There is growing speculation that Triple H has already identified which wrestler will capture the Royal Rumble 2026 WWE Champion title at the upcoming event in Saudi Arabia. After shocking results in 2025, insiders believe the path is being set for an unexpected winner to take the spotlight at WrestleMania 42.
Last year, Jey Uso stunned fans by winning the men’s Royal Rumble match, while Charlotte Flair made a remarkable comeback by claiming victory in the women’s Rumble after a long injury hiatus. Despite these wins, their fortunes at WrestleMania were mixed; Uso dethroned Gunther to become World Heavyweight Champion, whereas Flair fell short against Tiffany Stratton for the WWE Women’s Title.
Signs Pointing to an Underdog WWE World Champion in 2026
Insights from former WWE writer Vince Russo, during his appearance on the podcast Coach & Bro, suggest that Triple H may be building a narrative around Sami Zayn‘s ascension to WWE World Champion. Russo highlights Zayn’s recent victories over top contenders as part of a deliberate plan to elevate him within the company’s hierarchy.
“I gotta tell you, man, I firmly believe this now without a shadow of a doubt. They are grooming Sami Zayn to be WWE Champion. I’m telling you right now, they are planting the seeds, he’s gonna win the Royal Rumble over in Saudi and then they’re gonna replay the Bryan Danielson play. He beat Solo Sikoa on SmackDown. The guy is beating everybody; they are grooming him; they are going to put the world title on Sami Zayn.”
—Vince Russo, Former WWE Writer
Following impressive wins against Karrion Kross and Solo Sikoa, Sami Zayn is positioned as a strong contender to carry the WWE World Title after Royal Rumble 2026. This mirrors the trajectory of past stars like Bryan Danielson, indicating Triple H’s possible preference for an underdog champion to create a compelling storyline.
Concerns Around Women’s Champion Naomi’s Health and Title Status
While Sami Zayn’s rise appears imminent, uncertainty clouds the future of the current Women’s World Champion, Naomi. She was unexpectedly removed from a scheduled title defense just before a WWE Raw episode, sparking widespread speculation about a serious injury that could sideline her for an extended period.
Reports indicate Naomi’s absence might be symptomatic of a long-term condition, leaving the status of her championship and upcoming storylines in flux as WWE adjusts to these developments.
Additional Developments Impacting WWE’s Landscape
The wrestling world has also witnessed emotional and strategic shifts affecting veteran stars and rising talents alike. A WWE Hall of Famer recently revealed the personal anguish of retiring from the ring, highlighting the often-overlooked challenges of leaving behind a storied career.
Meanwhile, John Cena is poised to make his final impact as an active wrestler before mid-December 2025, with rumors circulating about a potential alliance with another WWE veteran to form a team dubbed “The Cena Brothers.” This move could add fresh excitement heading into the new year.
Adding to the turmoil, a scheduled WWE Raw title match was scrapped after the reigning WWE Champion was medically cleared to compete. These abrupt changes reflect ongoing uncertainties within WWE’s current event planning.
Behind-the-Scenes Tensions and Industry Changes
Further reports reveal a WWE legend might be confronting a backstage issue similar to that which led to Karrion Kross’s sudden departure, indicating possible unrest behind the scenes. Vince McMahon’s influence continues to shape professional wrestling’s global reach, though his tenure also included strict rule enforcement with few exceptions for select stars.
In addition, a WWE performer shared a lingering “weird feeling” following their match at SummerSlam 2025, revealing the psychological weight that major events can impose on athletes.
What the Future Holds for Royal Rumble 2026 and WWE’s Championship Scene
As Royal Rumble 2026 approaches in Saudi Arabia, Triple H’s emerging plans for a surprising champion could significantly reshape WWE’s main event scene. If Sami Zayn captures the title as anticipated, it might signal a strategic push toward spotlighting underdog narratives, invigorating the brand with fresh storylines and fan engagement.
Meanwhile, Naomi’s uncertain condition could impact the women’s division’s direction, potentially leading to new rivalries and opportunities for other contenders. The dynamic changes in WWE’s roster, combined with ongoing backstage developments, suggest that the road to WrestleMania 42 will be marked by both unexpected triumphs and challenges.
