Finn Bálor, Randy Orton and Most Likely Heel, Face Turns at WWE Elimination Chamber 2026

The road to WrestleMania 42 is in full swing, and the hits need to keep coming to build anticipation for The Show of Shows, beginning with an unpredictable Elimination Chamber on Saturday.

This is the biggest stage left for WWE to clearly state its intent for 'Mania, which is why surprises should be expected.

While the results of these matches are unlikely to truly surprise, changes in character are a must.

Big names such as CM Punk and AJ Lee are likely set in their roles for the future, but Finn Bálor, Randy Orton and others could be looking for a fresh path forward.

The following are the most likely heel and face turns at Elimination Chamber 2026 including their impact on the road to WrestleMania.

Face: Finn Bálor

What is the reason Finn Bálor is facing CM Punk when all booking sense says he has no chance to defeat The Best in the World?

Perhaps this match is the way to finally give The Prince some evolution.

The Judgment Day is falling apart, and Bálor has not benefited from his role in the stable for the past year.

Punk is pushing the Irishman to show his best self again, the man who can compete at a main event level against the top stars in the business.

The Prince can win over the crowd at the United Center in Chicago on Saturday with his performance in a losing effort and then declare definitively that he is best forging his own path from this point on.

Bálor could even feud with Dominik Mysterio into WrestleMania for the Intercontinental Championship after a face turn at Elimination Chamber.

Heel: Randy Orton

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Another month, another obvious opportunity to turn Randy Orton while he continues to look directionless on weekly television.

Due to the injury to Bronson Reed, there is just one heel in the men's Elimination Chamber match at present: Trick Williams.

While this makes sense with a heel champion Drew McIntyre waiting, it may not make for an exciting Chamber clash unless someone changes sides.

Orton makes the most sense as he needs something for 'Mania. Have Je'Von Evans or Cody Rhodes eliminate The Viper, causing a freakout that sets the stage for a match at The Show of Shows.

With Trick seemingly on track to feud with Sami Zayn and Gunther battling Dragon Lee, Orton's best potential 'Mania rivals are faces.

Heel: LA Knight

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Everything is up in the air right now for WWE, and no story needs an evolution quite like The Vision.

While LA Knight continues to hunt The Vision, the feud is stalling after multiple injuries to members of the Paul Heyman stable.

At this stage, the faction could use another big name to help revitalize a group currently without its top three stars: Seth Rollins, Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed.

No one is better suited for a shock heel turn than Knight. His story has been defined by a largely unsuccessful quest to take down The Vision.

Sometimes, it is better to cash in on the opportunity to change sides. He could work well with Logan Paul and Austin Theory and bring a fresh name to a group short on talent.

The only bigger move would be to turn Cody Rhodes, but WWE made clear last year at Elimination Chamber that The American Nightmare is staying face for the foreseeable future.

Face: Raquel Rodriguez

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Raquel Rodriguez has been featured more on WWE television recently than any other time in her career.

She has been treated as a serious world title contender, and that could play out with a win in the women's Elimination Chamber match.

Someone needs to step up to contest Jade Cargill, and the biggest names like Charlotte Flair and Bianca Belair are no longer available.

Why not give Big Mami Cool the chance? She is clearly on the outs with The Judgment Day and would be better served forging her own path.

This can ultimately lead back to Liv Morgan vs. Rodriguez, a match that has been a long time coming, with The Storm serving as the catalyst for Raquel's face evolution.