Tag: Royal Rumble

Backstage Update on Brie Bella’s WWE Status After Royal Rumble Return

Brie Bella’s surprise return at the Royal Rumble immediately sparked questions about whether the WWE Hall of Famer is back for more than just a one-night cameo — and a new backstage update has begun to clarify her situation.

After appearing in the Women’s Royal Rumble Match on Saturday in Saudi Arabia, Brie fueled speculation with an Instagram post declaring that “BRIEMODE IS ACTIVATED.” Naturally, fans wondered if that meant a longer-term WWE run could be on the horizon.

According to Dave Meltzer, the answer for now appears to be maybe, but nothing permanent. Meltzer reported Sunday evening that Brie is back with WWE “for the time being,” suggesting the door is open but no long-term commitment has been finalized.

Brie entered the Women’s Royal Rumble at No. 29 and spent roughly seven minutes in the match before being eliminated by Lash Legend. The appearance marked her first in-ring action since the 2022 Women’s Royal Rumble, making it a notable return after several years away from active competition.

Her comeback also comes at an interesting time, given the landscape of her family connections. Brie’s husband, Bryan Danielson, remains under contract with AEW and recently handled a brief color commentary role on Dynamite while Taz recovered from shoulder surgery. Despite that, Brie’s Royal Rumble appearance shows WWE is still very open to working with her.

Meanwhile, her twin sister Nikki Bella has already re-established herself in WWE over the past year. Nikki returned in 2025, reigniting her in-ring career with a feud against Liv Morgan before later turning heel and targeting Stephanie Vaquer. That run culminated in a high-profile three-way Women’s World Title match at Survivor Series, where Nikki came up short against champion Raquel Rodriguez.

For now, Brie Bella’s WWE future remains fluid. She’s officially back in the fold, but whether this turns into a sustained run, sporadic appearances, or another short-term return remains to be seen. Either way, her Royal Rumble moment has clearly reopened the conversation about what’s next for Brie in WWE.

Former AEW Star Powerhouse Hobbs Debuts in WWE as Royce Keys During Royal Rumble 2026

The speculation is officially over. Former AEW standout Powerhouse Hobbs has arrived in WWE — and he’s doing so under a new name.

Hobbs made his WWE debut during the 2026 Men’s Royal Rumble, entering the match at No. 14 and immediately revealing his new ring name, Royce Keys. His arrival drew a massive reaction from the Riyadh crowd, helped in part by a striking presentation that featured his old “Powerhouse Hobbs” name going up in smoke on the titantron before he stepped through the curtain.

While Keys didn’t go the distance in his first WWE appearance, his debut left little doubt that the company views him as a major player. He wasted no time making an impact, going straight after Damian Priest and scoring a statement elimination by dumping the former world champion over the top rope.

Keys’ Rumble run also saw him mix it up with several notable names, including fast-rising NXT standout Je’Von Evans and former WWE Universal Champion Cody Rhodes. The repeated interactions with Rhodes were particularly notable, given Rhodes’ status as the most high-profile example of an AEW talent successfully transitioning to WWE. Keys was also shown squaring off with hard-hitting competitors like Ilja Dragunov, further reinforcing his positioning among WWE’s upper-tier talent.

Ultimately, Keys’ night came to an end thanks to a combined effort from The Vision, with Bronson Reed being officially credited with the elimination.

Before joining WWE, Keys was best known for his time in AEW as Powerhouse Hobbs. During his run there, he captured the AEW Trios Championship alongside Samoa Joe and Katsuyori Shibata as part of the group known as The Opps. His AEW contract expired on January 14, the same day he competed in his final match for the company, losing the Trios titles to JetSpeed and “Hangman” Adam Page.

As of now, WWE has not confirmed which brand Royce Keys will land on following his Royal Rumble debut. While a move to NXT would be a logical starting point, his interactions with established main-roster stars — and even AAA-linked talent during the match — suggest WWE may have bigger plans for him sooner rather than later.

Either way, Royal Rumble 2026 marked the official beginning of a new chapter for Royce Keys, and his arrival is one that won’t go unnoticed.

AJ Styles’ WWE Career Ends After Royal Rumble Loss to GUNTHER

AJ Styles’ legendary WWE run came to a heartbreaking conclusion at Royal Rumble 2026, as “The Phenomenal One” was defeated by GUNTHER after passing out in the Ring General’s sleeper hold.

Following the match, Styles briefly teased leaving his gloves in the ring — a traditional symbol of retirement — before ultimately putting them back on and taking in the ovation from the Riyadh crowd, choosing to acknowledge the fans one final time rather than quietly walking away.

After both men vowed on SmackDown to make the other submit, the match began with Styles targeting GUNTHER’s leg in hopes of setting up the Calf Crusher. GUNTHER quickly shifted the momentum, dumping Styles to the floor and unleashing his trademark brutality by slamming him into the announce desk and ring post.

Styles battled back with a well-timed Pele Kick and continued hunting for the Calf Crusher. GUNTHER countered with a powerbomb, but Styles stayed alive and managed to lock in the submission on a second attempt. The Ring General responded by wrapping Styles up in a sleeper, signaling the beginning of the endgame.

Momentum swung wildly as Styles connected with a Phenomenal Forearm and wiped GUNTHER out on the outside. Back in the ring, the two traded punishment, with GUNTHER’s relentless chops wearing Styles down. Still, Styles dug deep, landing a springboard 450 splash followed by a Styles Clash that came agonizingly close to ending the match.

GUNTHER avoided another Phenomenal Forearm and went back to the sleeper, only for Styles to counter with one of his own. Drawing from their controversial encounter in Germany, GUNTHER once again bent the rules, distracting the referee before delivering a low blow to regain control.

An increasingly frustrated GUNTHER unloaded with repeated chops as Styles tried to mount one last comeback. Before Styles could fire off another Pele Kick, GUNTHER snatched him up and cinched in the sleeper once more. Styles fought desperately, reaching toward the ropes with his fingertips just inches away, but GUNTHER refused to release the hold.

With nowhere left to go, Styles passed out in the center of the ring, forcing the referee to stop the match and officially ending his WWE career.

While the loss marked a devastating conclusion, the post-match reaction made it clear: AJ Styles left Royal Rumble 2026 not just as a defeated competitor, but as one of the most respected and celebrated performers in WWE history.

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 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.

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.