How to Watch Royal Rumble 2026 on Firestick (Free & Paid Options)
Quick Answer: Watch Royal Rumble 2026 on Firestick using the ESPN app with an ESPN Unlimited subscription ($29.99/month). International viewers can stream via Netflix. The event airs live January 31, 2026 at 2 PM ET from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Big news for wrestling fans: WWE’s deal with Peacock ended in August 2025, which means the Royal Rumble has a new home. If you’re trying to figure out how to catch the action on your Firestick, this guide covers every option.
What You Need to Know
- Date: Saturday, January 31, 2026
- Pre-show: 12 PM ET
- Main Card: 2 PM ET
- Location: Riyadh Season Stadium, Saudi Arabia
- US Streaming: ESPN (exclusively)
- International: Netflix (most countries)
Method 1: ESPN App (Official US Option)
This is the legitimate way to watch in the United States.
Step 1: Install ESPN
- From your Firestick home screen, go to Search
- Type “ESPN”
- Select the ESPN app
- Click Download then Open
Step 2: Subscribe to ESPN Unlimited
Since WWE moved to ESPN, you need ESPN Unlimited to watch premium events:
- Monthly: $29.99/month
- Annual: $299.99/year
You can subscribe through the app or get ESPN here.
Step 3: Sign In and Stream
- Open the ESPN app
- Sign in with your ESPN account
- Navigate to the Royal Rumble event
- Enjoy the show
Tip: If your cable or streaming TV provider includes ESPN Unlimited, you can activate it through them instead of paying separately.
Method 2: Netflix (International Viewers)
Outside the US, Royal Rumble streams on Netflix in most countries.
Install Netflix on Firestick
- Search for “Netflix” on your Firestick
- Download and install
- Sign in to your Netflix account
- Find WWE content in the Sports section
Using a VPN for Netflix
If you’re in the US but want to try the Netflix option:
- Install a VPN on your Firestick (Surfshark is our top pick, or try ExpressVPN)
- Connect to a server in the UK, Canada, or another supported country
- Open Netflix and search for Royal Rumble
Note: This may violate Netflix terms of service. Use at your own discretion.
Method 3: Free Streaming Options
Looking for free alternatives? Here are some options, though quality and reliability vary:
IPTV Services
Some IPTV services carry ESPN. Unify TV is our recommended IPTV service—they offer a free trial so you can test before committing.
Sports Streaming Apps
Third-party sports streaming apps sometimes carry major PPV events. Popular options include:
- Kodi with sports addons - Requires setup but can find live streams
- Live NetTV - Aggregates live TV channels
- Rapid Streamz - Sports-focused streaming app
Disclaimer: Free streams may be unreliable, low quality, or operating in legal gray areas. We recommend official options when possible.
Why Did Royal Rumble Leave Peacock?
WWE’s exclusive streaming deal with Peacock ended after Clash in Paris in August 2025. The new multi-year agreement with ESPN brings all WWE premium live events to ESPN platforms in the United States.
This is actually the first Royal Rumble to:
- Stream on ESPN
- Take place outside North America (held in Saudi Arabia)
Royal Rumble 2026 Match Card Highlights
The 30-Superstar Royal Rumble matches headline the event, with winners earning title shots at WrestleMania 42. Expected participants include:
- Roman Reigns
- Cody Rhodes
- Bron Breakker
- CM Punk
- Plus 26 more superstars in each match
Troubleshooting Stream Issues
ESPN App Buffering
- Check your internet speed (minimum 10 Mbps recommended)
- Clear ESPN app cache: Settings > Applications > ESPN > Clear Cache
- Restart your Firestick
- Try connecting via ethernet instead of WiFi
VPN Not Working with Netflix
- Try a different server location
- Clear Netflix app data and reconnect
- Some VPN servers get blocked—switch to another
No Sound or Video
- Check HDMI connection
- Restart both Firestick and TV
- Update the streaming app
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still watch Royal Rumble on Peacock?
No. WWE’s deal with Peacock ended in 2025. All WWE premium events now stream exclusively on ESPN in the United States.
Is Royal Rumble free on Netflix?
It’s included with your Netflix subscription in supported international markets. US Netflix does not have Royal Rumble.
What time does Royal Rumble start?
Pre-show begins at 12 PM ET, with the main card starting at 2 PM ET on January 31, 2026.
Can I watch Royal Rumble on Firestick without cable?
Yes. Subscribe directly to ESPN Unlimited ($29.99/month) through the ESPN app—no cable required.
Will Royal Rumble be available on demand after it airs?
Yes, ESPN typically makes events available for replay within 24 hours for subscribers.
Final Thoughts
The shift from Peacock to ESPN changes how we watch WWE on Firestick, but the process is still straightforward. For the best experience, grab an ESPN Unlimited subscription or use Netflix if you’re outside the US.
For free options, IPTV services like Unify TV and third-party apps exist but come with reliability tradeoffs. If you go the VPN route, Surfshark is our top recommendation. Whatever method you choose, enjoy the Royal Rumble!
Last updated: January 31, 2026. We regularly update our guides to ensure accuracy.