The Royal Rumble 26 cold open for WWE sets a reverent tone for the event through a cinematic production that bridges the past and the present. The piece follows a lone figure navigating a stone corridor, where archival footage of legendary wrestlers is projected onto the walls.
Utilizing live-action technique alongside intricate VFX, the project captures an intense, moody atmosphere. Max Cooper led the production, using slow-tracking camera movements and low-key lighting to emphasize the history and scale of the upcoming broadcast.