WWE Royal Rumble 2026 provided fans with a mix of surprises, both pleasant and unpleasant. While some fan favorites made their return to action, others saw their credibility take a hit during the Rumble matches. Here are five WWE Superstars whose credibility was seemingly destroyed at the Royal Rumble.
### 5. Matt Cardona
Matt Cardona, also known as Zack Ryder, entered the Men’s Rumble match at number six only to be swiftly eliminated by Oba Femi in just 55 seconds. This quick exit did little to elevate his character and differentiate him from his previous persona. Cardona’s lackluster performance at the Rumble raises questions about his future trajectory in WWE.
### 4. Rusev
Rusev, the Bulgarian Brute, returned to WWE at the Royal Rumble but lasted a mere 32 seconds in the match before being eliminated by Oba Femi. Despite his previous successes in the company, Rusev’s recent struggles continue to hinder his momentum, and his short-lived appearance at the Rumble did little to change that narrative.
### 3. Becky Lynch
Becky Lynch, the Women’s Intercontinental Champion, had a disappointing outing in the Women’s Rumble match, lasting only seven-and-a-half minutes and scoring just one elimination before being ousted by Nattie. This underwhelming performance impacted her credibility as a top-tier female competitor, especially considering her title status on RAW.
### 2. Bron Breakker
Bron Breakker, a favorite to win the Men’s Royal Rumble Match, was blindsided by a masked assailant during his entrance, leaving him vulnerable in the ring. Oba Femi took advantage of the situation and eliminated Breakker, crushing his hopes of victory and tarnishing his credibility as a potential world title contender. The unexpected turn of events was a shock to fans and cast a shadow over Breakker’s future prospects.
### 1. Sami Zayn
Sami Zayn’s quest for the WWE Championship hit a roadblock at the Royal Rumble when he failed to dethrone Drew McIntyre in Saudi Arabia. The clean loss to McIntyre marked Zayn’s 12th defeat against the champion, effectively squashing his world title aspirations and diminishing his credibility as a top-tier competitor. Despite his persistent efforts, Zayn’s momentum took a significant hit following his defeat, leaving his championship dreams in shambles.
In conclusion, the WWE Royal Rumble 2026 showcased both triumphs and setbacks for its Superstars. While some managed to shine in the spotlight, others found themselves on the losing end, facing challenges that may impact their future in the company. As the dust settles from the Rumble, these five Superstars must navigate the aftermath of their credibility-damaging performances and strive to reclaim their standing in the WWE hierarchy.
