WWE Royal Rumble 2026: Expert Panel Divides on Potential Winners as WrestleMania 42 Road Begins

The highly anticipated WWE Royal Rumble 2026 event is set to ignite the "Road to WrestleMania 42" this Saturday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with two pivotal 30-person Royal Rumble matches poised to reshape the landscape of sports entertainment. One man and one woman will earn the coveted opportunity to challenge for a world championship at WWE’s flagship annual spectacle, WrestleMania 42. Beyond the signature Rumble contests, a high-stakes Undisputed WWE Championship defense and a career-defining match featuring a WWE icon are also scheduled, promising an evening of intense competition and dramatic outcomes.

The Royal Rumble concept, where superstars battle to eliminate opponents by throwing them over the top rope until only one remains, annually serves as the definitive kick-off to WrestleMania season. This year, the stakes are particularly high, with several prominent narratives converging. Cody Rhodes, aiming for an unprecedented third Royal Rumble victory, seeks to etch his name alongside "Stone Cold" Steve Austin as the only two men to achieve such a feat. Rhodes, having previously secured consecutive Rumble wins in 2024 and 2025, faces a formidable challenge in a field that includes established main eventers like Roman Reigns, the rapidly ascending Jacob Fatu, and the powerhouse Bron Breakker.

On the women’s side, a stacked roster featuring nine former world champions, including prominent figures like Becky Lynch and Liv Morgan, will vie for their shot at WrestleMania glory. Adding to the intrigue is the potential return of a top-tier superstar from a significant injury layoff. The event’s undercard features Drew McIntyre’s inaugural Undisputed WWE Championship defense against Sami Zayn, a clash that carries immense implications for both competitors’ championship aspirations. Additionally, the career of "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles hangs in the balance in a high-stakes retirement match against Gunther, where Styles’ active wrestling career is pitted against Gunther’s guaranteed entry into the 30-man Royal Rumble match.

SportsBreakNews.com’s pro wrestling experts, Brent Brookhouse and Shakiel Mahjouri, have meticulously analyzed the card, offering their insights and predictions for the evening’s crucial encounters.

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Men’s Royal Rumble Match: Breakker Poised for Breakthrough?

The Men’s Royal Rumble match is widely anticipated to feature a blend of established veterans and rising stars, all vying for a direct path to WrestleMania 42. Cody Rhodes’ pursuit of a third consecutive victory would be a historic accomplishment, cementing his legacy further after his impactful two-year storyline chasing the Undisputed WWE Championship. Roman Reigns, a multi-time world champion and dominant force, always remains a significant threat in any match he enters, though his current storyline involvement or championship status leading into the Rumble could influence his role. Jacob Fatu, a recent and impactful addition to the main roster, brings a unique blend of power and intensity, making him a formidable dark horse. His affiliation with The Bloodline could also play a strategic role in the match. Bron Breakker, however, has garnered considerable attention for his rapid ascent and clear trajectory within WWE.

Brookhouse and Mahjouri both project Bron Breakker as the victor in the 30-man contest. Brookhouse notes, "While WWE pulled a brilliant move last year by having Jey Uso win the Rumble to the surprise of everyone, it feels as though there is a good chance that this year’s edition gets the ‘expected winner’ treatment." He elaborates on Breakker’s strong positioning, particularly citing his apparent alignment with "The Vision," a storyline element suggesting a strategic backing to secure the win. This victory would logically set up a high-profile World Heavyweight Championship challenge against CM Punk at WrestleMania 42, aligning with Breakker’s current narrative progression. Breakker, a former NXT Champion, has demonstrated consistent power and aggression since his main roster call-up, establishing himself as a legitimate contender. While Oba Femi, another physically imposing talent, is predicted by some to have a standout performance, the expert consensus leans towards Breakker capitalizing on his established momentum.

Prediction: Bron Breakker wins (Brookhouse, Mahjouri)
Key Contenders: Cody Rhodes, Roman Reigns, Jacob Fatu, Oba Femi

Women’s Royal Rumble Match: The Return of The EST?

The Women’s Royal Rumble is expected to be a fiercely competitive affair, featuring a robust field of talent, including nine former world champions. Becky Lynch, a multi-time champion and one of WWE’s most decorated female superstars, and Liv Morgan, known for her resilient spirit and recent championship reigns, are among the prominent names poised to make a significant impact. However, the potential for a high-profile return from injury is a dominant factor in the predictions.

Shakiel Mahjouri and Brent Brookhouse are in agreement, picking Bianca Belair to win the Women’s Royal Rumble. Belair’s absence from active competition has been notable since her finger injury, sustained during a Women’s World Championship match at WrestleMania 41 weekend involving Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky. Having been sidelined for over eight months, Belair provided an update in July, stating she was at "the tail end of this healing process." Her last appearance in the women’s world title scene prior to her injury saw her consistently challenging for top honors. Mahjouri expressed anticipation for her return, stating, "I cross my fingers that she does the same this year as a surprise entrant." Belair, a former Royal Rumble winner (2021) and two-time WrestleMania main eventer, possesses the star power and in-ring capability to immediately re-insert herself into the championship picture. Her return from a lengthy injury layoff to win the Rumble would provide a compelling narrative of perseverance and redemption, setting up a highly anticipated championship match at WrestleMania 42.

Prediction: Bianca Belair wins (Mahjouri, Brookhouse)
Key Contenders: Becky Lynch, Liv Morgan, Nine former world champions

Undisputed WWE Championship: Drew McIntyre (c) vs. Sami Zayn

Drew McIntyre is set to make his first defense of the Undisputed WWE Championship against Sami Zayn in a highly anticipated encounter. McIntyre’s journey to this championship reign has been characterized by near-misses and short-lived triumphs, including instances where his title reigns were prematurely curtailed. This context adds significant weight to his initial defense. Zayn, a perennial fan favorite, has consistently demonstrated his capability as a main event performer and has been widely regarded as deserving of a world championship run.

The expert panel is divided on the outcome of this championship clash. Brent Brookhouse favors a surprising title change, picking Sami Zayn to emerge victorious. Brookhouse suggests, "Sometimes, you have to just look at a match and think, ‘Hey, why not?’ It’s fairly clear that Zayn will eventually have a run with a world title, and this is an easy opportunity to put the title on him for a month or two before taking it off of him ahead of WrestleMania." This perspective aligns with the potential for unexpected outcomes at the Rumble, especially if the Royal Rumble matches themselves follow a more predictable path.

Conversely, Shakiel Mahjouri predicts Drew McIntyre will retain his championship. Mahjouri emphasizes McIntyre’s need for a sustained and credible title reign, particularly given his past struggles to maintain championship momentum. "This version of McIntyre has repeatedly fallen short, or had his reign ended the same night it started. McIntyre must win his first title defense, especially amid his feuds with Rhodes and Fatu," Mahjouri states. He suggests that while McIntyre’s hold on the championship may not extend beyond WrestleMania 42, a successful defense at the Rumble is crucial for solidifying his current reign and character arc, particularly amidst his ongoing rivalries.

Prediction (Brookhouse): Sami Zayn wins
Prediction (Mahjouri): Drew McIntyre wins

AJ Styles vs. Gunther: A Career on the Line

One of the most emotionally charged matches on the Royal Rumble card pits "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles against Gunther in a high-stakes bout where Styles’ career is on the line against Gunther’s spot in the 30-man Royal Rumble match. Styles, who famously debuted at the Royal Rumble exactly 10 years prior (2016), has publicly stated his intention to retire from active competition within 2026, making this match potentially one of his last. Gunther, renowned as the "Ring General" and a dominant force with a record-breaking Intercontinental Championship reign, has established himself as a "modern-day legend killer," consistently overcoming established stars.

Shakiel Mahjouri predicts a victory for Gunther, leading to Styles’ retirement. While acknowledging his personal desire for Styles to win, Mahjouri cites Gunther’s established dominance. "Do I want Gunther to win? No. I want Styles, my all-time favorite professional wrestler, to deny a loss that would see him retire… The story is right there. Sometimes the obvious decision is the right one, but I’m not confident WWE will see it through." He suggests that despite recent reports about creative shake-ups potentially offering hope for Styles, it is not enough to pick against Gunther’s momentum and reputation for prevailing against veteran talent.

Brent Brookhouse, however, predicts AJ Styles will emerge victorious, extending his career. Brookhouse rejects the notion of a complicated finish, such as a missed referee call, in favor of a straightforward narrative. "Styles isn’t going to lose a retirement match," Brookhouse asserts. "Rather than jumping through unnecessary hoops, Styles should just get the win and continue along his final year as an active wrestler." This perspective highlights the potential for an emotional victory for Styles, allowing him to continue his farewell tour and further his phenomenal legacy before his planned retirement later in 2026, possibly even securing a headline spot at WrestleMania 42.

Prediction (Mahjouri): Gunther wins
Prediction (Brookhouse): AJ Styles wins

As WWE Royal Rumble 2026 unfolds, these predictions underscore the intricate narratives and high stakes defining the event. The outcomes will not only determine who gains a championship opportunity at WrestleMania 42 but also significantly influence the trajectories of several top superstars in the months to come.

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