Brock Lesnar is set to appear at the 2026 Royal Rumble after his surprise return to WWE at SummerSlam 2025, where he quickly reestablished himself by defeating John Cena at Wrestlepalooza. With Lesnar’s comeback confirmed, speculation rises about who his opponents will be at the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania, with some familiar faces from his past now in focus. The Brock Lesnar Royal Rumble event could mark an important turning point in the company’s storyline landscape.
Potential World Championship Clash as Lesnar Reunites with Paul Heyman
On the September 19 episode of SmackDown, Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman reunited both in the ring and behind the scenes, signaling a renewed alliance. Heyman introduced Lesnar before his victory over John Cena at Wrestlepalooza, suggesting they are back in partnership or at least aligned in their objectives. This reunion could create friction within Heyman’s current faction, The Vision, which includes Bronson Reed, Bron Breakker, Becky Lynch, and Seth Rollins, the ongoing World Heavyweight Champion who has a contentious history with Lesnar.
If Heyman successfully bridges the gap between Lesnar and The Vision, this alliance might push Lesnar toward targeting the World Heavyweight Championship. Seth Rollins, as the current champion, may initially resist Lesnar’s challenge but could eventually relent under Heyman’s influence. In this scenario, the 2026 Royal Rumble could set the stage for a high-stakes title match between Lesnar and Rollins, with the possibility of Lesnar receiving crucial support from Heyman and the Brons, weakening The Vision’s position.
Should Lesnar capture the World Heavyweight Championship and debut as the new champion on Monday Night RAW, a new series of rivalries would likely emerge. Rollins might shift his focus to feuding with Bron Breakker instead of reclaiming the title, possibly paving the way for Gunther to become Lesnar’s next challenger.
A High-Profile WrestleMania Matchup: Gunther Versus Brock Lesnar
The prospect of Brock Lesnar facing Gunther at WrestleMania is widely regarded as a dream match for WWE fans. These two first had a memorable faceoff at the 2023 Royal Rumble, which many believed would lead to a WrestleMania bout that year; however, it never materialized. Lesnar’s subsequent legal issues and absence from the company delayed any potential showdown.
During Lesnar’s time away, Gunther maintained prominence by winning the World Championship before losing it to Jey Uso via submission, a defeat that impacted his persona. Gunther then lost the title to CM Punk, who himself was cashed in on by Seth Rollins at SummerSlam. WWE may consider a Gunther-Lesnar match as an opportunity for the Ring General to reclaim his hard-edged dominance in the roster.
“We almost there to get the moment in 2023 💔🔥(Meanwhile Gunther tried so hard to hold his character not to break it infront of Brock Lesnar during the faceoff)” — Friendly Wrestling (@WrestleFriendly)
Both Lesnar and Gunther remain formidable competitors, and if available for WrestleMania 42, their clash would deliver intense action on the grandest stage of them all. This match would also allow Lesnar to elevate Gunther’s status once again, while Gunther could serve as one of Lesnar’s final opponents, highlighting the legacy of both wrestlers.
What Lies Ahead for Brock Lesnar and WWE’s Top Stars
Brock Lesnar’s return brings a wave of anticipation and uncertainty to WWE’s storylines, especially with his potential matches at the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania. His alliance with Paul Heyman and possible feud against Seth Rollins for the World Heavyweight Championship could reshape narratives on Monday Night RAW, creating new tensions within established groups like The Vision.
Moreover, Lesnar’s potential matchup against Gunther at WrestleMania presents a rare opportunity to see two dominant forces collide, creating a high-profile contest that fans have long awaited. As WWE moves forward, these developments could signal a renewed era of competition involving some of the company’s biggest names, with Lesnar positioned at the center of it all.
We almost there to get the moment in 2023 💔🔥
(Meanwhile Gunther tried so hard to hold his character not to break it infront of Brock Lesnar during the faceoff) pic.twitter.com/9iZFb5WvKC
— Friendly Wrestling (@WrestleFriendly) October 31, 2024
