We're very nearly on the Road to WrestleMania. However, before we get to the Showcase of the Immortals, the 39th Royal Rumble takes place this Saturday, January 31, in Saudi Arabia (marking the first time this PLE has been held outside of North America).
The change in location means a much different start time than normal. In the U.S., the Royal Rumble begins at 11am PT/2pm, meaning it has a UK start time of 7pm BST. The show will be available to watch on Netflix internationally and on ESPN stateside.
Four matches have been announced for the show, two of which will decide who goes on to WrestleMania to challenge for either the Undisputed WWE Championship and World Heavyweight Championship, or the WWE Women's Championship and World Women's Championship.
Here's the confirmed Royal Rumble match card:
Undisputed WWE Championship Match
Drew McIntyre vs. Sami Zayn
If AJ Styles Loses, He Must Leave WWE
AJ Styles vs. Gunther
Women's Royal Rumble Match
IYO SKY
Rhea Ripley
Liv Morgan
Roxanne Perez
Raquel Rodriguez
Bayley
Asuka
Lyra Valkyria
Kairi Sane
Men's Royal Rumble Match
Cody Rhodes
Roman Reigns
Gunther
Rey Mysterio
Penta
Dragon Lee
Jey Uso
Solo Sikoa
Bron Breakker
Logan Paul
Austin Theory
Bronson Reed
Je'Von Evans
Oba Femi
Some big surprises are planned for the Royal Rumble, and it sounds like WWE is going ot great lengths to keep those under wraps. According to Fightful Select, "WWE’s charter with talent takes off in the wee hours after this week’s WWE Raw, and the talent will be there all week to prepare for SmackDown and the Royal Rumble. There are also plans to bring in talent on their own later in the week, including surprise names."
"In previous years, WWE would have to worry about people seeing the talent travel in at various airports, especially with autograph hounds stalking out talent hotels and airports," the report added. "Now, many there feel as if with their plane chartered, and more privacy provided at their air strip and hotels, it will be easier to keep that quiet."
One wrestler we shouldn't anticipate seeing is Seth Rollins. Talking to ESPN this week, the former World Heavyweight Champion denied rumours that he'll be among the Rumble's surprise entrants.
"I’ll give it away, I’m not going to be at the Rumble. I just can’t. I would love to be in there and dump all those dudes over the top rope and punch my card to Wrestlemania, but the doctors are just not gonna let it happen this time around, unfortunately."
Check back here on Saturday for all the biggest news and results from the Royal Rumble.