The Royal Rumble is in serious trouble, and WWE might only have themselves to blame. With just one day left until the big event, the excitement is strangely absent, and it’s hard not to wonder why. Tonight’s SmackDown, airing live from the King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (available on Netflix in select international markets and taped for the U.S.), is WWE’s last chance to ignite the spark that’s been missing in the build-up to one of their most beloved events. But here’s where it gets controversial: could WWE’s partnership with Saudi Arabia be the reason behind this lackluster hype? Let’s dive in.
The Royal Rumble is usually a highlight of the WWE calendar, celebrated for its unpredictable, high-stakes action and fan-favorite moments. Yet, this year, the buzz feels muted. Is WWE taking its fans for granted, assuming the event’s popularity will carry itself? The men’s and women’s Rumble matches, typically the centerpiece of the event, have been oddly sidelined in the narrative. No grand declarations, no intense rivalries, and barely any focus on why winning the Rumble matters this year. Even top stars like Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar entered the match without the usual fanfare or storyline buildup.
Take Cody Rhodes, for instance, who finally kicked things into gear a few weeks ago. But where’s the urgency? Where’s the drama? Instead, WWE has been busy with side stories—like Bron Breakker’s suspension and Solo Sikoa’s lantern-stealing antics—that do little to elevate the Rumble’s importance. And don’t even get me started on the women’s division. While the tag team scene has been thriving, the Royal Rumble itself has been an afterthought, with stars like Becky Lynch and Jade Cargill focused elsewhere.
And this is the part most people miss: WWE has plenty of storylines, but they’re not the ones that matter. The lack of focus on the Rumble matches has left fans scratching their heads. Sure, Jacob Fatu and Cody Rhodes had a memorable brawl at Saturday Night’s Main Event, but that’s a rare exception. Where are the promos, the rivalries, the moments that make us believe this Rumble is a must-win for the superstars?
Tonight’s SmackDown is their final shot to turn things around. Will Rhodes and Fatu lead the charge again? Will WWE finally give the Rumble matches the spotlight they deserve? Or will this be another missed opportunity? Tune in to find out.
But let’s not forget the rest of the card. WWE Champion Drew McIntyre is set to face off against Sami Zayn, who’s desperate to prove he can finally win the title. Here’s a thought: Is Sami’s quest for the championship a lost cause, or can he pull off the impossible? Meanwhile, AJ Styles is fighting for his WWE career, and Kiana James and Giulia are gunning for the women’s tag team titles. Will they make a statement tonight, or save their energy for the Rumble?
There’s also the question of Jade Cargill’s dominance. Will Jordynne Grace finally step up and challenge her? And what about The Miz, who’s managed to anger both Carmelo Hayes and Ilja Dragunov? Who will strike first? Not to mention the lingering tension between Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss, or the mystery of R-Truth’s missing… well, you know.
Here’s the real question: Is WWE’s focus on Saudi Arabia diluting the magic of the Royal Rumble? Or is this just a bump in the road? Let us know what you think in the comments. And while you’re at it, tell us what you’re most excited (or not excited) to see on tonight’s SmackDown. Because if WWE doesn’t step up their game, this Royal Rumble might just be one for the history books—for all the wrong reasons.
