Former WWE superstar David Otunga has forecasted a surprise winner at the 2026 men’s Royal Rumble, believing a 28-year-old competitor will claim victory and secure the main event spot at WrestleMania 42. This year’s Royal Rumble will mark a milestone, as it is scheduled to take place outside the United States for the first time ever, hosted at the King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Otunga shared his outlook during TMZ Sports’ Inside The Ring podcast, naming Bron Breakker as his pick to win the men’s Royal Rumble match and headline WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
“I really think Bron Breakker. I think he would be perfect. He’s due for a main event spot at some time. And I think winning the Royal Rumble, that’s a great way to do it. He win that and then now he’s got this main event spot at Mania,” Otunga said.
Uncertainty Surrounds Bron Breakker’s Participation Amid Suspension
While Breakker is the favored choice by Otunga, uncertainty lingers over his eligibility because of a current suspension. RAW general manager Adam Pearce disciplined Breakker for physical contact made against him during recent events. However, Paul Heyman is optimistic the suspension will be overturned, arguing that Pearce initiated contact first.
Otunga Backs IYO SKY to Win the Women’s Royal Rumble
Alongside his men’s match prediction, Otunga also selected IYO SKY as the likely winner of the women’s Royal Rumble. He praised her strong momentum over the past year and expressed eagerness to see her in a WrestleMania 42 main event, which spans two nights.
“I’m gonna go with IYO SKY. I like the rise she’s on. She’s super fun in the ring, and I think it would be awesome to see her in a main event at Mania. I think she would burn the house down. I think she would be a great choice,” Otunga said.
Currently, IYO SKY holds the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships alongside Rhea Ripley, another strong contender for the women’s Royal Rumble title this year, making the women’s division especially competitive.
Implications for WrestleMania 42 and the Future of WWE
The Royal Rumble 2026 event carries significant weight, both as a historic overseas show and as a gateway to WrestleMania 42’s main events. If Otunga’s predictions hold true, the emergence of younger stars like Bron Breakker and IYO SKY at the top of WWE’s marquee events could signal a shift in the company’s landscape, highlighting a new generation’s potential to dominate the global stage. Fans and insiders alike will be watching closely to see if these rising talents overcome challenges such as suspensions and strong competition to headline one of wrestling’s biggest nights.
