Disappointing News For WWE Royal Rumble 2026 As Huge Tradition Will Be Broken - REPORTS

There is a lot of disappointing news surrounding the 2026 Royal Rumble this year, as a long-time tradition will be broken before the show. This news comes on the back of controversy already surrounding the show.

The 2026 WWE Royal Rumble is already breaking a huge tradition

The 2026 edition of the WWE Royal Rumble is already taking place in Saudi Arabia, marking the first time that the show has not taken place within the borders of North America.

On top of that, Wrestling Observer Newsletter's Bryan Alvarez has spoken up about a long time Royal Rumble tradition being broken at the show. He said that there was a feeling now that this year there would not be any surprises at the Royal Rumble despite there being such surprises on a regular basis over the entirety of the life of the match.

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Several stars always return as surprises, or even make their debuts in the promotion through the match. But this time, given that the match is in another country, sneaking people in there would be very difficult making such surprises almost impossible.

"There is a feeling that we might not get Royal Rumble surprises this year if only for the fact that sneaking people into Saudi Arabia will be a lot harder. Most likely surprises would take place the week prior at SNME."

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There is no clear favorite heading into the Royal Rumble this year

While the Royal Rumble is often seen as a way to WrestleMania, there is usually a favorite star to win the match each year, even if it is a spoiler as to what may end up happening.

While Bron Breakker, Sami Zayn, Jey Uso, Jimmy Uso, and other such stars are all seen as possibilities, the usual confidence with which a star can be pointed to as a favorite heading into the show is absent this year so far.

The coming weeks should reveal more as to who could win it.

Edited by Anirban Banerjee