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Why WWE Isn’t Worried About Royal Rumble Surprises Being Spoiled This Year

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Keeping a secret in the social media era is nearly impossible, but WWE believes they have found a way to shield the Royal Rumble from spoilers. As the roster prepares to head to Saudi Arabia after tonight’s RAW, the company is using private charters and high-security travel routes to make sure fans don’t see the surprise entrants coming.

In the past, autograph hounds and fans at airports would often spot returning legends or new signings, ruining the surprise days before the show. This year, WWE is taking a different approach. By using a private air strip and strictly controlled hotels in Saudi Arabia, sources told Fightful Select they feel more confident than ever that the big reveals will actually stay hidden until the buzzer sounds.

The travel schedule is already a massive puzzle. The main crew departs in the early morning hours after RAW, but the “secret” talent will be flown in separately later in the week to avoid being seen with the rest of the roster. This is all happening while WWE manages a logistical nightmare in North America; due to heavy storms, some stars had to rent vans just to get to the Toronto departure site, while others missed the flight entirely.

For the SmackDown stars, this trip is an especially long haul. Many traveled straight from their show to Toronto to catch the Saudi flight, meaning they will be away from home for an extended period.

Also Read: Another Return Confirmed For Royal Rumble 2026

What CM Punk Said To AJ Styles After RAW Went Off The Air

In the main event of tonight’s RAW, AJ Styles faced CM Punk for the World Heavyweight Championship. The match ended in a No Contest after Finn Balor interfered and assaulted Punk.

After RAW went off the air, Styles thanked the fans for coming out and shared an emotional moment with Punk. Punk said the following to The Phenomenal One:

“When AJ Styles takes on Gunther, I just know that I’m going to be glued to the monitor watching, just like all of you. It has been a privilege to know you. It’s a privilege to call you a friend. It’s an honor to share the ring with you. I know Saturday is not it, but if it is, what a hell of a career.”

Both men hugged to end the night.

Complete RAW Results – Big Debut Announced For Royal Rumble, Top Star Denied Entry In The Rumble Match, New #1 Contenders Crowned

– AJ Styles opened RAW by welcoming the crowd before turning his attention to Gunther, stating that Saturday could mark the end of his career. He said 2026 will be the year he steps away from wrestling, adding that John Cena showed him how meaningful it can be to spend a full year saying goodbye. Styles said there’s no reason 2026 shouldn’t be his year, noting there are still wrestlers around the world he wants to face and that he hopes to win a World Championship one final time. CM Punk then made his entrance and questioned why Styles would risk his career this Saturday. Punk referenced how special it feels to still be able to stand in the ring and say it’s great to be alive on a Monday night. Styles pushed back, asking if Punk believed Gunther would defeat him. Punk said that wasn’t what he meant, but pointed out that if Styles loses, he would never get another chance to challenge him for the World Heavyweight Championship. Styles responded by saying he’s confident he can beat both Gunther and Punk. Punk countered by reminding him that a loss on Saturday would eliminate any future title opportunity, before suggesting they face each other for the World Heavyweight Championship later that night. Styles agreed, accepting Punk’s challenge.

– Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer and WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions RHIYO (Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY) def. The Judgment Day (Liv Morgan, Raquel Rodriguez, and Roxanne Perez)

– CM Punk and Finn Balor met backstage. Finn thanked Punk for their match last week and said he still has his eyes on winning the World Heavyweight Championship. Punk suggested that Finn leaves The Judgment Day because he can’t be a champion hanging around with garbage like “Dirty” Dominik Mysterio.

– RAW General Manager Adam Pearce met The Vision in the ring. Pearce apologized for putting his hands on Bron Breakker first and has fixed the situation. Pearce announced that he has lifted Bron Breakker’s suspension and has put Breakker, Bronson Reed, Logan Paul, and Austin Theory in the 2026 Men’s Royal Rumble Match.

– Austin Theory def. Rey Mysterio

After the match, The Vision beat down Rey, Penta, and Dragon Lee.

– In a sit-down interview with Michael Cole, Gunther said he will retire AJ Styles at the Royal Rumble, just like he retired Goldberg and John Cena. Gunther said he has a problem with old timers chasing another moment and threatened to retire “old timer” Michael Cole.

– Je’Von Evans announced his entry into the Men’s Royal Rumble.

– Stephanie Vaquer attacked Raquel Rodriguez backstage.

– Finn Balor asked Adam Pearce to put him in the Men’s Royal Rumble and Pearce said all spots have been filled. Liv Morgan confronted Finn about his discussion with CM Punk earlier on the show.

– Triple Threat #1 Contender’s Match For The World Tag Team Championship: Otis and Akira Tozawa def. Los Americanos and The New Day

– Raquel Rodriguez demanded a Women’s World Title match against Stephanie Vaquer. Stephanie talked to Adam Pearce about this. Pearce booked Vaquer vs. Rodriguez for the title in a Philadelphia Street Fight on next week’s RAW.

– In a backstage segment, The Vision discussed their Royal Rumble plan. Everyone agreed that they should work to make Bron Breakker the Royal Rumble winner.

– Women’s Intercontinental Champion Becky Lynch announced her entry into the Women’s Royal Rumble. Asuka wished her good luck.

– WWE confirmed that former 2-time NXT Champion Oba Femi will make his official main roster debut in the Men’s Royal Rumble match.

– World Heavyweight Championship Match: CM Punk (c) vs. AJ Styles ended in a No Contest after Finn Balor interfered

Balor brutally assaulted Punk after the match.

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