Who Will Defy the Odds at Royal Rumble 2026?
The fan-favorite PLE, the Royal Rumble, makes its way to Saudi Arabia, where 30 men and women will compete in a battle royale to earn an opportunity at a world title in the main event of WrestleMania. From world champions to Hall of Famers to the unpredictable entrants, the Royal Rumble provides a sense of excitement no other PLE can deliver. With a world title and a career on the line, the start of the road to WrestleMania begins to take shape and could alter what can happen down the line. Here are the predictions on who should come out on top in each match.
Men's Royal Rumble Match
This year's Royal Rumble match on the men's side includes multiple-time champions and former Royal Rumble winners, such as 'The American Nightmare' Cody Rhodes, 'The OTC' Roman Reigns, and WWE Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio. There is one man who has won neither and could etch his name in history: Sami Zayn. Although he will be competing for the Undisputed WWE Championship on the same night, he will come up short in his opportunity to claim his first world title in WWE. Zayn would have to enter the Royal Rumble match if he wants another shot at the gold. Given that Zayn's character has always been the underdog, Zayn will finally overcome the odds and win the opportunity to win the world title on the grandest stage of all, WrestleMania.
Women's Royal Rumble Match
Since its debut in 2018, the Women's Royal Rumble match has created legends among its winners. The Rumble match has given more women the opportunity to earn a spotlight at WrestleMania, where the winner will also be competing for a world title. One of the biggest storylines heading into the Rumble is the possible disintegration of Judgement Day. While Raquel Rodriguez is vying to become the new Women's World Champion, Liv Morgan might end up being the one to lift the title in Las Vegas. There is a strong possibility that Rodriguez becomes champion, and if it happens, then Morgan winning the Royal Rumble would make a lot of sense. Morgan winning the Rumble means Judgement Day may eventually have motives to kick her out of the group. This will kick off Morgan's road to redemption and eventual title win at WrestleMania.
Drew McIntyre vs. Sami Zayn for the Undisputed WWE Championship
After defeating Rhodes for the title in a Three Stages of Hell match on the first SmackDown of 2026, Drew McIntyre will look to be successful in his first defense. Zayn earned the opportunity to compete against McIntyre after winning a Fatal-Four-Way match at Saturday Night's Main Event. Although Zayn has competed multiple times for the world title, he has yet to win it during his time in the main roster. It's too early for McIntyre to drop the title, but there is a way that Zayn could end up capturing the title later down the line. If Zayn loses this match, he will want to enter the Royal Rumble match and attempt to win another opportunity at the gold at WrestleMania. Zayn can lose this match and still feel like a world title contender.
A.J. Styles vs. Gunther
A.J. Styles made his WWE debut at Royal Rumble 2016, and now, 10 years later, his career might be coming to an end at the same show. When Styles announced that 2026 would be his last year as an active competitor, many fans hoped he would receive the same retirement tour treatment as Cena. It seems that all those desires might come crashing down, as Gunther looks to retire a third superstar in less than a year. After failing to defeat Gunther in their first match, Styles accepted a second match, with the stipulation that if he failed to defeat Gunther, he would have to retire. Styles' time in WWE includes multiple world titles, becoming a member of the Grand Slam Champions, and some of the most phenomenal matches of his career. Although many will hope Styles will continue to wrestle throughout 2026, it's more than likely that Gunther will be the one to put a stop to that, ending the career of the "Phenomenal One."
