WWE Royal Rumble 2026: What Time Does the Show Start?

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – JANUARY 30: Bron Breakker in the ring during SmackDown at Riyadh Season Stadium at KAFD on January 30, 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Georgiana Dallas/WWE via Getty Images)

WWE via Getty Images

HIGHLIGHTS

• The Royal Rumble has an early afternoon start time for U.S. viewers.
• Both Rumble matches have 17 confirmed entrants with 13 spots still open.
• Several big names could make surprise appearances in Riyadh.

Are we just hours away from one of the most memorable WWE Royal Rumble events in history?

If the star power of the confirmed field and the possibilities are any indication, fans are not going to want to miss the first premium live event of 2026.

• Date: Saturday, January 31, 2026
• Main Card Start Time: 2 pm ET
• Pre-Show: Noon ET (Countdown to the Royal Rumble on WWE’s YouTube and social channels)
• Location: King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
• How to Watch (U.S.): ESPN (ESPN Unlimited / ESPN+)
• International: Netflix
• Global Times: 7 p.m. UK, 12:30 a.m. IST (Feb. 1), 4 a.m. JST (Feb. 1), 4 p.m. BRT, 10 p.m. local in Saudi Arabia

Who’s Confirmed For the Men’s And Women’s Rumble?

There are at least 17 entrants on both sides.

Confirmed Men’s Royal Rumble Entrants (17 confirmed, 13 spots open):

Confirmed Women’s Royal Rumble Entrants (17 confirmed, 13 spots open):

For a complete breakdown of the card and entrantscheck out our full preview.

What Stars Have the Best Chance to Be Surprise Entrants?

The talk begins with Chris Jericho, but he’s just one of the potential surprise entrants.

A recovering Seth Rollins or long-teased stars like or Kevin Owens (major long shot) could deliver classic Rumble “glass-shatter” moments with WrestleMania 42 on the horizon.

Leon Slater is a potential highlight waiting to happen. He’d be a mild surprise who could deliver a few memorable spots.

With Saudi hosting and a Monday Night War-heavy year for WWE 2K marketing, speculation centers on short cameos by Attitude Era or Ruthless Aggression names. I doubt that happens. More than one retro legend from that area would be a surprise.

Women’s Rumble Surprise Possibilities

With Valkyria and Perez already in, expect more NXT talent to fill out the 30.

Jordynne Grace’s confirmed spot and Giulia’s inclusion have some wondering if WWE will double down on crossover surprises with additional TNA/NJPW-adjacent names. I’d say TNA stars are a likely bet, but the only NJPW star would be EVIL, who is rumored to be on his way to WWE.

The usual women’s Rumble candidates—Trish Stratus, Lita, Mickie James and Saraya—are always possibilities based on past Rumbles.

For more context on Saturday Night’s Main Event and how it set the stage for tonight, check out our results recap.

Be on the lookout for my coverage during and after the Rumble.