WWE’s Royal Rumble 2026 may be set for a massive global stage in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, but behind the scenes? Things are far from finalized.
On the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer dropped a major detail that’s got people scratching their heads. As of now, WWE is only planning four matches for the entire Premium Live Event—and none of them are officially locked in.
“The current plan for Royal Rumble is a four-match show with two title matches and the two Rumble matches,” Meltzer reported. “The two WWE’s Current Plans for Royal Rumble 2026 in Saudi Arabia matches are not finalized even though it’s just under two months away.”
That’s right — with one of the biggest WWE events of the year less than 60 days away, only the obvious Rumble matches are on the board, while the rest is still floating in creative limbo.
That means while Bron Breakker is reportedly still favored to win the men’s Royal Rumble match—despite a World Heavyweight Championship match already set against CM Punk on January 5—the rest of the card remains fluid. WWE is keeping things open, possibly to account for storylines still happening or big names waiting to be slotted in.
While the lean card might surprise some fans, it’s worth noting that 2025’s Royal Rumble also featured just four matches, and WWE leaned heavily on the spectacle of the Rumble bouts themselves to carry the night.
Still, with this being the first Royal Rumble held outside North America, expectations are high — and fans are waiting to see whether WWE will stick to a trimmed-down format or bulk things up before the show goes live from Riyadh.
What do you think about WWE sticking to just four matches at Royal Rumble 2026 — is it smart pacing, or are they leaving too much on the cutting room floor? Drop your thoughts below and let us know how you’d shake up the card!
December 5, 2025 11:19 am
