Ranking the Most Likely 2026 WWE Royal Rumble Men's and Women's Winners
With WrestleMania 42 returning to Las Vegas, all eyes will be on the Royal Rumble on January 31 to see who will earn the right to challenge for the world title of their choosing at the biggest event of the year.
Since 1988, the Rumble has been an annual tradition for WWE. "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan won the first 20-man match before it was expanded to 30 Superstars the following year, with a guaranteed title shot also being added for the winner.
In 2018, WWE added the women's Royal Rumble match to the premium live event. Asuka won in that first year, but the only woman to have won two is Charlotte Flair.
Thirty men and 30 women will step into the ring in a few months to determine who will challenge whoever holds their desired championship.
Let's take a look at some of the most likely candidates to win the Rumble matches, beginning with the women's bout.
5. Jordynne Grace
1 of 10
Ever since Jordynne Grace signed with WWE, it has been a waiting game to see when she will be called up to the main roster. In many ways, she never needed to be in NXT at all.
It feels like WWE is in a holding pattern with Grace right now, which could be an indication it's just waiting for the right moment for her main roster debut.
Her first WWE appearance ever was in a Royal Rumble match with the TNA Knockouts title around her waist. It would be fitting if the way she was brought to Raw or SmackDown was by winning the women's match.
4. Nikki Bella
2 of 10
Nikki Bella's return to WWE initially felt like it might be a one-off deal, but she has since proved she is still hungry for another run at the top.
Her heel turn on Monday's Raw was unexpected and will push her character in a different direction moving forward, which could be the best thing for her. She has always thrived more as a heel than as a babyface.
Having her win the women's Rumble would not be out of the realm of possibility. In fact, it's something management has likely given serious consideration.
3. AJ Lee
3 of 10
While Bella has returned and competed in several matches, the return of AJ Lee has been a one-time thing up to this point, but that does not mean it will stay that way.
The former Divas champion has maintained her popularity while being away from the ring, so having her show up as a surprise Rumble entrant would get a huge pop from the crowd.
However, it would get an even bigger reaction if she ended up winning, which is a real possibility with current management.
Right now, it feels like WWE's priority is to create memorable moments. Lee winning the women's Rumble would certainly qualify.
2. Iyo Sky
4 of 10
The WWE roster is full of popular names, but few seem to generate the kind of universal support Iyo Sky has over the past couple of years.
A combination of top-notch in-ring work and a likeable personality have made her a favorite of the WWE Universe. And if there is one thing the company does well, it's capitalize on someone's popularity.
Sky has taken a bit of a backseat recently in storylines, so having her win the women's Rumble would propel her right back to the top in one night.
1. Bianca Belair
5 of 10
Bianca Belair's hand injury has kept her out of action longer than expected due to its severity, but if she is ready to return by the end of January, she is the most likely candidate to win.
There is a storyline with Jade Cargill just waiting for her when she returns, and with The Storm having just won the WWE Women's Championship, the Rumble is the perfect opportunity to set them on a path that leads to WrestleMania.
Belair is not only a great performer, but she has also grown into one of WWE's most prominent ambassadors. She's one of those people who works twice as hard as most because she is so dedicated to achieving her goals.
Charlotte Flair is the only woman to win two women's Rumbles, but if Belair is able to return in time, she could well become the second to do it.
5. AJ Styles
6 of 10
Over the past year, AJ Styles has mentioned the possibility of retirement on more than one occasion. If anyone deserves a farewell tour on the same level as John Cena, it's The Phenomenal One.
Styles might not have had as many years in WWE as Cena, but he has been integral to the success of multiple companies, including WWE's current ally organization, TNA.
A legendary run deserves a legendary sendoff, and if he intends to retire soon, giving him one last reign as a world champion feels like an appropriate way to honor what he has done.
4. Jimmy Uso
7 of 10
WWE has elevated Jey Uso to being a legit main event-level star, and the same could be done easily with Jimmy.
At one point in their careers, Jimmy actually seemed like the more promising singles star of the two. He has a bigger personality and a fun-loving vibe. The crowd loves him, and if WWE decides to push him to that level, they could be the first male twins to hold world titles in the company.
Having Jimmy win the men's Rumble would be guaranteed to blow the roof off the arena. He has worked hard and deserves the same opportunity to succeed as his brother.
3. Penta
8 of 10
We wanted to include a pick that was a little more of an underdog to win, and one man who stood out is Penta.
The masked man has been incredibly popular ever since he arrived in WWE. He has done nothing but put on great matches and have fun with the crowd.
WWE rarely takes big chances with Rumble winners, especially these days. It usually picks someone who is already at the main event level, so it would be a nice change to be genuinely surprised by a winner for once.
Penta, even if he were to lose at WrestleMania, would be guaranteed to put on a great world title match against either champion. There would be no downside to booking him to win.
2. Logan Paul
9 of 10
As much as we might hate to see this happen, we have to acknowledge Logan Paul winning the men's Rumble match is a very real possibility.
The social media star has clearly made a good impression on management since he continues to be booked in big matches and feuds, and the current regime does not seem above putting a world title on him to capitalize on the heat it would generate.
This booking stunt would create a lot of buzz for WWE, both good and bad, but the traffic it would bring might be enough to justify the decision in the eyes of management.
1. Bron Breakker
10 of 10
Seth Rollins' injury came at an unfortunate time for both him and his group, The Vision, but WWE can use this as an opportunity to create a new top star.
Bron Breakker has been earmarked for success since the moment he stepped foot in the WWE Performance Center. He has the look, the over-the-top personality, the physicality and the pedigree to be successful at every level.
Not only should he win, but he should also do it in dominant fashion. WWE needs to have The Badass go on a rampage when he gets to the ring and eliminate everyone left to claim victory.
Breakker and Belair feel like the top choices right now, but the great thing about the Rumble is it offers an opportunity to surprise us with an unexpected winner. Who do you think will win the Royal Rumble matches this year?
