Roman Reigns’ entry into this year’s men’s Royal Rumble match was expected, as was the likelihood of him winning on Saturday night. While he hasn’t secured a Rumble victory since 2015, that win had long-lasting consequences for his career. A repeat victory wouldn’t generate the same buzz, but it may not be the best outcome either. Regardless of the winner, Reigns is projected to take part in a major match at WrestleMania 42, possibly with a world championship at stake. His role at the Rumble is drawing significant attention with potential storylines shaping WWE’s big spring event.
In 2025, WWE’s handling of Reigns followed a predictable pattern that mostly kept him out of the world title spotlight. What lies ahead for 2026, especially with the Royal Rumble as a pivot point, could lead to many directions. Fans eagerly await to see whether his involvement sets the stage for a WrestleMania rivalry or championship run, making his Rumble booking arguably more consequential than the eventual winner.
Roman Reigns’ Absence from WWE TV Before the Royal Rumble
It is notable and somewhat concerning that Roman Reigns will not appear on WWE television ahead of his return at the Royal Rumble. His last televised moment came during WarGames at Survivor Series, where his team was defeated by The Vision faction, consisting of Drew McIntyre, Brock Lesnar, and others. The event concluded with a tense encounter between Reigns and Cody Rhodes, hinting at a potential WrestleMania showdown between the two.
Despite the popularity of The Tribal Chief, the choice to withhold him from TV in the weeks before the Rumble is unusual, especially since there is no storyline injury or other setback preventing his appearances. Last year, Reigns’ participation in the Rumble was only revealed via a video package, without him openly declaring his entry beforehand, and this year’s approach is similar. This pre-Rumble absence could lead to frustration among fans, particularly if Reigns wins without any buildup.
Why Roman Reigns Is the Strong Favorite to Win the Rumble
It is logical for WWE to keep Roman Reigns involved in the Royal Rumble, especially as the company aims to fill the match with star power similar to last year. Given that Reigns is available, he is expected to compete, yet a victory for him is not essential or particularly exciting at this point. Many alternatives exist that would generate more interest.
Reigns remains the odds-on favorite to win, largely because he has been absent from the world title picture since losing the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship to Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 40. WWE may feel that a two-year gap is sufficient time before he re-enters that scene. However, as one of the company’s biggest names, WWE faces the challenge of cultivating fresh stars, something that could be hindered if Reigns immediately returns to headline WrestleMania.
The uncertainty surrounding Reigns’ performance in the Rumble includes not just his possible victory but also what interactions and rivalries he may spark, which could shape the card for WrestleMania 42.
Continuing Rivalry with The Vision Faction
Roman Reigns’ storyline with The Vision remains unresolved. At WrestleMania 41, he suffered betrayal by Paul Heyman and defeat by Seth Rollins in a Triple Threat match. The aftermath saw Heyman and Rollins recruit Bron Breakker, forming The Vision. Throughout 2025, Reigns feuded with this faction, winning tag matches at SummerSlam and singles at Clash in Paris but losing to Bronson Reed in a high-profile rematch at Crown Jewel. Ultimately, his team was defeated by The Vision in WarGames at Survivor Series.
Despite these encounters, Reigns never faced Bron Breakker in a one-on-one match, leaving an unfinished feud that could return later, especially if Breakker becomes a main event contender. WrestleMania 42 offers an ideal platform for this showdown, potentially even for a world title if either competitor secures the championship before then, such as at Elimination Chamber.
On the Raw episode before the Rumble, WWE announced that all four members of The Vision will participate in the men’s Royal Rumble. This opens the door for Reigns to settle scores with one or more members, possibly injecting meaningful drama into the match.
Potential Encounters with Cody Rhodes at the Rumble
Alongside Roman Reigns, several Superstars, including Cody Rhodes, have officially entered the men’s Royal Rumble. Rhodes was first to announce his participation during the January 16 episode of SmackDown, which inspired other wrestlers to follow.
Rhodes winning the Rumble appears even less novel than a Reigns victory, considering he has won two of the past three Rumble matches and is fresh off a title loss to Drew McIntyre. It would be surprising if Rhodes is not featured in the Undisputed WWE Championship match at WrestleMania 42. Current speculation points to a rematch with McIntyre, possibly involving Jacob Fatu in a Triple Threat, or another clash with Reigns.
If Rhodes and Reigns cross paths without the title on the line, it would likely be a non-title rivalry, which might serve better creatively. Either way, a moment involving both men during the Rumble is almost guaranteed, and if it does not happen, it would indicate that WWE has set aside their rumored WrestleMania rivalry for the year.
Where Roman Reigns’ Career Could Head After the Royal Rumble
Despite working part-time, Roman Reigns remains a significant draw for WWE with ample creative possibilities when he is involved. This makes the way WWE books him approaching WrestleMania 42 critically important. Any missteps in booking will primarily affect Reigns’ reputation with fans rather than WWE management.
For the past two years, Reigns has enjoyed organic popularity as a fan favorite, and it would be unwise to undermine that momentum with an overdone Reigns vs. Rhodes storyline that would be better saved for later. Reigns could continue as a major attraction just beneath the world title scene, which could benefit the overall usage of his character.
If Reigns pursues a championship at WrestleMania 42, it should be with the likely outcome of him losing. This approach would support long-term storytelling, allowing him to elevate others such as Bron Breakker or to settle scores against Drew McIntyre, Seth Rollins, or CM Punk without overshadowing them.
The Royal Rumble is expected to provide clarity on Reigns’ direction moving forward. How WWE utilizes him in this match could become more noteworthy than who actually wins, setting the tone for the upcoming WrestleMania and beyond.
