The Royal Rumble, one of WWE’s longest-running premium live events, returns this Saturday from KAFD in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The event, which began in 1988, traditionally kicks off the company’s event calendar each year.
This year, the event will feature the men’s and women’s Royal Rumble matches, where the winners will get the opportunity to compete for a world championship at WrestleMania 42, which will be held in April in Las Vegas.
Also, WWE Undisputed Champion Drew McIntyre will defend his title against Sami Zayn, while AJ Styles will put his career on the line in a match against Gunther.
Historical Analysis of the Royal Rumble
The road to WrestleMania begins with a look at the rich history of the Royal Rumble.
Men’s Royal Rumble Match
The first men’s Royal Rumble was won by “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan in 1988.
Jey Uso will seek to become the next wrestler to win consecutive Royal Rumbles.
- Hulk Hogan (1990, 1991)
- Shawn Michaels (1995, 1996)
- “Stone Cold” Steve Austin (1997, 1998)
- Cody Rhodes (2023, 2024)
The Miz is the wrestler with the most appearances in the Royal Rumble among active wrestlers, with 16 participations. Kane leads the historical list with 18 appearances.
Gunther set the record for the longest time in a single Royal Rumble in 2023, with over 1 hour and 11 minutes in the ring.
Steve Austin is the only wrestler with three Royal Rumble wins (1997, 1998, and 2001).
Roman Reigns has participated in seven Royal Rumbles, with a victory in 2015 and the record for most runner-up finishes (4).
Chris Jericho is the wrestler with the most accumulated time in the Royal Rumble, surpassing five hours.
Five wrestlers have won the Royal Rumble entering at number 30: Lesnar, The Undertaker, Rhodes, Cena, and Triple H.
Only three wrestlers have won by entering at number one: Shawn Michaels, Chris Benoit, and Edge.
Women’s Royal Rumble Match
The first women’s Royal Rumble was held in 2018 and was won by Asuka.
Liv Morgan and Natalya are tied with the most appearances in the Women’s Royal Rumble.
Nia Jax holds the record for eliminations in a single Women’s Royal Rumble.
Roxanne Perez set the record for the longest time in a women’s Royal Rumble in 2025, with 1 hour and 7 minutes in the ring.
Charlotte Flair is the only wrestler with multiple wins in the Women’s Royal Rumble (2020, 2025).
Rhea Ripley won the Women’s Royal Rumble in 2023 as the first entrant.
WWE Undisputed Championship: Drew McIntyre (c) vs. Sami Zayn
The first WWE Championship match at a Royal Rumble took place in 1991.
Drew McIntyre already defended his title successfully at the Royal Rumble in 2021.
Sami Zayn seeks his first victory in a Royal Rumble.
Singles Match: Gunther vs. AJ Styles (Styles’ Career on the Line)
It’s been more than three years since Styles won a match at a WWE premium event.
The match could mark the end of Styles’ career in WWE, where he debuted at the 2016 Royal Rumble.
Gunther could finish a second career in a few months.
