Why WWE Dropped Its Plan To Move Royal Rumble 2027 For Super Bowl Exposure

WWE reportedly considered postponing the 2027 Royal Rumble by two weeks.© NDTV Library

WWE looked at pushing the 2027 Royal Rumble back by two weeks to February 20, but the idea got dropped before it went anywhere. WrestleVotes Radio on Fightful Select reported that the plan was meant to take advantage of ESPN's coverage of Super Bowl LXI and give WWE more promotional exposure. Scheduling complications and another major sporting event in Arizona ended it, though. So the show has not been postponed. WWE has officially announced February 6, 2027, as the date, with State Farm Stadium in Glendale as the venue.

WWE, in partnership with Arizona Sports & Events Alliance and Legends Global, today announced the 40th annual #RoyalRumble will be held on Saturday, February 6 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona1 MORE INFO: https://t.co/Nd64lmjmNk https://t.co/ixWYLEHf4r

— WWE (@WWE) November 2, 2026

Why WWE Considered Moving the 2027 Royal Rumble to February 20

WrestleVotes said WWE had talks about holding its 40th Royal Rumble on February 20 instead of February 6. The idea was tied to ESPN's coverage of Super Bowl LXI, which will be on the network for the first time.

The report stated:

“The idea was to get exposure during Super Bowl weekend, which is being broadcast on ESPN for the first time.”

Basically, ESPN would give more attention to its upcoming programming through the week leading into the NFL championship game, and also during game-day coverage. WWE could have used that promotional window, with the Royal Rumble landing shortly afterwards. It was discussed, but the company decided against changing the date.

WWE's Existing Schedule and NBA All-Star Weekend Prevented the Date Change

Two scheduling problems were behind WWE dropping the February 20 proposal. First, moving the Royal Rumble by two weeks would have forced the company to change several things in its existing event calendar.

Second, there was the 2027 NBA All-Star Weekend. Phoenix is scheduled to host the basketball event from February 19 to 21, which is on same weekend WWE had considered for the Royal Rumble.

In the end WWE stuck with February 6, and State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, is set to host the show. The date was officially announced on November 2.

Royal Rumble weekend also includes a double event at Desert Diamond Arena on February 5, where WWE has confirmed Friday Night SmackDown and AAA Road to Rey de Reyes will take place.

The 2027 edition features both the men's and women's 30-person Royal Rumble matches, and each winner earns a championship opportunity at WrestleMania 43. Tickets go on general sale on November 18, WWE has confirmed.