Recaps
WWE Royal Rumble 2026: ‘Ones to the Sky’ as Roman Reigns Wins Title Shot at WrestleMania in a Night Full of Unsolved Mysteries
The road to WrestleMania 42 began by turning back to the OTC1, Roman Reigns, to lead the WWE into their Super Bowl of the year, when he survived the 30-man Royal Rumble on Saturday night, January 31 at the 2026. This year’s Rumble emanated for the first time in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Earlier in the week, Reigns made a guest appearance on The Pat McAfee Show in a bit of foreshadowing where he put the WWE creative and roster on notice, that in his absence, they were not getting things done since none of the young guy’s stepped up, so now he needs to step back in and right this wrong.
Reigns survived the final four of the stacked Men’s Rumble. When the smoke cleared it was down to Gunther, Randy Orton, Logan Paul and the OTC. In the end, Reigns tossed Gunther over the top rope to secure the victory. Now, he has his pick of which WWE champion to face at WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas come April.
If the championship picture stays as it is until then, Roman could go back after the belt he held for an historic four years, the Undisputed WWE Championship, now held by Drew McIntyre or the World Heavyweight Championship held by CM Punk.
CURB STOMPS
Reigns’ victory was only a part of the story coming out of Riyadh as the Royal Rumble left the WWE Universe with much to ponder. Let’s run back these mysteries.
As entrant #2 Bron Breakker headed to the ring to face off with entrant #1 Oba Femi, a black hooded figure came out of nowhere tossing him outside the ring and giving him the ‘Seth Rollins’-like patented Curb Stomp. Next, he was tossed into the ring for Femi to then officially throw Breakker over the top rope and thus eliminated.
The hooded figure to us was slighter in build than potential suspects: Seth Rollins, Adam Pearce or even Austin Theory, who were all suspect. However, what if it is the ‘Vision’s’ own Logan Paul? Remember, earlier in the week, he was part of a backstage vignette saying that the clique will all help Breakker win the rumble.
Brock Lesnar came out accompanied by his former manager, Paul Heyman. Although, the two in Lesnar’s recent appearances seem to have aligned. Femi, who has tossed out the first several participants easily, came up against the “Beast Incarnate” and went to Suplex City and was then eliminated. Eventually, Lesnar was taken out by L.A. Knight and Cody Rhodes.
Speaking of Roman Reigns, he was all for himself, eliminating his own cousins, Jey Uso and Jacob Fatu. Before Fatu was sent home, he was about to toss Rhodes over the top rope, when Drew McIntyre (who is not in the Rumble) came out of nowhere and Claymore’d him and thus he was eliminated too! Now, Cody’s only current way back to WrestleMania is a win at the ‘Elimination Chamber’ later this month
In the arrivals and returns department: AEW’s former Powerhouse Hobbs entered the Rumble with his new WWE in-ring name of Royce Keys, Chad Gable returned as the Original El Grande Americano, La Parka (who had a run in WCW, but with the running gag of someone different in the skeleton leotard attire) showed up which felt very odd. Kudos to former NXT star Je’Von Evans who has now been called up to the main WWE Men’s roster for a solid first Rumble performance.
LIV IT UP
Photo: WWE
The Women’s Rumble kicked-off the card and in an intriguing plot twist, tag-team partners Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss were the number #1 and number #2 participants causing some drama. While they never really went “at” each other, things took a turn during the Rumble when Flair accidentally eliminated Bliss.
In the end, it was Judgment Day’s Liv Morgan who took out the returning-from-injury Tiffany Stratton to win the Women’s Rumble. After two previous second-place finishes, Morgan is heading to WrestleMania with a title shot in the very near future. However, on her way to victory, she double-crossed her former tag partner, and stablemate, Raquel Rodriguez by eliminating her from Rumble contention.
The big stars of the Women’s Rumble were Lash Legend, who while getting so boo’d by the crowd, eliminated several key women and put on quite a show. In addition, props have to go to Sol Ruca, who wound up in the final three with Morgan and Stratton, and delivered her patented Sol Snatcher, only for it to fall apart from there when she was eliminated by Stratton.
The huge pop of the match came when Brie Bella entered at #29. She has been out of in-ring action since 2022’s Rumble. Along with her sister, Nikki, they eliminated Bayley and Lyra Valkyria. Will the Bellas make another run for tag team gold? Stay tuned.
However, most everyone thought the #30 entrant would turn out to be Bianca Belair. The EST did not appear, raising questions and concerns if she will ever be able to be cleared to wrestle again, or if the WWE is holding her back for a huge pop on an upcoming RAW or SmackDown, or if she will be in Chicago later this month at Elimination Chamber.
STYLE
Photo: WWE
AJ Styles, just like the Taylor Swift song lyric from her hit song, Style, says “Will Never Go Out of Style,” and that holds true for the Phenomenal One. Sadly, AJ lost with his WWE career on the line via a sleeper hold to “career killer” Gunther in their singles match up.
In the follow-up to last month’s shocking end of John Cena’s legendary career, where the 17-time champ tapped out to the “Ring General,” Styles just passed out. In a shocker, Style came too and was told by the ref, he lost. AJ received a standing ovation from the crowd.
However, this did not feel like the “official” end to Styles career. When it was time for him to remove his wrestling gloves or boots, as is customary when a wrestler says farewell and is retiring from in-ring performance, Styles stopped himself short of doing that. Time will tell if he moves on for another run at TNA or comes to AEW, or if some other thing is at play here.
It should be noted that multiple WWE superstars past and present took to social media including Cena himself, acknowledging Styles incredible work or how emotional it was backstage at the Rumble after he lost to Gunther.
THE WAITING GAME
Photo: WWE
In the weakest match of the night, Syrian-born Sami Zayn, for all intent and purposes the hometown favorite, lost another bid for the world championship to Drew McIntrye, who threw everything at the kitchen sink at Zayn to make him give up or stay down. It was hard to watch Zayn take the beat down, but it also was so monotonous.
With WrestleMania 43 coming to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in 2027, that may be the time that Zayn captures the big prize if the WWE can figure out an engrossing long-term storyline for him, that would give us all the feels around the world and not just in Saudi Arabia a year or so from now.
OVERALL 2026 ROYAL RUMBLE GRADE – B
Now below, check out the highlights from the Royal Rumble 2026, followed by the Michael Fairman Channel’s “What’s Up? Wrestling” post-show.
Then let us know, what did you think of Roman Reigns and Liv Morgan as this year’s Royal Rumble winners? AJ Styles being retired by Gunther? What was your high and low point of this year’s card? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
Recaps
WWE ‘Night of Champions’ Shocker: Sami Zayn Pins Cody Rhodes for Undisputed World Heavyweight Title
After a decade in WWE, Sami Zayn is finally living his dream, at least for now, as the new Undisputed WWE champion.
In an absolute stunning ending to the Saturday, June 27 Night of Champions PLE streaming on ESPN live from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Zayn pinned Cody Rhodes to win the triple-threat match over Rhodes and Gunther. The crowd was mostly behind Zayn given his Syrian-descent, but who was born in Canada.
Cody Rhodes’ third WWE title reign has come to an end, Gunther took his frustration out on his own loss on WWE SmackDown GM, Nick Aldis, backstage after the match, which led to an altercation leading everyone to speculate Aldis will come out of ring retirement to face Gunther at August’s SummerSlam. Meanwhile, the future for Rhodes is less clear. Will this be the time that he finally turns heel? Stay tuned.
Courtesy/WWE
As the cameras rolled, and as Zayn was making his way back up the ring ramp with the title belt, he shared, “A lot of folks said I would never win the WWE championship. But I stand here tonight in front of my people, the WWE Champion. Twenty-plus years in the game at the highest level, never got the recognition. Ten-plus years chasing this championship… I don’t care what happens to me tomorrow, next week, next month, next year. Forever, I will be Sami Zayn, WWE champion.”
THE RULER IS NOW THE KING
Meanwhile, in other key Night of Champion match-ups: The Men’s King of the Ring was crowned when Oba Femi defeated Jey Uso. Now, earning his title shot at SummerSlam, will he pick Zayn or Roman Reigns as his opponent?
In the Women’s Queen of the Ring after being cursed by Danhausen, Liv Morgan lost to Iyo Sky, who then turned around after being named Queen of the Ring to tell Morgan she looks forward to wrestling her again for her title at SummerSlam.
Photo: WWE
Elsewhere on the card, Trick Williams retained his Men’s United States Championship over Ricky Saints. Tiffany Stratton bested Jade Cargill to retain the Women’s US Championship with the help of a belt to the face by Charlotte Flair to Cargill, in a crazy finish, with multiple women popping up from under the ring apron including: Chelsea Green, Michin and B-Fab.
Photo: WWE
WHAT’S NEXT FOR SETH?
In the best match of the night, Seth Rollins defeated Bron Breakker in a steel cage match which saw both men go to extremes to take down the other. While Rollins now needs to move on to a new program away from The Vision revenge story, Breakker, who showed what a phenomenal athlete and performer he is once again, also should move on to a singles competition.
Photo: WWE
During the post-show interview on ESPN, Rollins reminded the audience what is true. He never lost the WWE championship currently held by his nemesis Roman Reigns. Seth had to vacate it due to his shoulder surgery. Will we finally be on the road to “The Shield” rematch years in the making between Reigns and Rollins, or will that need to wait till WrestleMania 43, which will also take place in Riyadh in 2027?
So many questions coming out of WWE Night of Champions! Take a look at some of the highlights below.
Now let us know, were you shocked to see Sami Zayn pin Cody Rhodes for the WWE Undisputed World Title? Glad for Oba and Iyo? How would you grade the night? We give it a B+. Let us know via the comment section.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Britt and Rocco Say Their Goodbyes, Then She Gets Arrested; Anna Reveals “Nathan West” is an Imposter
On the Friday, June 26 episode of General Hospital, emotional moments, a new duo on the run, the end of the line for Britt and an eye-opening moment between Anna and Felicia were the order of the day. Let’s take a look at what went down, but first let’s give a round of applause for Kelly Thiebaud (Britt) and Finn Carr (Rocco) on their goodbye scenes.
In the story, Rocco insists to his parents, Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) and Lulu (Alexa Havins) that he wouldn’t leave Tortola without Britt. Dante is getting impatient because Britt brought all the trouble in recent months to his son. They need to protect him and they can’t if he stays with Britt. Lulu tells Britt she is the only one who can do the right thing, right now.
Britt explained it is too dangerous for Rocco to stay with her. She was very selfish and made a lot of terrible decisions along the way and Cullum is tracking her down because she did not finish the project he enlisted her for. She convinces Rocco to go with his parents and gives him a little token of something that reminded her of when he was a baby which is a bottle to blow bubbles with.
Courtesy/ABC
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF
Rocco makes Britt promise to take her medication to ward off her Huntington’s disease symptoms and to keep changing locations so she is not caught. The two share a final hug as both are in tears. Dante makes a call. While in the car ready to leave Britt behind, Rocco says he will never forgive himself is something happened to Britt.
Back inside, Britt is ready to inject herself with her medication but is unaware that Cullum has now tainted it with poison! But she is saved from that, when two police officers burst through the door to arrest her for kidnapping charges! Did Dante call the local police? Is he doing this to keep her safe or to pay her back?
In Port Charles, Charlotte (Bluesy Burke) arrives at Crimson, completely unaware that the man in the elevator is following her. Nina (Cynthia Watros) and Charlotte have an argument about Willow (Katelyn MacMullen). Suddenly, Willow calls her mother that she is being questioned by the PCPD, and Nina learns, it is as a suspect for being the other driver that left Jordan and Curtis injured by the side of the road on Route 91.
ARRIVALS AND DESTINATIONS IN QUESTION
Chase (Josh Swickard) comes to Willow’s rescue much to Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) and Justine’s (Nazneen Contractor) chagrin. Willow learns Lucy and Drew are the supposed witnesses against her. Chase figures out when Joe (Jonathan Bennett) was alone with Drew, he got him to blink in a way that implicated her. However, in a shocking moment, Justine reveals that the trip log from Willow’s BMW SUV placed her at the scene of the accident just second before it occurred.
Meanwhile, Danny (Asher Antonyzyn) comes by Crimson to see Charlotte. He says he broke into the WSB office to get info to expose Cullum as a double agent. Charlotte blows a gasket! She can’t believe that he would do something so stupid that it could have gotten him killed. She firmly tells Danny that best thing he can do to help Jason is to stay out of things. Danny storms out, but notices the stranger in the elevator who now steps into the Crimson lobby.
Courtesy/ABC
The man tells Charlotte he is Agent Mark McKay with the WSB and he has orders to bring her in. When she resisted, he was about to chloroform her, when Danny knocked him out and took off with Charlotte.
ANNA PUTS HER TRUST IN FELICIA
In France, after having some private time with Emma (Braedyn Bruner), Anna (Finola Hughes) wants to talk to Felicia (Kristina Wagner). She tells her best friend she was trying to figure out what memories of her past with Faison, she could trust and not trust. Since Felicia knows her best she is hoping she can believe what she is about to tell her.
It is then that Anna says, “Nathan West (Ryan Paevey) is not who he says he is.” Felicia looks dumb-founded. Will she believe her friend … or think she has drummed this all up in her mind? Stay tuned.
So, what did you think about the goodbye scenes featuring Finn Carr and Kelly Thiebaud? Did you reach for the hankies? Do you believe that soon, Cassius will be caught for his duplicity and the truth about Britt’s “illness” will come to light? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section below. But first check out the scenes featuring Anna on her road to recovery in France
FINALLY! The Friday, June 26 episode of The Bold and the Beautiful revealed that Hope Logan (Annika Noelle) is officially the lead designer of “Logan’s” new line, sending her mother Brooke Logan Forrester (Katherine Kelly Lang), Steffy Forrester (Jacqueline MacInnes Wood) and others into a tailspin!
It’s been weeks of flip-flopping for Hope, not sure if she should leave Forrester when Steffy finally told her they were putting a focus on “Hope for the Future,” in the near term. But, she finally stuck to her guns and with Liam (Scott Clifton) by her side, propping her up and making her see that even if it hurts her mother now, eventually Brooke will see what a great businesswoman her daughter has become.
As the models walk the runway at Katie’s (Heather Tom) fashion show, and as the Forresters watch the livestream (which Liam said is being watched by 4 million people?), Wyatt (Darin Brooks) shows up to tell Hope and Liam that the “rock” is ready to go.
Photo: JPI
HOPE FOR THE FUTURE DIAMOND BACK AROUND HOPE’S NECK
Suddenly, Hope is stunned when they surprise her with the “The Hope for the Future Diamond!”Liam explains that Wyatt tracked it down. They wanted her to wear it. (But isn’t this the fake diamond?) Hope is beyond touched and fastens it it around her neck as the models make their final walk.
Next, Katie takes to the runaway amid thunderous applause and introduces Deke (Harrison Cone) who takes a bow with his dad, Deacon (Sean Kanan) in the audience who stands up for his son, then realizes he is the only one doing so. He quickly sits down.
In the CEO office of Forrester where everyone is gathered, Katie announces another surprise at the show and during the livestream. She wants everyone to meet the other half of the line. And as Katie put it, “The spirit that drives it, the creative visionary with an imprint so profound that they named the collection after her… Hope by Logan!” Brooke’s jaw-drops going, “What???”
Photo: JPI
Next, Katie intros Hope wearing the ‘Hope For the Future Diamond,’ and Hope takes to the runaway and struts her stuff. Meanwhile, Brooke, who is stunned says out loud, “What are you doing there? What is happening?” We fade to black.
Are you glad Hope stuck to her guns (after all the wishy-washy-ness) and became the lead designer at “Logan?” Do you hope Hope and Brooke have a major mother/daughter blowout? Are you looking forward to a scene where Hope and Steffy have it out over this? And will Katie and Brooke have another massive fight? What did you think of the fashion? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
‘Beyond the Gates’ Set to Air Week of Encore Episodes
WWE ‘Night of Champions’ Shocker: Sami Zayn Pins Cody Rhodes for Undisputed World Heavyweight Title
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Jacob Martinez Debuts as Javi Hernandez First Look Photos
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Britt and Rocco Say Their Goodbyes, Then She Gets Arrested; Anna Reveals “Nathan West” is an Imposter
‘General Hospital’ Alum Chad Duell Drops First Single EDM/Dance Track ‘If You Need Me’
Maurice Benard Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’ Writers; Teases Upcoming Sonny Scenes with Anna, Jason, Justine and Ric
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Hope Floors the Runway and the Forresters!
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Jacob Martinez Debuts as Javi Hernandez First Look Photos
Al Calderon Reflects on ‘Major Chapters’ Coming to an End on ‘Days of Our Lives’ and ‘Brilliant Minds’
‘General Hospital’ Alum Chad Duell Drops First Single EDM/Dance Track ‘If You Need Me’
WWE ‘Night of Champions’ Shocker: Sami Zayn Pins Cody Rhodes for Undisputed World Heavyweight Title
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Jacob Martinez Debuts as Javi Hernandez First Look Photos
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Britt and Rocco Say Their Goodbyes, Then She Gets Arrested; Anna Reveals “Nathan West” is an Imposter
‘General Hospital’ Alum Chad Duell Drops First Single EDM/Dance Track ‘If You Need Me’
GENERAL HOSPITAL: What Did You Think of the Return of Anna Devane, and What’s In the Letter?
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General Hospital7 days agoMaurice Benard Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’ Writers; Teases Upcoming Sonny Scenes with Anna, Jason, Justine and Ric
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Recaps2 days agoTHE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Hope Floors the Runway and the Forresters!
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