WWE Royal Rumble 2026 expert predictions: Who wins, surprises on tap
- - WWE Royal Rumble 2026 expert predictions: Who wins, surprises on tap
Jordan Mendoza and Richard Morin, USA TODAYJanuary 30, 2026 at 5:34 PM
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Anything can happen at the Royal Rumble. So, what will happen?
The road to WrestleMania 42 begins with the 2026 Royal Rumble, where two people will cement their spots at WWE's major event. Arguably one of the most exciting matches in wrestling, the Royal Rumble offers big moments and stunning surprises each and every year. Not only will the men's and women's matches occur in Saudi Arabia but so will a match for the Undisputed WWE Championship, as well as AJ Styles' career on the line.
It's one of the hardest WWE events to predict, but USA TODAY Sports wrestling experts Jordan Mendoza and Richard Morin give their expectations of what will unfold at the 2026 Royal Rumble, and who will punch their ticket to WrestleMania 42.
Wrestlers battle during the Royal Rumble match during the 2022 Royal Rumble at The Dome at America's Center.Gunther vs. AJ Styles -
Jordan Mendoza: Will WWE really let Gunther retire another legend? Everything points to it being yes, but there's reason to believe that this story is all about letting Gunther's ego get all in his head. Styles will be calling it a career in 2026, but it won't be this night, as he gets the win that shocks "The Ring General" and gives him the momentum to close out this career in style. Winner: AJ Styles.
Richard Morin: There will be no retirement tour for Styles. This is it. Gunther officially has more retirees than a nursing home. However, I don't think is where Styles' story ends. I'm still hoping for a proper retirement run with TNA; after all, he made an appearance on their debut AMC episode earlier this month. Winner: Gunther.
Undisputed WWE Championship match: Drew McInytre (c) vs. Sami Zayn -
Jordan Mendoza: This match is intriguing because it almost certainly means the winner goes into WrestleMania as the champion. We've long craved to see what McIntyre can do with a proper title run, so there's no reason to kill it so quickly. Winner: Drew McIntyre.
Richard Morin: The Saudi crowd loves Zayn, which will only make for entertaining heartbreak when he falls short to McIntyre. Don't worry, though, as I'm sure it's a long play toward Zayn finally winning a world title at next year's WrestleMania (which will be in Saudi Arabia). Winner: Drew McIntyre.
John Cena enters the ring during Saturday Night’s Main Event at Capital One Arena on Dec. 13, 2025 in Washington, DC.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/sdo8RODHiEB8AtaK4VukXA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MzE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/9fd0c41d1ea8a475cfebee82c9ff6bc1 class=caas-img data-headline="John Cena's final match: 20 best photos of the end of his WWE career" data-caption="
John Cena enters the ring during Saturday Night’s Main Event at Capital One Arena on Dec. 13, 2025 in Washington, DC.
">John Cena enters the ring during Saturday Night’s Main Event at Capital One Arena on Dec. 13, 2025 in Washington, DC.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/sdo8RODHiEB8AtaK4VukXA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MzE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/9fd0c41d1ea8a475cfebee82c9ff6bc1 class=caas-img>John Cena salutes during his introduction at Saturday Night’s Main Event at Capital One Arena on Dec. 13, 2025 in Washington, DC.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/8ZME9cw1.X8ntxn7gIA2JQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MzE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/e3674106eeac74312bbd1f56886dd7db class=caas-img data-headline="John Cena's final match: 20 best photos of the end of his WWE career" data-caption="
John Cena salutes during his introduction at Saturday Night’s Main Event at Capital One Arena on Dec. 13, 2025 in Washington, DC.
">John Cena salutes during his introduction at Saturday Night’s Main Event at Capital One Arena on Dec. 13, 2025 in Washington, DC.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/8ZME9cw1.X8ntxn7gIA2JQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MzE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/e3674106eeac74312bbd1f56886dd7db class=caas-img>John Cena points to the crowd during Saturday Night’s Main Event at Capital One Arena on Dec. 13, 2025 in Washington, DC.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/nbIFrMljYhrGqbOuasKzXQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/7ed10c5478dd7282382b4760f7eaabe4 class=caas-img data-headline="John Cena's final match: 20 best photos of the end of his WWE career" data-caption="
John Cena points to the crowd during Saturday Night’s Main Event at Capital One Arena on Dec. 13, 2025 in Washington, DC.
">John Cena points to the crowd during Saturday Night’s Main Event at Capital One Arena on Dec. 13, 2025 in Washington, DC.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/nbIFrMljYhrGqbOuasKzXQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/7ed10c5478dd7282382b4760f7eaabe4 class=caas-img>John Cena hits the "You Can't See Me" pose during Saturday Night’s Main Event at Capital One Arena on Dec. 13, 2025 in Washington, DC.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/QuLjrnqXrrjlIzF9qWUvRA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/a891ac44899f97cf4f5b7a93ab6bd44b class=caas-img data-headline="John Cena's final match: 20 best photos of the end of his WWE career" data-caption="
John Cena hits the "You Can't See Me" pose during Saturday Night’s Main Event at Capital One Arena on Dec. 13, 2025 in Washington, DC.
">John Cena hits the "You Can't See Me" pose during Saturday Night’s Main Event at Capital One Arena on Dec. 13, 2025 in Washington, DC.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/QuLjrnqXrrjlIzF9qWUvRA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/a891ac44899f97cf4f5b7a93ab6bd44b class=caas-img>John Cena lifts Gunther during Saturday Night’s Main Event at Capital One Arena on Dec. 13, 2025 in Washington, DC.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/pd6i65cvZMzVP3B4xCeU4A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MzE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/e9e7e91b858e9c5432650831b04aa5aa class=caas-img data-headline="John Cena's final match: 20 best photos of the end of his WWE career" data-caption="
John Cena lifts Gunther during Saturday Night’s Main Event at Capital One Arena on Dec. 13, 2025 in Washington, DC.
">John Cena lifts Gunther during Saturday Night’s Main Event at Capital One Arena on Dec. 13, 2025 in Washington, DC.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/pd6i65cvZMzVP3B4xCeU4A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MzE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/e9e7e91b858e9c5432650831b04aa5aa class=caas-img>John Cena performs the "You Can't See Me" gesture during Saturday Night’s Main Event at Capital One Arena on Dec. 13, 2025 in Washington, DC.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/QGebztpJvcbCfK6yRkAeRw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MzE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/2a647d0661dca99ac9a6bd18d577f8b0 class=caas-img data-headline="John Cena's final match: 20 best photos of the end of his WWE career" data-caption="
John Cena performs the "You Can't See Me" gesture during Saturday Night’s Main Event at Capital One Arena on Dec. 13, 2025 in Washington, DC.
">John Cena performs the "You Can't See Me" gesture during Saturday Night’s Main Event at Capital One Arena on Dec. 13, 2025 in Washington, DC.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/QGebztpJvcbCfK6yRkAeRw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MzE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/2a647d0661dca99ac9a6bd18d577f8b0 class=caas-img>John Cena performs a flying leg drop during Saturday Night’s Main Event at Capital One Arena on Dec. 13, 2025 in Washington, DC.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/D9aOo_QK.0gm6RzrwC.ALA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MzE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/2f68f5c098b29a65217454bbae61c92b class=caas-img data-headline="John Cena's final match: 20 best photos of the end of his WWE career" data-caption="
John Cena performs a flying leg drop during Saturday Night’s Main Event at Capital One Arena on Dec. 13, 2025 in Washington, DC.
">John Cena performs a flying leg drop during Saturday Night’s Main Event at Capital One Arena on Dec. 13, 2025 in Washington, DC.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/D9aOo_QK.0gm6RzrwC.ALA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MzE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/2f68f5c098b29a65217454bbae61c92b class=caas-img>John Cena prepares for a super Attitude Adjustment during Saturday Night’s Main Event at Capital One Arena on Dec. 13, 2025 in Washington, DC.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/9G2PiOEh6FRrkVD4QyP0RA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MzE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/4c2dd5f302c40b7d712e18a3d0c49be7 class=caas-img data-headline="John Cena's final match: 20 best photos of the end of his WWE career" data-caption="
John Cena prepares for a super Attitude Adjustment during Saturday Night’s Main Event at Capital One Arena on Dec. 13, 2025 in Washington, DC.
">John Cena prepares for a super Attitude Adjustment during Saturday Night’s Main Event at Capital One Arena on Dec. 13, 2025 in Washington, DC.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/9G2PiOEh6FRrkVD4QyP0RA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MzE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/4c2dd5f302c40b7d712e18a3d0c49be7 class=caas-img>John Cena tries to break out of Gunther's Sleeper Hold during Saturday Night’s Main Event at Capital One Arena on Dec. 13, 2025 in Washington, DC.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/bf1K3l2japqYQ2p0_lszLg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/9049f44c4f2b1b1fffc710cd4a1a4cbd class=caas-img data-headline="John Cena's final match: 20 best photos of the end of his WWE career" data-caption="
John Cena tries to break out of Gunther's Sleeper Hold during Saturday Night’s Main Event at Capital One Arena on Dec. 13, 2025 in Washington, DC.
">John Cena tries to break out of Gunther's Sleeper Hold during Saturday Night’s Main Event at Capital One Arena on Dec. 13, 2025 in Washington, DC.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/bf1K3l2japqYQ2p0_lszLg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/9049f44c4f2b1b1fffc710cd4a1a4cbd class=caas-img>Gunther puts John Cena in the Sleeper Hold during Saturday Night’s Main Event at Capital One Arena on Dec. 13, 2025 in Washington, DC.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/slOQ6eNp4D5c0zzlEM_sIA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MzE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/60c67035d423e4cf85d776dbb0fc0a0d class=caas-img data-headline="John Cena's final match: 20 best photos of the end of his WWE career" data-caption="
Gunther puts John Cena in the Sleeper Hold during Saturday Night’s Main Event at Capital One Arena on Dec. 13, 2025 in Washington, DC.
">Gunther puts John Cena in the Sleeper Hold during Saturday Night’s Main Event at Capital One Arena on Dec. 13, 2025 in Washington, DC.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/slOQ6eNp4D5c0zzlEM_sIA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MzE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/60c67035d423e4cf85d776dbb0fc0a0d class=caas-img>Gunther celebrates after defeating John Cena during Saturday Night’s Main Event at Capital One Arena on Dec. 13, 2025 in Washington, DC.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/kRekERyh3ChMmi0whRtOdg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/dfd25127a4bc800bd845e84684c5d642 class=caas-img data-headline="John Cena's final match: 20 best photos of the end of his WWE career" data-caption="
Gunther celebrates after defeating John Cena during Saturday Night’s Main Event at Capital One Arena on Dec. 13, 2025 in Washington, DC.
">Gunther celebrates after defeating John Cena during Saturday Night’s Main Event at Capital One Arena on Dec. 13, 2025 in Washington, DC.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/kRekERyh3ChMmi0whRtOdg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/dfd25127a4bc800bd845e84684c5d642 class=caas-img>John Cena salutes during Saturday Night’s Main Event at Capital One Arena on Dec. 13, 2025 in Washington, DC.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/RraqIvv4csdVUH8EBOZD7g--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MzE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/a31812454a2871d204640c6ef8376f8e class=caas-img data-headline="John Cena's final match: 20 best photos of the end of his WWE career" data-caption="
John Cena salutes during Saturday Night’s Main Event at Capital One Arena on Dec. 13, 2025 in Washington, DC.
">John Cena salutes during Saturday Night’s Main Event at Capital One Arena on Dec. 13, 2025 in Washington, DC.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/RraqIvv4csdVUH8EBOZD7g--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MzE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/a31812454a2871d204640c6ef8376f8e class=caas-img>John Cena watches a tribute video during Saturday Night’s Main Event at Capital One Arena on Dec. 13, 2025 in Washington, DC.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/lLeVK87dEZhkq9h1vQNTww--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MzE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/66a2d81d894f7650b092eaa72dfa8ea2 class=caas-img data-headline="John Cena's final match: 20 best photos of the end of his WWE career" data-caption="
John Cena watches a tribute video during Saturday Night’s Main Event at Capital One Arena on Dec. 13, 2025 in Washington, DC.
">John Cena watches a tribute video during Saturday Night’s Main Event at Capital One Arena on Dec. 13, 2025 in Washington, DC.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/lLeVK87dEZhkq9h1vQNTww--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MzE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/66a2d81d894f7650b092eaa72dfa8ea2 class=caas-img>John Cena sits in the ring after losing at Saturday Night’s Main Event at Capital One Arena on Dec. 13, 2025 in Washington, DC.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/KJNUBGyHR5MIbEeevSr_og--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MzE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/78c9a147afed66b48ceb98756e5f6c9f class=caas-img data-headline="John Cena's final match: 20 best photos of the end of his WWE career" data-caption="
John Cena sits in the ring after losing at Saturday Night’s Main Event at Capital One Arena on Dec. 13, 2025 in Washington, DC.
">John Cena sits in the ring after losing at Saturday Night’s Main Event at Capital One Arena on Dec. 13, 2025 in Washington, DC.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/KJNUBGyHR5MIbEeevSr_og--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MzE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/78c9a147afed66b48ceb98756e5f6c9f class=caas-img>John Cena sits in the ring after losing at Saturday Night’s Main Event at Capital One Arena on Dec. 13, 2025 in Washington, DC.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/MLVPD7bt1UejLpoTNwgC7A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/4dacfa126a0d00508126edb24c1fedb4 class=caas-img data-headline="John Cena's final match: 20 best photos of the end of his WWE career" data-caption="
John Cena sits in the ring after losing at Saturday Night’s Main Event at Capital One Arena on Dec. 13, 2025 in Washington, DC.
">John Cena sits in the ring after losing at Saturday Night’s Main Event at Capital One Arena on Dec. 13, 2025 in Washington, DC.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/MLVPD7bt1UejLpoTNwgC7A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/4dacfa126a0d00508126edb24c1fedb4 class=caas-img>Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk give John Cena their titles during Saturday Night’s Main Event at Capital One Arena on Dec. 13, 2025 in Washington, DC.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/YaUdVHreMfnm5F1heoOViA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/bbb07afdbd58d0246b1ba8b58b24d647 class=caas-img data-headline="John Cena's final match: 20 best photos of the end of his WWE career" data-caption="
Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk give John Cena their titles during Saturday Night’s Main Event at Capital One Arena on Dec. 13, 2025 in Washington, DC.
">Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk give John Cena their titles during Saturday Night’s Main Event at Capital One Arena on Dec. 13, 2025 in Washington, DC.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/YaUdVHreMfnm5F1heoOViA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/bbb07afdbd58d0246b1ba8b58b24d647 class=caas-img>John Cena celebrates with the Undisputed WWE Championship and the World Heavyweight Championship during Saturday Night’s Main Event at Capital One Arena on Dec. 13, 2025 in Washington, DC.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/kOlVp4LLS7j2vlgi2G_0Mg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MzE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/a178265fe6294b8cebe12af24edcc1a3 class=caas-img data-headline="John Cena's final match: 20 best photos of the end of his WWE career" data-caption="
John Cena celebrates with the Undisputed WWE Championship and the World Heavyweight Championship during Saturday Night’s Main Event at Capital One Arena on Dec. 13, 2025 in Washington, DC.
">John Cena celebrates with the Undisputed WWE Championship and the World Heavyweight Championship during Saturday Night’s Main Event at Capital One Arena on Dec. 13, 2025 in Washington, DC.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/kOlVp4LLS7j2vlgi2G_0Mg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MzE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/a178265fe6294b8cebe12af24edcc1a3 class=caas-img>John Cena embraces with WWE chief content officer Paul "Triple H" Levesque during Saturday Night’s Main Event at Capital One Arena on Dec. 13, 2025 in Washington, DC.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/04A252tqF4ex5JqU9CuxhA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/773f40b49907965f5eb2c18f3d37706d class=caas-img data-headline="John Cena's final match: 20 best photos of the end of his WWE career" data-caption="
John Cena embraces with WWE chief content officer Paul "Triple H" Levesque during Saturday Night’s Main Event at Capital One Arena on Dec. 13, 2025 in Washington, DC.
">John Cena embraces with WWE chief content officer Paul "Triple H" Levesque during Saturday Night’s Main Event at Capital One Arena on Dec. 13, 2025 in Washington, DC.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/04A252tqF4ex5JqU9CuxhA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/773f40b49907965f5eb2c18f3d37706d class=caas-img>John Cena bows during Saturday Night’s Main Event at Capital One Arena on Dec. 13, 2025 in Washington, DC.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/f0jWOgO35xwfu_PrK_5x7A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODU3/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/4175ec893b13e8df14deaab97a8bc075 class=caas-img data-headline="John Cena's final match: 20 best photos of the end of his WWE career" data-caption="
John Cena bows during Saturday Night’s Main Event at Capital One Arena on Dec. 13, 2025 in Washington, DC.
">John Cena bows during Saturday Night’s Main Event at Capital One Arena on Dec. 13, 2025 in Washington, DC.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/f0jWOgO35xwfu_PrK_5x7A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODU3/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/4175ec893b13e8df14deaab97a8bc075 class=caas-img>John Cena leaves his arm bands and shoes in the ring after losing his final match at Saturday Night’s Main Event at Capital One Arena on Dec. 13, 2025 in Washington, DC.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/kEiKpjpxrzIG9X5R1DVpew--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/5d6bf702bf1b74825b069c1901d2504d class=caas-img data-headline="John Cena's final match: 20 best photos of the end of his WWE career" data-caption="
John Cena leaves his arm bands and shoes in the ring after losing his final match at Saturday Night’s Main Event at Capital One Arena on Dec. 13, 2025 in Washington, DC.
">John Cena leaves his arm bands and shoes in the ring after losing his final match at Saturday Night’s Main Event at Capital One Arena on Dec. 13, 2025 in Washington, DC.
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1 / 20John Cena's final match: 20 best photos of the end of his WWE career
John Cena enters the ring during Saturday Night’s Main Event at Capital One Arena on Dec. 13, 2025 in Washington, DC.
Women's Royal Rumble matchSurprise -
Jordan Mendoza: Bianca Belair. It's been way too long since the "EST" has been away. The odd finger injury has put her out of action for so long, but there's reason to believe she should be ready to go, and WWE figured the Royal Rumble would be the best way to bring her back. She has a thunderous entrance into the stadium and wastes no time using that ponytail as a weapon again.
Richard Morin: Paige (aka Saraya). There's been speculation that Paige, who left rival promotion AEW last year, is nearing an in-ring comeback. There's no better time for WWE to pull the trigger than to reintroduce her here.
Winner -
Jordan Mendoza: Liv Morgan. Of course, there are many ways to go at this, but it feels like a no brainer to have Morgan win. Raquel Rodriguez hasn't been able to win the women's title, so Morgan is going to take it into her own hands. She's been quietly lurking for the women's title, waiting for the right time to strike. The Judgment Day teammates Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez will help her stay alive throughout, and when the field shrinks to two, Morgan executes an ObLIVion combination to win her first Rumble match and cause some interesting tension in The Judgment Day.
Richard Morin: Bianca Belair. The women's rumble should see its fair share of returns, likely featuring Belair and Tiffany Stratton and maybe even AJ Lee and Zoey Starks. I'd also count on seeing some NXT standouts like Sol Ruca and Kendal Grey. This could go down a couple of ways, but that WrestleMania matchup between Belair and Jade Cargill is too appetizing to pass up.
Men's Royal Rumble matchSurprise -
Jordan Mendoza: Chris Jericho. It's time to bring him home. For months, WWE fans have speculated the veteran wrestler would return to the company that made him a global star, and there's no better opportunity than to start that final run at the Royal Rumble. It will be an insane pop that could only be compared to Edge's comeback in 2020.
Richard Morin: Mr. Beast. WWE loves a viral moment, and there's a connection here since Mr. Beast opened his own temporary theme park recently right in Riyadh. Bonus surprise entrant: Don't be shocked to see IShowSpeed again.
Winner -
Jordan Mendoza: Roman Reigns. The path WWE decides to go with has two options: pick an up-and-coming star or an established one? There are valid reasons to kickstart a young wrestlers path to the main event, given it's the perfect time to do so, but it doesn't feel like WWE is ready to do that just yet. Enter the "OTC," who obviously should join the elite list of two-time Royal Rumble winners. Don't be surprised if it ends in a showdown between Reigns and Brock Lesnar, with Reigns ending the match on top.
Richard Morin: Bron Breakker. I think Cody Rhodes and Jacob Fatu ultimately thwart each other, which swings the door wide open. Does Brock Lesnar show up? Do they pull the trigger on Oba Femi this soon? Will Seth Rollins return? Is Roman Reigns, now a part-timer, equipped to handle a full WrestleMania program? Those are big questions, so I'm going with someone I have no questions about.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: WWE Royal Rumble 2026 picks, predictions for winners, surprises
Source: “AOL Sports”
