Bold WWE Predictions for the Rest of 2026 After Backlash Results

WWE hit the reset button on the product coming out of WrestleMania 42, and most of the unfinished feuds were wrapped up at Backlash 2026.

Now, fans look forward to not only what Clash in Italy at the end of the month will have in store but the rest of 2026 as a whole.

The inconsistent quality of WWE TV dating back to the beginning of the year and even well into 2025 has made it almost impossible to predict the direction certain storylines are headed in—for better or for worse.

WWE has had to pivot a number of times this year alone, whether it be because of injuries or angles not working out as originally planned. Thus, the current state looks vastly different than it did six months ago and there's no telling what other drastic changes the next six months will bring.

From surprising title changes to long-awaited reunions and breakups, these are eight bold predictions for WWE in the remainder of 2026.

Oba Femi Dethrones Roman Reigns for the World Heavyweight Championship

In perhaps the least "bold" pick of the pack, Oba Femi unquestionably should be the one to take the World Heavyweight Championship from Roman Reigns.

Femi is riding a massive wave of momentum coming off his clean victory over Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 42. He's keeping himself busy for now by issuing open challenges weekly on Raw, but the endgame should be him entering and winning this year's King of the Ring tournament.

Doing so would put him in contention for Raw's top title, currently held by Reigns. Of course, Reigns will have to maintain his possession of the prestigious prize until early August, but there's been nothing to suggest that his reign is in any real jeopardy.

Femi is very much "the guy" WWE should be building up, and having him beat a star the caliber of The Tribal Chief would firmly cement him as such.

SummerSlam is the stage where the moment makes the most sense to happen as well.

Bayley, LA Knight Leave WWE

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Recent reports from Wrestling Observer Radio indicating that TKO wanted The New Day to restructure their contracts and their refusal to do so being the reason why opted to leave should cause concern among fans that other notable names are sure to follow.

Bayley and LA Knight presumably aren't being paid pennies considering how long they've both been with WWE and how successful and how popular they've been. That said, there may come a point where TKO eventually feels their current deals don't match how they've been booked for the last year or so.

Knight and Bayley have basically been directionless on the Raw roster for many months, and if they aren't satisfied with a potential pay cut, they could be the next Superstars to depart WWE.

It's not as if they wouldn't have their fair share of options outside of the company, either. They'd make excellent additions to AEW, but they could just as easily excel anywhere else they decide to take their talents.

Bayley and Knight deserve better than being underutilized, and their frustrations could come to a head sooner rather than later.

Trick Williams Wins Money in the Bank

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If the men's Money in the Bank briefcase has any one wrestler's name on it this year, it's Trick Williams.

His rapid rise on SmackDown has seen him get over with the audience, compete at every WWE premium live event so far this year (including winning at WrestleMania) and capture the United States Championship. He's been booked practically perfectly.

Of course, WWE should take their time with him as U.S. champ, but ultimately, he should be bound for the main event scene. Whether he's still holding the star-spangled title by then or not, Williams is a shoe-in to become Mr. Money in the Bank come September.

He wouldn't necessarily have to cash in the contract this year, but merely having it in his grasp would be enough to condition fans that he'll soon be wearing world championship gold around his waist.

There's a handful of fresh faces who'd benefit from carrying the contract, but Williams is the most realistic pick given his upside and how quickly he's found his footing on Friday nights.

The Vision Dissolves Before The Judgment Day

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WrestleMania marked four years since The Judgment Day first formed in WWE. The group has gone through various incarnations and many members, but coming out of WrestleMania 42, it still boasts a whopping five people.

Tension being teased between Roxanne Perez and Liv Morgan as of late might mean that a full-fledged split for the faction is on the horizon, but expect The Vision to dissolve well before Judgment Day does.

Although Bron Breakker has been positioned as the leader of The Vision, it's clear he doesn't need them. Paul Heyman is serviceable as his manager, but the rest of the stable adds little to his act.

In fact, Breakker beat The Vision's former leader Seth Rollins without any help from the other members at Backlash. Bronson Reed is out injured indefinitely while Logan Paul and Austin Theory seem to be spinning their wheels as World Tag Team champions, so The Vision would be better off dismantling completely.

Mason Rook Wins the Inaugural John Cena Classic

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John Cena's "epic" announcement at Backlash was that WWE will soon be holding the John Cena Classic, which will feature stars from all three brands battling for a chance at a championship. The winner will apparently be determined by fan voting, regardless of how many matches they win or lose.

It's a unique concept to be sure, but how the company actually intends to execute it remains to be seen. Of all the names on the NXT roster expected to be a part of it, newcomer Mason Rook should be considered the early favorite to win the whole thing.

The former Will Kroos immediately took NXT by storm with his first two appearances on the brand. His sheer size combined with his impressive athleticism will allow him to stand out once he's introduced to the main roster audience.

Cena has already indicated on social media that he's a big fan of Rook and his potential, so he'd be a fitting first recipient of the John Cena Classic championship.

The Lucha Brothers Finally Reunite

Penta and Rey Fenix have both been on the WWE roster for over a year at this point and have yet to interact in any form or fashion on the main roster.

They came close to teaming up in AAA at the end of 2025 before an injury to Penta put him on the shelf temporarily and forced him to be replaced by Rey Mysterio. Seemingly, WWE has kept them separate so it will mean more when they inevitably reunite, and that should finally materialize before the end of 2026.

Penta has been quite the success story as a singles star on Raw. It took him no time to endear himself to the audience and eventually clinch the Intercontinental Championship, whereas Fenix has struggled to land television time and rack up wins.

WWE's tag team division is depleted at the moment, but perhaps putting The Lucha Brothers back together for a time can inject some new life into it. At the very least, Lucha Brothers vs. The Usos has to happen.

Jacy Jane Wins the WWE Women's Championship from Rhea Ripley

Rhea Ripley dethroning Jade Cargill for the WWE Women's Championship at WrestleMania 42 significantly shook up the landscape of SmackDown's women's division.

Cargill resurfaced on SmackDown this past Friday and made it known that she wants a title rematch, but once that rivalry runs its course, Ripley will still have Jacy Jane and the rest of Fatal Influence to contend with.

Fatal Influence has been portrayed as a dominant force since debuting on the blue brand in the wake of WrestleMania. Jane took Ripley to the limit in her in-ring debut, defeated Charlotte Flair the following week and pinned Alexa Bliss in tag team action the week after that.

Jane shocked the world when she upset Stephanie Vaquer for the NXT Women's Championship last year, and it appears she's about to do the same on SmackDown with The Eradicator and the WWE Women's Championship.

That title change would instantly establish her as a star and ensure she's taken seriously.

Cody Rhodes Becomes a "Paul Heyman Guy"

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The interaction Cody Rhodes and Paul Heyman had on SmackDown this past Friday was incredibly importantly. In addition to it making Rhodes' Undisputed WWE Championship defense against Gunther official for Clash in Italy, it heavily foreshadowed that Rhodes will complete his heel turn by aligning with Heyman.

It would lack logic for it to be anytime soon, especially since Rhodes and Randy Orton still need to settle their score from WrestleMania 42, but heel Rhodes could be coming as early as the end of 2026 if WWE plays their cards right.

Heyman has been the ultimate thorn in Rhodes' side since the latter returned to WWE four years ago. It would only be appropriate for The American Nightmare to solidify his turn to the dark side by making a deal with the devil.

Rhodes said in their segment on SmackDown that everyone eventually leaves Heyman, but Heyman responding by telling him that he still finds a way to attract new clients anyway should be a sign that a partnership between the two looms large.

Graham Mirmina, aka Graham "GSM" Matthews, has specialized in sports and entertainment writing since 2010. Visit his website, WrestleRant, and subscribe to his YouTube channel for more wrestling-related content.