Royal Rumble 2026 Predictions

Credit (Getty Images) It's that time of the year, the Road to WrestleMania begins. Who will win the Men's and Women's Royal Rumble matches to main event WrestleMania 42?

The Royal Rumble is upon us, and it's one of my favorite events to cover. This year's Royal Rumble is no different; men and women will compete to determine who goes to Wrestlemania. Because WWE isn't doing many matches on PLEs anymore, I expect the Royal Rumble to follow a four-round format since the battle royals are typically long. Here are my predictions for the 2026 Royal Rumble.

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Career-Threatening Match: AJ Styles Vs Gunther.

Gunther has been retiring guys left and right as of late. He ended Goldberg's career in Atlanta and tapped out John Cena in one of the most surprising victories in years. Gunther is now looking to end our beloved AJ Styles' career. Considering his recent track record, he might just do it. AJ Styles is one of the best wrestlers to ever do it. I mean, this is the house that AJ Styles built. This match could honestly go either way. I just don't see AJ Styles going out at the Royal Rumble (Yes, he is retiring in 2026). I expect Styles to find a way to overcome Gunther, and I expect this feud continue into a Wrestlemania-worthy match.

Winner-AJ Styles

UNDISPUTED WWE CHAMPIONSHIP: DREW MCINTYRE VS SAMI ZAYN

This match for the title does not require a whole lot. Sami Zayn is forever an underdog chasing a world title that has eluded him. He is tasked with taking down SmackDown resident bad-ass Drew McIntyre. Drew been on a roll and recently won the long overdue world title. This story write itself two guys who are terrific wrestlers battling to be world champions. With that being said, I expect Drew to retain here. It does not make sense for him to lose here, and a Claymore kick will do. (Sorry, Zayn)

Winner- Drew McIntyre Retains

30 Women's Royal Rumble Match

This year, women's rumble is exciting and deep, with so many deserving names. I will go with two names here, Liv Morgan and Bianca Belair. Morgan is among the biggest female stars on Raw, and her winning the match to headline Wrestlemania is evident. As for Bianca Belair, she is out of action for a while. A win here makes sense; she is more than ready to be champion again, and a feud with Jade Cargill has main event potential to say the least.

Winners- Liv Morgan or Bianca Belair

30 Men's Royal Rumble Match

This year men's rumble match feels more wide open than ever before. Several guys can win this match, obviously, and that makes this year's edition worthy. Who saw Jey Uso winning last year? I will go with two names here as well. The first is Bron Breakker next big star in WWE, is right here. Bron Winning at the rumble makes too much sense. He is the leader of the vision, spearing guys left and right, proving his worth. The next guy is Roman Reigns, not a popular choice, yet it's been a minute since he's been world champion, and honestly, who isn't ready to see the big dog run his yard again with a world title around his waist?

Winners- Bron Breakker or Roman Reigns