It is one of WWE's five biggest events of the year, along with WrestleMania, SummerSlam, Survivor Series, and Money in the Bank, referred to as the "Big Five".

It subsequently became standard to have both a men's and women's Royal Rumble match at the annual event.

After the match was first tested at a house show in October 1987,[1] the first Royal Rumble event took place on January 24, 1988, and was broadcast live as a television special on the USA Network.

[9] In April 2011, the promotion ceased using its full name with the "WWE" abbreviation becoming an orphaned initialism.

[17] As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic that began affecting the industry in March 2020, WWE had to hold its events behind closed doors.

[18][19] WWE resumed live touring in July 2021 and the 2022 event was held at The Dome at America's Center in St. Louis, Missouri.

On June 24, 2024, WWE announced a partnership with the Indiana Sports Corp which would see the 2025 Royal Rumble, as well as a future WrestleMania and a future SummerSlam, held at the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, marking the first Royal Rumble held in a National Football League stadium.

[21] In early 2018, WWE began a 10-year strategic multiplatform partnership with the Ministry of Sport (formerly General Sports Authority) in support of Saudi Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia's social and economic reform program.

[24] Ahead of Raw's premier on Netflix on January 6, 2025, WWE officially confirmed that the 39th Royal Rumble would be happening in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia as part of Riyadh Season in January 2026, marking the first Royal Rumble to be held outside of North America, and the first of the "Big Five" held in Saudi Arabia.