Backstage Note on Drew McIntyre vs. Sami Zayn Being Shifted on WWE Royal Rumble Card

WWE adjusted the match order for Royal Rumble 2026 to fine-tune the show’s pacing, according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. The bout between Drew McIntyre and Sami Zayn was moved from its originally planned position on the card.

The Undisputed WWE Championship match was first scheduled to follow the Women’s Royal Rumble. That slot is often used to maintain momentum early in the event. Instead, the match was shifted one position later, placing it after AJ Styles faced Gunther in a career-ending stipulation match.

Styles’ match carried extra weight because of the stipulation. Meltzer noted that because of the stipulation, that match would get over no matter what. McIntyre vs. Sami Zayn was moved from its original second and “advantageous” position after the Women’s Rumble match. The company knew the match would not get a great reaction right after the Styles retirement, raising some questions as to why the order was changed.

McIntyre entered as champion with an established rivalry, while Zayn continued his long-running underdog narrative. Internally, there was confidence that both performers could deliver regardless of timing. Drew eventually defeated Sami to retain the title.

WWE often tweaks the match order near event time to balance pacing, crowd response, and storytelling priorities.

Nice try, Drew… 👀

McINTYRE vs. ZAYN. NEXT WEEK at ROYAL RUMBLE!

Will Sami Zayn finally become World Champion? pic.twitter.com/W1TOnqvP9a

— WWE (@WWE) January 25, 2026