Drew McIntyre’s triumphant climb to Undisputed WWE Champion at last week’s SmackDown, capped by his hard-fought victory over Cody Rhodes in a Three Stages of Hell Match, has energized WWE fans and the roster alike. As McIntyre basks in the spotlight, the conversation turns to which WWE Superstars are most deserving of a similar ascent to the Drew McIntyre WWE Champion status in the coming year.
With passion and anticipation running high, several wrestlers have made remarkable impressions over the past year, compelling fans and insiders to argue that their time for a top-tier push may have arrived. Here are five WWE talents who should follow McIntyre’s lead and capture championship gold in 2026.
Chad Gable’s Return Could Spark a Championship Run
Chad Gable, sidelined since June 2025 due to a lingering shoulder injury, made a significant impact before being taken off screen. Not only did Gable consistently captivate audiences with his unique combination of technical wrestling and comedic timing, he also switched between roles as himself and under the mask as El Grande Americano, demonstrating his versatility. With the audience firmly behind Master Gable, many believe that once he returns, he deserves a proper chance to claim his first singles championship on the main roster, validating the years of dedication he’s shown to both the WWE and its fans.
Sami Zayn’s Underdog Story Deserves Its World Title Chapter
The Canadian favorite Sami Zayn has continually built momentum, both as a performer and a crowd darling. After a successful United States Championship reign in 2025, highlighted by revitalizing the US Title Open Challenge format, Zayn’s trajectory has only risen. Yet, the elusive World Championship remains just out of reach. For many in the WWE Universe, the time has come for Zayn’s enduring story as an underdog to culminate in a much-deserved world title win, finally completing his storied WWE journey.
Bronson Reed’s Momentum Warrants Main Event Gold
Australian powerhouse Bronson Reed has established himself as a force since joining The Vision last year. Known as Aus-zilla, Reed’s dominance has been punctuated by crucial victories, the most striking of which was his defeating Roman Reigns in an Australian Street Fight at Crown Jewel: Perth. Despite these achievements and his consistent presence as the group’s enforcer, Reed is still searching for his first main roster singles championship, an honor that could cement his status as a centerpiece of WWE programming for years to come.
LA Knight Needs to Capitalize on His Momentum
LA Knight brings charisma and confidence to every appearance, earning the nickname “The Megastar.” Despite his popularity and repeated title opportunities, 2025 brought disappointing results, as he fell short in several major matches within the World Heavyweight Championship scene. Nevertheless, Knight’s crowd reactions remain among the loudest, prompting calls for WWE’s creative direction to seize the moment and finally grant him his first world title. With the right push in 2026, LA Knight could easily capture the attention of fans worldwide as the new standard bearer.
Finn Balor’s Singles Career Is Due a Resurgence
Finn Balor, a key member of The Judgment Day, hasn’t held singles gold since 2022, finding his recent success largely in tag team competition. The reliable Irish performer has proven his worth time after time, but his individual accolades have stalled in recent years, despite high-profile matches and a loyal fan following. Many believe that 2026 should be the year Triple H and the WWE creative team refocus on Balor, granting him a major singles push befitting his talents and tenure in the company.
As WWE enters a new season with Drew McIntyre’s reign symbolizing perseverance and passion, the door is open for stars like Chad Gable, Sami Zayn, Bronson Reed, LA Knight, and Finn Balor to join him at the pinnacle of sports entertainment. Their journeys highlight the depth of WWE’s roster, and their inevitable championship pursuits promise excitement and emotional investment for fans around the world.
Finn Balor commercial break promo that WWE doesn't post on social media for unexplained reasons. #WWERaw https://t.co/2PW0xSZTxx pic.twitter.com/xCef6tX9Q3
— Getting Over: Wrestling Podcast (@GettingOverCast) December 30, 2025
