Tossing Salt Presents:
WWE Royal Rumble 2026
Thoughts & Predictions
DougMaynard.com
Doug Maynard

Tomorrow, live from Saudi Arabia, is the WWE Royal Rumble. Are you ready for a few predictions? Let’s break out the Magic 8 Ball and get to work. Let’s do this.

AJ Styles’ career is on the line.
AJ Styles versus Gunther.

I’ll call it now. I think we’re getting a swerve here. I don’t think AJ Styles is going anywhere as of yet. There is just too much business still waiting to be accomplished, too many dream matches to be made, and it just seems too rushed. So, I’m calling it now. AJ won’t beat Gunther, but at the same time, Gunther won’t beat AJ either. I expect a Dusty-finish, where someone, Finn Balor maybe, gets involved, causes a DQ on Gunther by attacking AJ, and the match is over with a no-contest finish. Then we can get AJ versus Finn for a while, let AJ have a few more moments and dream matches, etc., while Gunther takes out his frustration on the WWE roster. Then they can try it again in a rematch at WrestleMania or SummerSlam. That sounds good to me.

Winners: No Contest due to outside interference.

WWE Championship Match
Drew McIntyre versus Sami Zayn.

I’d love to see them finally pull the trigger on Sami, but at the same time, it’s just too soon for Drew to drop the belt. I’m looking for Sami to come just so close, but Drew cheats, steals a win, and keeps the title.

Winner and STILL WWE Champion: Drew McIntyre.

The Men’s Royal Rumble Match.

Listed so far for the Men’s Royal Rumble match are Roman Reigns, Cody Rhodes, Gunther, Brock Lesnar, Jey Uso, Rey Mysterio, Dragon Lee, Penta, Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed, Logan Paul, Austin Theory, Je’Von Evans, and Oba Femi. So that’s 14 names, leaving sixteen spots to be filled. I expect we’ll see The New Day, Kit Wilson, Matt Cardona, El Grande Americano, R-Truth, and Rusev fill some of those spots. And a few surprises like Mr. Iguana, Solo Sikoa, Powerhouse Hobbs, and a Wyatt or two thrown in as well. I also have a feeling that Dominik Mysterio may show up. It’s a packed event. But who is winning? I think most of this match will be to set up feuds and stories, but that being said, there has to be a winner. Bron Breakker is the obvious favorite, and Cody is the other obvious pick. And my choice? Hell, let’s go with Cody Rhodes.

Winner: Cody Rhodes.

The Women’s Royal Rumble Match.

Listed already are Rhea Ripley, IYO SKY, Bayley, Lyra Valkyria, Liv Morgan, Roxanne Perez, Raquel Rodriguez, Asuka, Jordynne Grace, Becky Lynch, Chelsea Green, Charlotte Flair, Alexa Bliss, Nia Jax, Lash Legend, Giulia, Maxxine Dupri, and Kairi Sane. So, that leaves twelve spots to be filled. I’m hoping that Nikki Cross and a returning Bianca Belair will fill two of those spots. And surprises? I’d like to see Mickie James, Tessa Blanchard, maybe a Bella or two, and The IIconics fill those holes. And the winner? It’s not likely, but only one person should have this honor. And her name is Chelsea Green.

Winner: Chelsea Green.

Motor City Machine Guns & Shinsuke Nakamura vs. New Day & Grayson Waller

I was checking on some things, and I see this match has been added to the Royal Rumble event. When? It must have happened last night on SmackDown. How did I miss that? I guess common sense prevailed, and WWE realized that four matches were not enough. This is essentially filler, but it should be a damn good match. And the winners? Is there even any doubt? It’s your boys, The New Day. True ’nuff said.

Winners: The New Day & “Big G” Grayson Waller.

And there you go, with my predictions for the 2026 Royal Rumble event. So, what are your thoughts and predictions? Let me know who you’re rooting for. What surprises do you expect? I guess we’ll find out tomorrow. Thanks for reading and thanks for the continued support. And with that, take care, my friends. Stay well, and I’ll see you at the Royal Rumble.

Ubuntu!