WWE Royal Rumble 2026 Could See One Major Change Fans Won’t Like

WWE’s 2026 Royal Rumble is shaping up to be a massive spectacle—but it might come with a major change that fans won’t be thrilled about.

According to Bryan Alvarez of Wrestling Observer Live, WWE is likely scrapping the element that’s made the Rumble one of wrestling’s most exciting traditions: the surprises.

This year’s Royal Rumble is scheduled for January 31, 2026, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marking one of the most ambitious international Rumble events to date. But Alvarez revealed that WWE is struggling with the logistics of sneaking surprise participants into the country without tipping off fans.

“The Royal Rumble is in Saudi Arabia, and normally they do surprises for the Rumble. I was given the impression that what they’re working with right now is the idea that there probably won’t be any Royal Rumble surprises because they’re going to Saudi. It’s going to be extremely difficult to hide people on flights, etc.”

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Instead, WWE may be shifting their strategy. Alvarez explained that the company is planning shows in Montreal the week prior—including SmackDown and Saturday Night’s Main Event on January 24—and that any surprises WWE has in store could happen there instead.

“So, they’re doing the Saturday Night’s Main Event and the SmackDown the week prior in Montreal. The idea is that if there’s a good chance there are any Royal Rumble surprises, they will debut on those shows as surprises, and then we’ll know going into the Royal Rumble. Saturday Night’s Main Event will be on January 24.”

While longtime fans associate the Rumble with iconic surprise returns and shocking debuts, it sounds like WWE may be forced to show their hand early this year—or skip surprises altogether.

Do you think WWE should find a way to keep Royal Rumble surprises intact despite the Saudi Arabia setting? Or is it better to move the big moments to Montreal ahead of time? Drop your take in the comments and let us know what you’d change.

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