Three Bold WWE Predictions for 2026
As the world rings in the new year, WWE sets its sights on the huge ideas it has for 2026. From face or heel turns to underrated superstars finally claiming some gold, WWE will look to cash in on what is best for business and ride the high waves it so desperately looks for. Since WWE’s booking tends to change all the time, it’s very hard to determine in what direction WWE will go on certain storylines. Even making bold predictions about what could happen in WWE in 2026 feels like a gamble since we have no clue of really knowing where WWE’s headspace is at a certain point in time. Here, we will make three bold predictions that could happen regarding WWE in 2026.
Cody Rhodes Finally Turns Heel
Since returning to WWE in 2022, Cody Rhodes has become one of the company’s biggest stars, going as far as becoming the face of the company. However, being the face of the company means that Rhodes has maintained a good-guy persona during his second WWE tenure. During the past few months, however, Rhodes has been teasing a darker side of himself, with his actions and promos becoming more and more aggressive each time. Rhodes has been a heel in the past and has proven he can hold his own as a bad guy, but is WWE willing to let their top guy become the ultimate heel in the WWE? This heel run would only make sense if WWE has a top babyface in the works to take him down, such as Sami Zayn or a possible return of Kevin Owens. Fans want to see the Homelander side of Rhodes, someone who doesn’t have a motive to do what he does but still does it because he no longer cares what people think of him. A heel Rhodes would be best for business.
Drew McIntyre Leaves WWE and Signs with AEW
Although this prediction might not happen due to Drew McIntyre’s recent contract extension, it wouldn’t be that much of a shocker if ‘The Scottish Warrior’ decided to part ways with WWE sometime in 2026. McIntyre has had much success during his second tenure in WWE, from winning the Royal Rumble to main eventing WrestleMania and capturing both the WWE and World Heavyweight Championships. These past few years, however, have not been too kind to him. McIntyre has lost multiple feuds to superstars such as CM Punk and Damian Priest, lost the World Heavyweight title in 5 minutes after Priest cashed in his Money in the Bank contract, and failed to cash in his Money in the Bank contract against Priest. McIntyre has done it all in WWE and has nothing left to prove. Before signing his contract extension, there were talks about him possibly joining AEW, and with the way WWE has booked him as of late, it would be the perfect fit for him to start fresh. This prediction only seems plausible if WWE releases McIntyre or if he asks for his release, but if there’s truly no direction for him in 2026, it would be better for WWE to just let him move on.
Gunther Retires Three Future Hall of Famers
What do Goldberg and John Cena have in common? Besides retiring in 2025, they were both retired by the same man: ‘The Ring General’ Gunther. The man from Vienna, Austria, enters 2026 as one of the biggest heels in the company, and WWE could take advantage of the heat by allowing Gunther to retire three more superstars. The first superstar Gunther would go after is AJ Styles. ‘The Phenomenal One’ has stated that 2026 would be his final year competing inside a squared circle. The next superstar Gunther would retire is Brock Lesnar. Although there is no word on when ‘The Beast Incarnate’ could retire, SummerSlam 2026 is set to take place in Minneapolis, Minnesota, making it the perfect setting for Lesnar to end his career while also putting over Gunther. The final superstar Gunther would retire is Chris Jericho. ‘Y2J’ is rumored to return to WWE sometime in 2026 for one final run, and putting him in a feud with Gunther would be the perfect sendoff for one of the best to ever do it in professional wrestling.
