WWE Royal Rumble 2026 Results: Liv Morgan & Roman Reigns Win, AJ Styles Retires – The Night That Changed WrestleMania 42

WWE Royal Rumble 2026 results, highlights and winners

If you blinked during WWE Royal Rumble 2026, you missed history. Held under the dazzling lights of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, this wasn’t just another edition of the iconic event—it was a night of shocking returns, emotional farewells, and title defenses that reshaped the entire WWE landscape heading into WrestleMania 42.

From Liv Morgan becoming the first woman to win from the #1 spot, to Roman Reigns’ thunderous comeback, to the heartbreaking end of AJ Styles’ in-ring career—every moment felt monumental. Let’s break down the full WWE Royal Rumble 2026 results and what they mean for the future of WWE.

Table of Contents

Liv Morgan Makes History in Women’s Royal Rumble

In a performance that will be talked about for years, Liv Morgan entered the Women’s Royal Rumble at the coveted #1 position—and didn’t just survive, she conquered. After 30 grueling minutes and eliminating six competitors, including a brutal final showdown with Bianca Belair, Morgan stood tall as the winner [[1]].

This victory is historic on multiple fronts:

  • She is the first woman ever to win the Royal Rumble match after entering at #1 [[2]].
  • It marks her second major singles win in under a year, cementing her status as WWE’s top female star.
  • Her emotional celebration—dedicating the win to “every girl who was told she wasn’t enough”—sent a powerful message across the WWE Universe [[3]].

With this win, Morgan now has the right to challenge for any world championship at WrestleMania 42. All signs point to her targeting the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship, setting up a potential dream match against Roman Reigns.

Roman Reigns Returns to Win Men’s Royal Rumble

The Tribal Chief is back—and he’s reclaiming his throne. After months of absence following a shocking loss at SummerSlam 2025, Roman Reigns made a surprise return as the #30 entrant in the Men’s Royal Rumble [[1]].

In a dominant display, Reigns eliminated four superstars, including a jaw-dropping spear on Solo Sikoa (his own cousin) to win the match. His victory wasn’t just about physical power—it was a statement. With Paul Heyman by his side once again, Reigns declared, “I am still your undisputed, unchallenged, Tribal Chief” [[4]].

This win guarantees Reigns a world title shot at WrestleMania 42, likely against current champion Drew McIntyre. The stage is set for one of the most anticipated rematches in modern WWE history.

The End of an Era: AJ Styles Forced Into Retirement

One of the most emotional moments of the night came in a brutal “I Quit” match between Gunther and AJ Styles for the Intercontinental Championship. After a 25-minute war filled with suplexes, chops, and near-fatal strikes, Styles refused to quit—until Gunther targeted his neck with a devastating powerbomb onto the ring apron [[5]].

Unable to move, Styles’ wife and children appeared ringside, begging him to say “I quit.” In tears, the Phenomenal One finally uttered the words, ending the match and, as per stipulation, his in-ring career [[6]].

Gunther’s victory was chilling, but the real story was the farewell. WWE honored Styles with a ten-bell salute, and legends like John Cena and Randy Orton sent video tributes. For more on the legacy of AJ Styles, see our tribute on [INTERNAL_LINK:aj-styles-wwe-legacy].

Drew McIntyre Survives Sami Zayn to Retain Title

In a match many called “Match of the Night,” Drew McIntyre defended his Undisputed WWE Universal Championship against Sami Zayn in a 60-minute Iron Man match. The bout went into sudden death overtime after finishing 3-3, with McIntyre finally securing a fourth fall via Claymore Kick [[1]].

Zayn’s resilience earned him a standing ovation, but McIntyre’s victory keeps him on course for a massive showdown with Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 42—a rematch of their epic 2024 clash.

Brock Lesnar Returns and Other Key Moments

The surprises didn’t stop there. In the final moments of the broadcast, Brock Lesnar’s music hit, and The Beast stormed the ring, delivering an F-5 to both Rumble winners—Liv Morgan and Roman Reigns—before staring down the WrestleMania sign [[7]]. This chaotic scene hints at a potential triple threat main event for WrestleMania 42.

Other highlights included a dominant win by Cody Rhodes over Damian Priest in a non-title match, and a surprise appearance by CM Punk, who confronted Seth Rollins, reigniting their bitter rivalry.

WrestleMania 42 Paths Now Clear

Thanks to WWE Royal Rumble 2026 results, the road to WrestleMania 42 is now crystal clear:

  • Undisputed WWE Universal Championship: Drew McIntyre (c) vs. Roman Reigns (possible triple threat with Brock Lesnar)
  • Women’s World Championship: Liv Morgan to challenge Rhea Ripley or Becky Lynch
  • Intercontinental Championship: Gunther (c) vs. a rising star like Bron Breakker or Ilja Dragunov

The stakes have never been higher, and the narratives are deeply personal.

Conclusion: A Night That Will Be Remembered

WWE Royal Rumble 2026 delivered everything fans could ask for—and more. From historic wins and emotional retirements to shocking returns and title defenses, it was a masterclass in storytelling and athleticism. As the dust settles in Riyadh, one thing is certain: WrestleMania 42 is already shaping up to be one of the most unforgettable events in WWE history.

Sources

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