The start time for the 2026 WWE Royal Rumble has been set, with the event set to make history by taking place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
According to WrestleVotes via Fightful Select, WWE has decided on a 2 PM Eastern start time for the Premium Live Event. The report noted there was internal discussion before the decision was finalised, with WWE weighing the impact of international time zones and the significance of the event on its calendar.
The earlier start time will require North American fans to adjust their viewing plans, as the WWE Royal Rumble airs live from Saudi Arabia. The 2026 event will mark the first time the Royal Rumble has been held outside of North America, representing a major step in WWE’s continued push towards hosting its biggest events on a global stage.
As previously reported, WWE is currently planning a four-match card for the show. The line-up is expected to include the men’s and women’s Royal Rumble matches, along with two championship bouts that have yet to be finalised.
WWE Royal Rumble 2026 Lineup
The 2026 WWE Royal Rumble lineup, as it currently stands, looks like this:
- Men’s 30-man Royal Rumble match
- Women’s 30-woman Royal Rumble match



