Liv Morgan's Epic Long Game: Using The Judgment Day to Win 2026 Women's Royal Rumble
The 2026 WWE Royal Rumble delivered one of the most satisfying payoffs in recent women's division history when Liv Morgan outlasted 29 other competitors to win the match, punching her ticket to headline WrestleMania 42.
But the moment that truly defined her victory—and sent shockwaves through The Judgment Day—was when she eliminated her own faction "friend," Raquel Rodriguez, in a calculated act of betrayal.
For months, fans have speculated that Liv's alignment with The Judgment Day was never fully genuine. Since her return from injury and integration into the group, subtle cracks have appeared.
The addition of new members (including JD McDonagh and Raquel herself) reportedly frustrated Liv, who had positioned herself as a key player in the faction's dominance.
She often seemed on the periphery—teasing tension on social media, dropping cryptic promos, and showing flashes of independence that hinted at a bigger plan.Last night's Rumble crystallized everything.
Entering at #14, Liv navigated alliances strategically, using her Judgment Day ties when convenient but never fully committing.
The turning point came when she turned on Raquel right after Rodriguez eliminated Rhea Ripley—Liv struck from behind while Raquel's guard was down, dumping her over the top rope in a cold, opportunistic betrayal.
The crowd erupted as the betrayal unfolded—Liv had played the long game, leveraging the faction's protection and numbers advantage to survive deep into the match, then discarding her "ally" when it mattered most.
This wasn't Impulsive. It was Surgical.
Liv entered the Rumble with the support structure of The Judgment Day (Raquel, Dominik Mysterio's influence, and the group's overall aura), which helped her avoid early eliminations and conserve energy.
Once the field thinned and she was in the final stretch, eliminating Raquel removed a major physical threat while simultaneously dismantling the faction's unity from within.
The final four included Liv, Tiffany Stratton, Sol Ruca, and Raquel—Liv waited for the right moment, then struck.
The result? Liv stood alone as the winner, arms raised in triumph, while the Judgment Day's future looks fractured.
This move echoes classic wrestling betrayals—think Stone Cold turning on the Corporation or Seth Rollins dismantling The Shield—but Liv executed it with a modern, character-driven twist.
Her "revenge tour" persona, built on chaos and cunning, has always suggested she prioritizes personal ambition over faction loyalty.
What's Next?
This sets up explosive fallout on Raw. Expect The Judgment Day to implode, with Liv potentially feuding against Raquel or even the entire group.
It also positions her perfectly for WrestleMania, where she can challenge for the Women's World Championship as a solo star who outsmarted everyone—including her supposed allies.
Liv Morgan didn't just win the Royal Rumble—she orchestrated a masterclass in manipulation. The "friend" she eliminated was never truly a friend; she was a stepping stone.
And now, the path to WrestleMania is hers alone.
