The build-up to the 2026 WWE Royal Rumble, scheduled to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, has begun in earnest, with fans eagerly discussing who could emerge as the new victors of this year’s iconic battle royal. As WrestleMania 42 approaches, winning the Royal Rumble remains crucial for WWE superstars hoping to secure a coveted spot on one of wrestling’s biggest stages.
This year presents several high-profile possibilities for the 2026 WWE Royal Rumble winners, with familiar favorites and potential surprise returns creating excitement within the WWE universe. Here are seven top contenders who could claim victory in the Royal Rumble match and change the landscape heading into WrestleMania 42.
Bianca Belair: Poised for a Triumphant Comeback
Bianca Belair, who has been absent since WrestleMania 41, remains one of the most talked-about WWE superstars leading up to this year’s Royal Rumble event. Many fans anticipate that Belair could make her return as a surprise entrant, immediately thrusting her back into the spotlight and main event contention.
Should Belair secure a win, it would set up a compelling narrative as she pursues a championship clash against Jade Cargill for the WWE Women’s Championship at WrestleMania 42. With an unresolved storyline between the two former tag team partners, their rivalry could intensify on wrestling’s grandest stage, offering fans the potential for one of the most talked-about matchups of the year.
Spotlight on Other Royal Rumble Contenders
With the Royal Rumble known for its unexpected twists, there are still plenty of other WWE superstars who could seize the moment and book their place at WrestleMania 42. The mix of returning legends, established stars, and up-and-coming competitors ensures that the path to victory remains wide open. Names like Cody Rhodes, who continues making headlines in major WWE matches, as well as several rumored surprise returns, add further intrigue to the anticipated event in Riyadh.
Beyond the excitement of returning champions, fans are also eager to see how newer and veteran wrestlers, both from Raw and SmackDown, will fare in the high-stakes environment. Each match entrant brings their own ambitions and storylines that could culminate in career-defining moments, especially with WrestleMania qualification on the line.
Anticipation Builds Toward WrestleMania 42
The 2026 WWE Royal Rumble continues to capture the imagination of fans worldwide, especially as competitors vie for an opportunity to headline WrestleMania 42. With only two spots available for the coveted winner’s title—one for the men and one for the women—the stakes could not be higher for this year’s showdown in Saudi Arabia. As the event draws closer, announcements, returns, and last-minute surprises will likely shift predictions and keep fans guessing up until the final bell.
This year’s winners will not only define the main events at WrestleMania 42 but also help shape future storylines for WWE. As Bianca Belair, Jade Cargill, Cody Rhodes, and other prominent names enter the conversation, the road to Riyadh is filled with optimism, competition, and the promise of new champions emerging from the Royal Rumble arena.
