The 2026 Royal Rumble is WWE’s upcoming major live event, scheduled to give fans a break between Survivor Series and the Saudi Arabia show. Although it’s still far off, predictions are already being made about the card, which is expected to feature several matches beyond just the two Royal Rumbles. Potential bouts could include tag team showdowns, mid-card title defenses, or even a clash for the world championship.
One anticipated match is CM Punk versus Logan Paul for the World Heavyweight Championship. After Punk captured the title, Paul immediately emerged as a strong challenger, and their rivalry has escalated with Paul joining The Vision in WarGames. Despite ongoing tensions with other Vision members, it’s highly likely that Punk will defend the title against Paul at the Royal Rumble, especially given Paul’s frequent prominence at WWE’s Saudi events.
In the women’s division, Stephanie Vaquer is set to defend the Women’s World Championship against Liv Morgan, who recently returned to WWE at Survivor Series and confronted Vaquer on RAW. Vaquer has momentum from defeating WWE Hall of Famer Nikki Bella, and Morgan, now part of the Judgment Day faction again, could pose a serious challenge. This matchup might hint at plans for WrestleMania 42 or serve as a significant segment of the Royal Rumble event.
Another highlight could be a multi-man match between Wyatt Thicke and The MFTs, which would add excitement beyond the usual title bouts. Thicke has targeted The MFTs for months, and with Uncle Howdy’s recent return and victory over Solo Chicore, the clash could provide a fresh dynamic on the card, enriching the men’s Royal Rumble atmosphere.
The WWE Women’s Championship is also expected to feature Jade Cargill versus Tiffany Stratton in a highly anticipated rubber match. After Cargill’s heel turn and dramatic title win against Stratton, who has been absent since, Stratton’s return could bring a fierce bout to settle their rivalry before the build-up to WrestleMania starts.
Lastly, a possible Hell in a Cell match between Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre for the WWE Championship could elevate the event’s stakes. Despite McIntyre’s current storyline suspension, his return could see this intense rivalry culminate inside the cell, adding a dramatic edge to the Royal Rumble event in Saudi Arabia.
Fan Take: This lineup for the 2026 Royal Rumble is shaping up to be a must-watch for WWE fans, blending long-standing rivalries with fresh confrontations. It promises high-stakes drama and character development that could significantly impact WWE’s storylines leading into WrestleMania, adding excitement and anticipation for the future of the sport.
