WWE ROYAL RUMBLE 2026 Predictions
The Road to Wrestlemania begins now!
For two superstars, it is a chance of a lifetime. Winning this match punches a ticket to a title shot at the “grandest stage of them all”. It can be a legacy defining moment. The only challenge is outlasting a random mix of 29 other superstars running in at timed entries in an over-the-top rope battle royal.
Only one match can provide this dynamic: THE ROYAL RUMBLE!
Ever since its’ inception in 1988, the Rumble is a unique concept in itself. It’s only been since 1993* (with some exceptions) that winning the match meant headling Wrestlemania. A Women’s Royal Rumble was established in 2018 with the same stakes.
The 2026 edition of the Royal Rumble is taking place at Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on January 31st at 2pm EST. It is the first time the event has been held outside North America. The event will also be aired for the first time on ESPN streaming.
Both Rumble matches are the main events, but there’s some other key match-ups worth talking about. Let’s discuss. As always, Card is subject to change
Picture credit: espn pr/wwe
Women’s Royal Rumble match
On paper, this is the more loaded roster of talent announced for the Rumble matches. Rhea Ripley, IYO SKY, Liv Morgan, Charlotte Flair, Chelsea Green, Asuka, Giulia, and Jordynne Grace lead the pack of names lined up for this match. There are a few different storylines that can play out for a winner. Rhea vs. Iyo? Charlotte and Alexa feud? Also, fans can never forget about surprise entrants stealing the match. One of which (and note: this all depends on injury status/cleared to compete) is Bianca Belair.
If cleared and involved, she’s taking this. If not, there’s one name I think i poised for a Judgement Day split and making another singles run.
Prediction: LIV MORGAN
AJ Styles vs. Gunther
After retiring John Cena, the “Ring General” appears to be on the retirement tour. Next on his sights is “The Phenomenal One” AJ Styles. There might have been some smoke and mirrors on how other superstars are voicing their goodbyes to Styles on socials. Regardless, This should be a very good match. Depending on how this goes could impact the rumble as Gunther is going for double duty. Taking out Cena and Styles in less than two months is HUGE. For some reason, I just don’t think this is AJ’s last match but we shall see.
Prediction: AJ STYLES
Undisputed WWE Champion MATCH: Drew McIntyre vs. Sami Zayn
If there was ever a time to pull the “underdog upset” move, it’s with Zayn. This roster’s version of Mick Foley (and 100% that’s a compliment) has been on the cusp of taking home the prized title for a few years. Let’s not forget when he almost did it vs. Roman Reigns at the height of the “Bloodline” story. The fans LOVE Zayn and seeing how he won the 4-way to get this match in Montreal is only a small version of the pop he would get with a win. Plus, this would be a shocking win that they could always pivot from if needed.
Granted, Drew shocked many by defeating Cody Rhodes but losing to Zayn wouldn’t hurt him at all. In fact, I think a loss here would open a door to revisit his best feud he’s had in WWE. Maybe it’s time to run it back with CM Punk? A win at Elimination Chamber could open that door. For now, WWE has a legendary crowd moment waiting in the wings.
Prediction: SAMI ZAYN
men’s Royal Rumble match
Roman Reigns, Cody Rhodes, Brock Lesnar, Jacob Fatu, Bron Brekker and Logan Paul lead the way on this year’s men’s match. One to watch will be Oba Femi. The former NXT champion is hitting the main roster and will have a huge showing. Bank on him eliminating a large number of competitors. Femi will be a future world champ but not from this match.
There’s a few to rule out. Cody’s not winning 3 in a row. I wouldn’t doubt he’s in the final 4 and gets knocked out to start his “Rhodeslander” era. As wild of a win it would be, Paul’s not pulling it off. Lesnar won’t because of Gunther. Guessing they are going to have their long anticipated match-up at Mania and this is where it starts. Brekker is too easy of a pick but is the Vision over enough or is here a chance Seth Rollins is back by Mania for that match-up? Ever since his deep fake-out of his knee injury, I don’t believe a word on if/when he’s back if he’s near a building.
That said, I would LOVE to see Jacob Fatu pull this off but thinking the OTC is back to headline. Against who? How bout Cody (as a heel)/Jacob /Reigns triple threat for Mania? Considering how the storylines have been, Reigns in the main event is the only lock I see for this year’s Day 2 main event.
Prediction: ROMAN REIGNS
That’s my predictions for the Rumble but let me know yours in the comments and on FLZ socials. Who do you see starting their road to Wrestlemania? Thanks for reading.
