WWE Royal Rumble 2019: When is it, what time does it start, Which TV channel, how to stream online for free

Everything you need to know about the WWE Royal Rumble this weekend

WWE’s road to WrestleMania starts on Sunday with the 32nd Royal Rumble event.

The build-up to the biggest sports entertainment show of the year is always long and exciting, and traditionally starts with this January classic which has been exciting fans for over 30 years.

Once again the show is dominated by the traditional men and women’s Royal Rumble matches – 30 superstars in each competing in an over-the-top-rope battle royal for an opportunity at a world championship match at WrestleMania, which takes place in April.

But numerous other championships are on the line as Ronda Rousey, Brock Lesnar and Daniel Bryan are all among those set to defend gold of their own.

To help get you up to speed with everything to do with this year’s Royal Rumble, here’s The Independent’s guide.

When is the Royal Rumble?

Royal Rumble airs in the UK this Sunday night, 27th January, into Monday morning, with the action getting underway with the main portion of the show at midnight – though a Kick Off show, featuring some primary bouts and build-up will air immediately before, starting at 10pm.

Where is Royal Rumble being held?

Royal Rumble airs this year from Phoenix, Arizona’s Chase Field. The venue, home to the Arizona Diamondbacks, has a capacity of around 45,000.

Brock Lesnar and Finn Balor face off for the WWE Universal Championship (WWE)

Where and how can I watch Royal Rumble?

There are plenty of options. You can order the event on Sky Sports Box Office for the price of £14.95 either live or via repeat in the following days.

WWE are also airing the event via their own in-house streaming subscription service, WWE Network. It’s available for £9.99 per month. You can view WWE Network on most smartphones and devices, including PS3, PS4, Xbox 360 or Xbox One and the vast majority of connected smart televisions.

Is there a way to stream Royal Rumble online for free?

Yes – WWE Network offers its streaming service completely free of charge to new subscribers for the first month. Head over to wwe.com and sign up as a new user and you’ll get the next months’ worth of action without spending a penny – including Royal Rumble.

Asuka and Becky Lynch will collide for the Smackdown Women's Championship (WWE)

What’s the main event?

The main event will likely be either the men or women’s Rumble matches. Last year, the final match of the night was the women’s Rumble, won by Asuka, after which Ronda Rousey made her stunning WWE debut. Charlotte Flair is one of the big names in this year’s match, while Seth Rollins is among the big hitters for the men.

What are the key championship matches?

All four of WWE’s main championships are on the line at Royal Rumble on Sunday. Over on the Monday Night Raw side of things, Universal Champion Brock Lesnar makes a rare appearance to defend his gold as he meets Finn Balor, and Ronda Rousey puts the Women’s Championship on the line against Sasha Banks. On Smackdown, Asuka defends against Becky Lynch, and WWE Champion Daniel Bryan attempts to turn back the challenge of AJ Styles.

Daniel Bryan defends the WWE Championship against AJ Styles (WWE)

What’s the full Royal Rumble card?

30 Woman Royal Rumble match

30 Man Royal Rumble match

Universal Championship: Brock Lesnar (c) vs Finn Balor

WWE Championship: Daniel Bryan (c) vs. AJ Styles

Raw Women’s Championship: Ronda Rousey (c) vs Sasha Banks

SmackDown Women’s Championship: Asuka (c) vs Becky Lynch

SmackDown Tag Team Championship: The Bar (c) vs Shane McMahon & The Miz

United States Championship – Kickoff Show: Rusev (c) vs Shinsuke Nakamura

Cruiserweight Championship Fatal Four Way – Kickoff Show: Buddy Murphy (c) vs Akira Tozawa vs Kalisto vs Hideo Itami