Roman Reigns won the 2026 men’s Royal Rumble, outlasting 29 competitors. But the response is deeply split between fans and critics.
Reigns entered as a declared part-time performer with limited television promotion.
That decision immediately fueled frustration among longtime WWE followers.
Many questioned why a sporadic star claimed such a pivotal victory.
The result highlighted ongoing concerns about WWE’s creative direction.
Rising Stars Stalled
The Royal Rumble showcased several young talents positioned as future cornerstones.
Names like Je’Von Evans, Oba Femi, Royce Keys, Bron Breakker, and Trick Williams stood out.
Evans lasted 40 minutes before elimination by Randy Orton.
Femi impressed with five eliminations and a brief clash with Brock Lesnar.
Keys made an immediate impact by eliminating Damian Priest.
Despite these moments, none emerged as the company’s chosen successor.
Reigns As Safe Bet
Reigns remains WWE’s safest option in uncertain times.
He helped mold one of wrestling’s most effective long-term story lines. He drives ticket sales and draws the attention of the general public. But critics say WWE relies too much on aging headliners.
The concern centers on a roster closer to career endings than beginnings.
That reliance raises questions about WWE’s long-term sustainability.
Reigns Addresses Critics
Reigns discussed the backlash while appearing on The Pat McAfee Show.
“I give the people plenty of time. These young talents it, they say we hog all the TV time,” Reigns said this week on The Pat McAfee Show.
“They’ll complain about one thing, and then I leave an opening, I give them plenty of space to create whatever type of superstardom they want. Get over, kids. Get over. You know what I mean? And we’re two years here now, and we haven’t advanced. We haven’t evolved.”
His comments resonated, though responsibility extends beyond any single performer.
Booking Under Fire
A lot of the animosity is directed at WWE’s booking ideology. Creative juices have severely dried up since WrestleMania 40. Among fans: missed opportunities and an inconsistent long-term plan.
While CM Punk versus Reigns remains a compelling future matchup, time is limited.
Reigns will not always serve as WWE’s reliable safety net.
