Category: WWE

Hall of Famer Brie Bella Makes Surprise WWE Return at Royal Rumble 2026

WWE Hall of Famer Brie Bella made an unexpected return to the ring during the 2026 Women’s Royal Rumble, entering the match at No. 29. Her appearance came after PWInsider Elite reported earlier in the day that Bella had quietly been flown into Saudi Arabia ahead of the event.

The familiar “Brie Mode!” theme hit inside the stadium, signaling her arrival just minutes after her twin sister Nikki Bella entered at No. 25. Brie wasted no time getting involved, unloading with her signature kicks on Raquel Rodriguez. On commentary, Michael Cole noted that the moves are now referred to as the “It Kicks,” a nod to the fact that the “Yes!” chant was popularized in WWE by Brie’s husband, Bryan Danielson (formerly Daniel Bryan).

Moments later, Brie helped Nikki back to her feet, and the sisters shared a brief reunion in the middle of the ring. The Bella Twins then went on a short but effective run, teaming up to eliminate both Lyra Valkyria and Bayley while leading the crowd in another round of “Yes!” chants.

The nostalgia-fueled comeback came to an end when Lash Legend overpowered both sisters, eliminating Brie and Nikki together and drawing audible disappointment from the Riyadh crowd. Despite the brief run, Brie Bella’s return stood out as one of the night’s most memorable Royal Rumble moments.

WWE Royal Rumble 1/31/2026 (Results)

WWE kicked off the road to WrestleMania in massive fashion with Royal Rumble 2026, delivering two chaotic Rumble matches, a career-ending classic, and a hard-hitting championship bout. By the end of the night, Liv Morgan and Roman Reigns stood tall as this year’s Rumble winners — but not without controversy, shock eliminations, and emotional moments along the way.

Women’s Royal Rumble Match

  1. Charlotte Flair
  2. Alexa Bliss
  3. Kiana James
  4. Nia Jax
  5. Ivy Nile
  6. Lola Vice
  7. Candice LeRae
  8. Jordynne Grace
  9. Becky Lynch
  10. Sol Ruca
  11. Roxanne Perez
  12. Maxxine Dupri
  13. Nattie
  14. Liv Morgan
  15. Lash Legend
  16. Zelina
  17. Raquel Rodriguez
  18. Chelsea Green with Alba Fire
  19. Giulia
  20. IYO SKY
  21. Asuka
  22. Rhea Ripley
  23. Bayley
  24. Jacy Jayne
  25. Nikki Bella
  26. Lyra Valkyria
  27. Kelani Jordan
  28. Kairi Sane
  29. Brie Bella
  30. Tiffany Stratton

The Women’s Royal Rumble opened the show with Charlotte Flair drawing the unlucky No. 1 spot and immediately setting a playful-but-competitive tone with Alexa Bliss. The early portion mixed humor and intensity before the match quickly escalated with powerhouse entries like Nia Jax, Jordynne Grace, Lash Legend, and Raquel Rodriguez.

Grace made a huge impact, eliminating Candice LeRae, Lola Vice, and Ivy Nile before eventually being overpowered by Lash Legend. The middle stretch saw Becky Lynch briefly enter the fray, only to be shockingly dumped out by Natalya moments after eliminating Maxxine Dupri.

Star power ramped up late with appearances from Bayley, Brie Bella returned to WWE joining her sister Nikki, Tiffany Stratton, IYO SKY, Asuka, Rhea Ripley, and Giulia. Ripley ran roughshod through multiple competitors, including Chelsea Green and Roxanne Perez, before Raquel Rodriguez stunned the crowd by eliminating her.

The final stretch narrowed down to Liv Morgan, Tiffany Stratton, and Sol Ruca. After a wild apron battle and a failed Sol Snatcher attempt, Stratton eliminated Ruca — only for Morgan to capitalize seconds later.

Winner: Liv Morgan, last eliminating Tiffany Stratton
Reward: Women’s Championship match at WrestleMania

AJ Styles vs. GUNTHER (If Styles Loses, He Retires)

In one of the most emotional matches of the night, AJ Styles put his career on the line against GUNTHER in a brutal, methodical battle. Styles survived relentless chops, powerbombs, and submissions, repeatedly locking in the Calf Crusher while refusing to stay down.

GUNTHER ultimately resorted to ruthless efficiency, repeatedly applying the Gojira Clutch. Despite Styles clawing for the ropes and fighting through sheer will, the referee was forced to stop the match when AJ could no longer defend himself.

Winner: GUNTHER (Referee Stoppage)
Result: AJ Styles’ career officially comes to an end

Post-match, Styles received a lengthy standing ovation, sharing an emotional farewell with the crowd.- AJ takes his gloves off as the crowd chants “NO!” before putting them back on! He throws up his hand gesture as people in the crowd are shown reciprocating and throwing up Too Sweets for him. The chants shift to “AJ Styles!” and he leaves the ring.

He gets a couple steps up the ramp before heading back in and climbing the turnbuckles, throwing up Too Sweets and holding his hand to his heart as his music starts up one more time and he takes his leave.

A poignant goodbye to a legendary career.

WWE Undisputed Men’s Championship

Drew McIntyre (c) vs. Sami Zayn

Sami Zayn pushed Drew McIntyre to the limit in a grueling title defense that featured near-falls, desperation counters, and escalating intensity. Zayn survived Future Shock DDTs and a Claymore, even catching McIntyre with a Helluva Kick for a heart-stopping near fall.

Ultimately, McIntyre’s power and ruthlessness prevailed. After surviving Zayn’s last rally, the champion nailed a second Claymore to finally put the challenger away.

Winner: Drew McIntyre (Pinfall)
Result: McIntyre retains the WWE Undisputed Men’s Championship

Men’s Royal Rumble Match

  1. Oba Femi
  2. Bron Breakker
  3. Solo Sikoa
  4. Rey Mysterio
  5. Rusev
  6. Matt Cardona
  7. Damian Priest
  8. Je’Von Evans
  9. Mr. Iguana
  10. Trick Williams
  11. Cody Rhodes
  12. El Grande Americano
  13. Original El Grande Americano
  14. Royce Keys (Powerhouse Hobbs
  15. Austin Theory
  16. Bronson Reed
  17. Ilja Dragunov
  18. La Parka
  19. Dragon Lee
  20. Logan Paul
  21. LA Knight
  22. Brock Lesnar
  23. The Miz
  24. Rey Fenix
  25. Jey Uso
  26. Roman Reigns
  27. Jacob Fatu
  28. Penta
  29. Randy Orton
  30. GUNTHER

The Men’s Royal Rumble began in shocking fashion as Bron Breakker was ambushed during his entrance by a masked attacker and immediately eliminated by Oba Femi. Femi dominated the early portion, racking up multiple eliminations before becoming a target himself.

The match escalated with surprise entries, legends, and chaos – return of the Original El Grande Americano (Chad Gable), the much anticipated debut of Royce Keys (Powerhouse Hobbs), plus Mr, Iguana and La Parka from AAA

Brock Lesnar entering at No. 22 and bulldozing half the field before being eliminated through a temporary alliance between Cody Rhodes and LA Knight.

Roman Reigns entered late and quickly asserted dominance, eliminating The Miz, Jey Uso, and later Jacob Fatu. GUNTHER entered at No. 30 despite visible damage from earlier in the night, adding another layer of drama.

The final four came down to Roman Reigns, GUNTHER, Randy Orton, and Logan Paul. Paul was eliminated by Reigns, Orton was shoved out by GUNTHER, and the final showdown became a war of attrition between The Tribal Chief and The Ring General.

After surviving multiple Gojira Clutch attempts, Reigns rallied with a spear and sent GUNTHER over the top rope to seal the victory.

Winner: Roman Reigns, last eliminating GUNTHER
Reward: Men’s Championship match at WrestleMania

WWE NXT General Manager Ava Announces Exit From Company

Simone Johnson — known to WWE fans as NXT General Manager Ava — has officially parted ways with WWE. The former Ava Raine confirmed the news on Friday, revealing she chose not to renew her contract and that this past Tuesday’s episode of NXT marked her final appearance with the company.

Taking to Instagram, Ava shared a heartfelt message thanking fans and those she worked with during her time in WWE. She acknowledged the decision wasn’t an easy one, but described it as a meaningful new chapter in her life.

“While my decision to not renew my contract was very difficult, it’s also a new turning point in my life,” Ava wrote. “It has been an honor & a privilege to be Ava.”

Ava’s WWE journey was historic from the start. As the daughter of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, she became the first fourth-generation wrestler to sign with WWE when she joined the company in February 2020. She began training at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando and eventually made her televised debut on NXT in October 2022 as part of Joe Gacy’s dark and controversial faction, The Schism.

Competing under the ring name Ava Raine — later shortened to Ava — her in-ring run was brief. She wrestled just four televised matches and never picked up a singles victory. Not long after, WWE pivoted her role on screen, positioning her as an assistant to Shawn Michaels before elevating her to the role of NXT General Manager in January 2024.

Despite limited ring time, Ava became a consistent on-screen presence as the authority figure of WWE’s developmental brand. One of her most high-profile moments came during NXT: New Year’s Evil in January 2025, when she shared a backstage segment with her father — a rare on-screen crossover between the two.

As of now, The Rock, who sits on TKO’s board of directors, has not publicly commented on his daughter’s departure.

What’s next for Ava remains unclear, but her exit closes a unique chapter in WWE history. Whether she stays connected to the wrestling business or pursues something entirely new, her decision marks a major shift — both for her personally and for the future direction of NXT’s on-screen leadership.

WWE SmackDown Preview 1/30/2026

WWE SmackDown airing tonight on USA Network taped from KAFD in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

  • Sami Zayn comes face-to-face with Drew McIntyre before Royal Rumble
  • Cody Rhodes takes the mic ahead of Royal Rumble
  • Ilja Dragunov vs. The Miz
  • Axiom vs. Johnny Gargano
  • Carmelo Hayes issues a United States Title Open Challenge

WWE Royal Rumble 1/31/2026 (Card)

WWE Royal Rumble – Saturday 2pm ET/11am PT – KAFD in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

CARD

  • Undisputed WWE Championship: Drew McIntyre (c) vs. Sami Zayn
  • Gunther vs. AJ Styles (If Styles loses, he must retire)
  • Men’s Royal Rumble Match: Cody Rhodes, Gunther, Jey Uso, Rey Mysterio, Dragon Lee, Penta, Roman Reigns, Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu, Bron Breakker, Logan Paul, Bronson Reed, Austin Theory, Je’Von Evans, Oba Femi, Brock Lesnar, The Miz, more TBA
  • Women’s Royal Rumble Match: Iyo Sky, Rhea Ripley, Roxanne Perez, Liv Morgan, Raquel Rodriguez, Bayley, Lyra Valkyria, Asuka, Chelsea Green, Jordynne Grace, Charlotte Flair, Alexa Bliss, Nia Jax, Lash Legend, Giulia, Maxxine Dupri, Becky Lynch, Nikki Bella, More TBA

Latest Update On Chris Jericho’s Potential Status For The 2026 WWE Royal Rumble

Chris Jericho’s name continues to circulate as one of the biggest wildcards heading into the 2026 WWE Royal Rumble, with new reporting adding fuel to the speculation surrounding a possible surprise appearance.

According to Dave Meltzer in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, there is a “possibility” that Jericho could be involved in the 30-Man Royal Rumble match. While nothing has been confirmed, Meltzer notes that the idea has at least been discussed internally within WWE, keeping the door open for an unexpected return.

Jericho himself has publicly tried to cool down rumors of his involvement in the Royal Rumble, but the backstage chatter tells a slightly different story. Reports indicate that Jericho has been a topic of discussion regarding a potential WWE return dating back to early 2026, especially as his status with AEW remains somewhat unclear.

The former AEW World Champion has not appeared on AEW television since April 2025, though he is still listed on the company’s official roster page. That absence, combined with his long and storied WWE history, has only intensified speculation as the Royal Rumble approaches.

With the 2026 Royal Rumble set to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Jericho is now being viewed as one of the most closely monitored names going into the event. Whether it’s a one-night surprise or the start of something more, Jericho’s status is shaping up to be one of the key talking points as WWE fans count down to bell time.

Why Tommaso Ciampa Ultimately Chose to Leave WWE for AEW

Tommaso Ciampa officially turned the page on his WWE career this week, making his surprise AEW debut on Dynamite and immediately sparking conversation across the wrestling world. Now, the former NXT Champion has opened up about why he felt the time was right to walk away from WWE and start a new chapter.

Speaking with Rick Ucchino of Sports Illustrated, Ciampa made it clear that his decision wasn’t driven by one single issue, but rather a culmination of factors that became clearer as his WWE contract neared its end. According to Ciampa, those final contract discussions naturally forced him to evaluate where he fit in the current wrestling landscape.

Ciampa compared his mindset to different eras of wrestling. He explained that if he had been wrestling in the 1990s, ECW would have been his destination. In the early 2000s, Ring of Honor would have been the goal — something he was fortunate enough to experience briefly. For the 2010s, his dream was NXT’s “Black and Gold” era, where he became one of the brand’s defining figures. But when looking at the 2020s, Ciampa said the answer became obvious: AEW.

Another major factor was creative freedom, particularly surrounding his “Psycho Killer” persona. Ciampa admitted he pushed for years to fully bring that character to life in WWE, but for various reasons, it never fully materialized the way he envisioned. That changed immediately upon speaking with AEW President Tony Khan and the creative team. Ciampa said the open collaboration and willingness to trust his vision played a huge role in his decision, and he’s already thinking months — even a year — ahead in terms of evolving the character.

Ciampa also addressed long-standing online criticism suggesting that his 2018 run represented the peak of his career. He strongly disagreed, stating that he feels better physically and sharper mentally now than ever before. According to Ciampa, his storytelling, psychology, and overall performance have reached a level he hadn’t previously achieved — and AEW gives him the platform to prove it.

Finally, Ciampa touched on his respect for The Briscoes, specifically Mark Briscoe, whom he’s set to face soon. Ciampa praised Mark as the ultimate babyface, noting his natural charisma and fire. Despite not sharing a ring in over a decade, Ciampa said the chemistry was instantly there the moment they locked eyes, promising fans that their upcoming match will “tear the house down.”

Ciampa’s AEW arrival isn’t just about changing companies — it’s about betting on himself at a stage of his career where he believes his best work is still ahead. If his confidence is any indication, the “Psycho Killer” era in AEW may just be getting started.

Backstage Update On WWE Women’s Royal Rumble Gear For Saudi Arabia Event

This weekend’s WWE Royal Rumble premium live event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia is set to be a landmark show, particularly for the women’s division. The 2026 Women’s Royal Rumble match will feature the largest number of female competitors ever to appear on a WWE event held in Saudi Arabia, a significant milestone for the company’s partnership with the region.

However, the historic nature of the match has also brought renewed attention to a familiar topic: ring gear.

For previous WWE events in Saudi Arabia, women have been required to modify their usual in-ring attire, typically competing in full bodysuits to align with the country’s conservative dress guidelines. With so many women involved in the Royal Rumble this time around, there had been some speculation that WWE might adjust or streamline the gear requirements to better accommodate the match.

According to WrestleVotes Radio on Fightful Select, that is not the case. The report notes that the same attire guidelines used for past Saudi events remain firmly in place for this weekend’s Royal Rumble. One WWE talent involved in the Women’s Rumble confirmed the report, adding that there was no coordinated effort to ensure the competitors’ gear looked distinct from one another once everyone was in the ring.

Another noteworthy detail came from Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp, who spoke with a separate talent scheduled for the match. According to that conversation, the women participating in the Royal Rumble were responsible for creating and/or paying for their own gear that meets the required parameters, without direct assistance from WWE. It remains unclear whether this is standard practice across the board or specific to this event.

While the Women’s Royal Rumble is poised to make history in terms of representation and participation, the backstage details highlight that some aspects of WWE’s Saudi events remain unchanged. As always, how the match ultimately comes across on screen — especially with a crowded field and similar-looking gear — will be something fans will be watching closely once the countdown clock starts.

Rey Mysterio Injury Update Raises Royal Rumble Concerns Ahead of Riyadh Event

With the 2026 WWE Royal Rumble just days away, Rey Mysterio’s status has suddenly become a major question mark. The WWE Hall of Famer sparked concern on Monday Night RAW after appearing to injure his arm during a match against Austin Theory, with the post-match visuals suggesting something wasn’t right.

However, newer reports indicate the issue may not be arm-related after all. According to PWInsider, Mysterio is actually dealing with a rib injury, though the exact severity hasn’t been confirmed. At this point, it’s unclear whether he’ll be medically cleared in time to compete in the Men’s Royal Rumble match, leaving WWE potentially forced to tweak creative plans at the last minute.

There is at least some reason for optimism. Mysterio recently posted a photo from Riyadh alongside Liv Morgan, Jade Cargill, Jacob Fatu, and Raquel Rodriguez, confirming that he has already traveled with the WWE roster for the premium live event. While that doesn’t guarantee he’ll be cleared to wrestle, it does suggest WWE hasn’t ruled out his involvement entirely, even if his role changes close to showtime.

The timing of this injury scare couldn’t be worse. Mysterio only returned to action in November 2025 after missing seven months due to a torn groin, and another setback so soon after raises understandable concerns about his long-term health. For now, all eyes are on WWE’s medical team as fans wait to see whether the legendary luchador will be able to take part in one of the company’s biggest matches of the year—and what it could mean for his road to WrestleMania if he can’t.

Brock Lesnar Confirms Entry In 2026 WWE Royal Rumble Match

Speculation surrounding Brock Lesnar’s WWE future can officially be put to rest — at least for now. The former WWE Champion has confirmed that he will be competing in the Men’s Royal Rumble match at the 2026 Royal Rumble premium live event.

Lesnar made the announcement during a recent appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, where he addressed the rumors head-on and left little room for interpretation. In classic Lesnar fashion, “The Beast” didn’t just confirm his entry — he declared his intentions.

“I’m heading to the Royal Rumble, boys,” Lesnar said. “I’m gonna win it.”

The confirmation immediately positions Lesnar as one of the favorites heading into the 30-man match, especially given his dominant history in the Royal Rumble. Lesnar has previously bulldozed through the field in past appearances, and his mere presence tends to shift the entire dynamic of the match.

This year’s Royal Rumble is already historic, as the event will take place on January 31 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The show will be held at a temporary outdoor stadium in the King Abdullah Financial District as part of the ongoing Riyadh Season festivities, marking the first time the Royal Rumble is staged outside of North America.

With Lesnar officially in the field, the Men’s Royal Rumble just gained another massive layer of intrigue. Whether WWE plans to use his return to launch a WrestleMania main event program remains to be seen, but one thing is clear — Brock Lesnar isn’t coming to Riyadh just to participate. He’s coming to dominate.