Uce a major loser from the Royal Rumble 2026 Premium Live Event.
#5. Winner: Gunther
Fan Reaction Captures Historic Moment
Fifth, here is a fan’s reaction on X capturing emotions. The post reflects the shocking outcome of the match. Fans shared similar sentiments across social media platforms. The retirement announcement stunned the wrestling world completely.
The fan tweeted:
“GUNTHER defeats AJ Styles with a Sleeper to retire Styles. Another career killed by GUNTHER in a phenomenal match. #RoyalRumble”
Career-Ending Victory Over Styles
Previously, Gunther defeated AJ Styles in a major match. The stakes were incredibly high in this contest. Specifically, it was a career on the line match. AJ Styles’ future hung in the balance tonight. Consequently, he retired the Phenomenal One from competition. Gunther forced him from the squared circle permanently now. The sleeper hold secured both victory and retirement. Styles’ legendary career ended at Gunther’s hands devastatingly.
Rumble Match Appearance
Furthermore, the Ring General also entered the Men’s Rumble match. He competed in the main event as well tonight. His night didn’t end with the Styles victory. Moreover, he was engaged in a heated sequence later. This happened with Roman Reigns during the Rumble match. Both superstars battled intensely in the ring together. However, lastly he got eliminated by Reigns unfortunately. His Rumble run ended before reaching the final moments.
Successful Night Despite Elimination
Nevertheless, overall, the Royal Rumble PLE was a successful night. The event proved beneficial for the Ring General clearly. Despite the Rumble elimination, he achieved something major. Moreover, the former World Heavyweight Champion decimated Styles completely. He dominated the Phenomenal One from start to finish. Furthermore, he continued his reign as something feared. Specifically, he maintains his status as the ‘Career Killer’ moniker. His reputation in WWE grows stronger with each retirement.
Indeed, Gunther’s career-ending victory over AJ Styles with a sleeper hold in their high-stakes match, which added another name to his ‘Career Killer’ legacy, made the Royal Rumble 2026 a successful night for the Ring General despite being eliminated by Roman Reigns during the Men’s Rumble match after a heated sequence between the two former World Heavyweight Champions.
#4. Loser: Cody Rhodes
Failed Promise Disappoints Fans
Fourth, Cody Rhodes claimed to become something historic beforehand. He wanted to become the 3x Royal Rumble winner tonight. The American Nightmare set high expectations for himself. However, the American Nightmare failed to keep his promise. He couldn’t deliver on his bold prediction unfortunately. The third Rumble victory eluded him completely tonight.
Weak Performance and Early Elimination
Moreover, the American Nightmare doesn’t leave any major impact. His presence felt underwhelming in the Men’s traditional match. He failed to create memorable moments during his run. Furthermore, he got eliminated after Drew McIntyre intervened. McIntyre cost him the match deliberately and vindictively. The Scottish Psychopath threw him over the top rope. His elimination came earlier than fans expected completely.
Disappointing Showing for Two-Time Winner
Subsequently, the Prodigal Son is a 2x Royal Rumble winner. His past victories established him as a Rumble specialist. He won the match in 2023 and 2024 consecutively. However, his inclusion in this year’s Rumble appears weak. The performance didn’t match his previous showings at all. His 2026 appearance lacked the fire of previous years.
PLE Loser Status Confirmed
Consequently, this makes the former Undisputed Champion a loser. He suffers from the latest PLE outcome significantly. His performance came from the latest PLE disappointingly below standards. Rhodes’ failed promise and early exit hurt his momentum. The American Nightmare leaves the event empty-handed and embarrassed.
Indeed, Cody Rhodes’ failure to fulfill his promise of becoming a 3x Royal Rumble winner, combined with his lack of major impact during the Men’s traditional match before being eliminated by Drew McIntyre’s interference, makes the two-time Rumble winner and former Undisputed Champion a notable loser from the latest premium live event despite his previous success in 2023 and 2024.
#3. Winner: WWE Star Liv Morgan
Morgan Celebrates Historic Victory
Third, here is the winner’s tweet on X celebrating triumphantly. Liv Morgan posted immediately after her victory confidently. The message showcased her confidence and championship attitude. Her bold declaration went viral across social media instantly.
She tweeted:
“THE GREATEST ROYAL RUMBLE WINNER OF ALL TIME 😈🖕✨”
2026 Women’s Rumble Champion Crowned
Liv Morgan is the 2026 Women’s Royal Rumble match winner. She outlasted 29 other competitors tonight successfully. The victory represents a major career achievement for her. Moreover, the former Women’s World Champion eliminated Tiffany Stratton. She threw out Stratton in the final moments decisively. The elimination secured her spot at WrestleMania importantly.
Consequently, she earned a title shot for WrestleMania 42. The grandest stage awaits her in the main event. Morgan can challenge for any women’s championship she chooses. Her WrestleMania moment is now guaranteed in April.
Dominant Performance Seals Winner Status
Furthermore, Morgan’s performance impressed throughout the entire match. She showed resilience and determination from start to finish. Additionally, her victory in the traditional match matters greatly. The win came in the traditional match at the Saudi Arabia show. This historic victory surely makes her a winner undoubtedly. She stands out from the Saudi Arabia show as victorious. Morgan leaves the international PLE with momentum and opportunity.
Indeed, Liv Morgan’s victory as the 2026 Women’s Royal Rumble winner, secured by eliminating Tiffany Stratton in the final moments to earn a championship match at WrestleMania 42, combined with her confident tweet declaring herself “THE GREATEST ROYAL RUMBLE WINNER OF ALL TIME,” makes the former Women’s World Champion a clear winner from the Saudi Arabia show.
#2. Loser: AJ Styles
Career Comes to Devastating End
Second, AJ Styles has officially retired from WWE permanently. His legendary career ended at the Royal Rumble tonight. The announcement shocked the wrestling world completely and emotionally. Moreover, the Phenomenal One teased a farewell tour recently. This tease happened on SmackDown this week to fans. He hinted at saying goodbye on his own terms.
However, his loss to Gunther put it all to an end. The career-ending defeat came against the Ring General. Gunther forced retirement upon him through victory tonight. Furthermore, despite a great performance, Styles fought valiantly tonight. He gave everything in his final match courageously. Nevertheless, Styles seems to be a loser definitively. This applies at the WWE Royal Rumble unfortunately and sadly.
Double Loss for Legendary Veteran
Subsequently, the veteran star not only suffered a loss immediately. He experienced more than just a match defeat. Specifically, the loss came to The Ring General in the stipulation. Gunther defeated him in the career vs. career match. Moreover, but he also lost his career permanently tonight. The stipulation cost him everything he loves doing. Furthermore, he is now retired from in-ring competition officially. AJ Styles will never compete inside a WWE ring again. His 25-year wrestling career ended at Gunther’s hands devastatingly.
Indeed, AJ Styles’ official retirement from WWE following his loss to Gunther at the Royal Rumble, which ended the farewell tour he had teased on SmackDown, makes the Phenomenal One a major loser from the event as the veteran star not only suffered a defeat to the Ring General but permanently lost his career and is now retired from in-ring competition.
#1. Winner: Drew McIntyre
Fan Predicts Rhodes’ Revenge
Finally, here is a fan’s reaction on X predicting future drama. The post captures the brewing rivalry between both superstars. Fans anticipate the fallout from tonight’s actions eagerly. Social media erupted with reactions to McIntyre’s interference immediately.
The fan posted:
“Drew Mcintyre Eliminates Cody Rhodes Drew You Made The Biggest Mistake Cody Is Coming For You #RoyalRumble”
McIntyre Dominates on Multiple Fronts
Drew McIntyre not only retained his championship successfully tonight. He defended his Undisputed WWE Championship against Sami Zayn. The title remains around his waist after the victory. Moreover, he also screwed Cody Rhodes during the Rumble. He interfered in Rhodes’ chance at winning the match. Additionally, he screwed Jacob Fatu as well simultaneously tonight. McIntyre affected multiple competitors’ chances deliberately and strategically.
Direct Interference in Rumble Match
Furthermore, the champion directly attacked The American Nightmare aggressively. This happened in the Men’s Royal Rumble match itself. McIntyre entered the match solely to eliminate Rhodes. He threw Cody over the top rope personally. The Scottish Warrior’s interference proved costly for Rhodes completely.
Fatu Falls Victim to Distraction
Moreover, further, McIntyre’s presence distracted The Samoan Werewolf significantly. Jacob Fatu lost focus because of McIntyre’s actions. This distraction led to his elimination from the match. Fatu was thrown out while watching McIntyre and Rhodes. The champion’s mind games worked perfectly against Fatu.
Biggest Winner of the Night
Consequently, all this makes The Scottish Psychopath a winner. He emerges victorious from the Saudi Arabia premium live event. McIntyre achieved multiple goals in one night successfully. He retained his championship against a determined challenger. Additionally, he eliminated his biggest rival from the Rumble. Furthermore, he indirectly caused another elimination through distraction. McIntyre leaves Saudi Arabia as the night’s biggest winner.
Indeed, Drew McIntyre’s triple success at the Royal Rumble—retaining his Undisputed WWE Championship against Sami Zayn, directly eliminating rival Cody Rhodes from the Men’s Royal Rumble match, and causing Jacob Fatu’s elimination through distraction—makes the Scottish Psychopath the biggest winner from the Saudi Arabia premium live event despite fan predictions that “Cody Is Coming For You.”