Unlike previous years, getting predictions right for the WWE Royal Rumble in 2026 is not as straightforward.
With the Rumble being the kick off to WrestleMania season, fans have generally been given a clear idea of what the big matches will be at the start of the year. However, following Drew McIntyre’s shock title win on SmackDown, and CM Punk’s inevitable rematch with Bron Breakker yet to happen, things are far from said and done.
In the women’s division, Jade Cargill and Stephanie Vaquer will find out who their potential challenger will be for the show of show, assuming that they will still be champions by the time April comes around.
New WWE Champion Drew McIntyre will also defend his title for the first time on TV, as he takes on Sami Zayn, who is looking for his first World Title win. Zayn earned the opportunity to fight for the title by being victorious at Saturday Night’s Main Event the week before the show.
This is also the first Royal Rumble to air from Saudi Arabia, and it is likely that something very newsworthy will happen on the show to mark the occasion.
WWE Royal Rumble 2026 Predictions
Drew McIntyre (c) vs. Sami Zayn For The WWE Championship
Zayn will definitely have the fans behind him in this one, and a title change would create a feel-good moment for the show. However, it feels far too soon to have McIntyre drop the championship here. McIntyre looks set to hold the title until WrestleMania at least, and Zayn still feels like he is always destined to never win the big one. There is the possibility that Zayn gets a short title reign to create buzz around the show, but Zayn’s big moment is more likely to come at WrestleMania 43.
Winner: Drew McIntyre
AJ Styles vs. Gunther – If AJ Styles Loses He Must Retire
As Gunther has now retired Goldberg and John Cena, is AJ Styles next on the list? Styles has gone on record that he will bring his phenomenal in-ring career to an end in 2026, but will it be this early? Truthfully, it feels like the only logical direction is for Gunther to add another name to his list here. Right now, WWE is building Gunther as an unstoppable force, and it makes no sense for him to lose here, especially if he is also set to compete in the Royal Rumble match. Unless WWE plans to do a non-finish, or have AJ win via countout or DQ, it is very possible that Saudi could be the location for Styles’ final match. The heart says Styles, but the head says Gunther here.
Winner: Gunther
Women’s Royal Rumble Match
This feels much more unpredictable compared to last year, which saw Charlotte Flair as virtually a lock to win the match for a second time. While Jordynne Grace looks set to collide with Women’s Champion Jade Cargill, this looks like it will be a TV feud and not stretched out to Mania. Similarly, Stephanie Vaquer has no set challenger after the Raquel Rodriguez match. If Bianca Belair is healthy, then a return at the Rumble to lead to the Cargill match is possible, and Liv Morgan is also a viable contender. NXT cameos are likely, and legends such as Trish Stratus or Lita could make an appearance, but this feels like a Belair win.
Winner: Bianca Belair
Men’s Royal Rumble Match
Much like the women’s match, WWE are not short on choices when it comes to the Men’s Rumble. Bron Breakker has a viable case to earn his rematch with CM Punk, Cody Rhodes is looking to win the match for a third time, NXT call-up Oba Femi could be set for a monster push, and the likes of Gunther and Sami Zayn could also be safe bets. Right now, Roman Reigns feels like one of the safer picks. Reigns has not won the match in more than 10 years, and has been nowhere near the World Title picture since losing the gold back at WrestleMania 40. Reigns is a big star and will make the Saudi Rumble feel newsworthy.
Winner: Roman Reigns
Featured image: WWE
