Roman Reigns, Liv Morgan Favored to Win 2026 Royal Rumble
Summary
The 2026 Royal Rumble will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with several top contenders vying for a WrestleMania title shot. In the men’s match, Roman Reigns is the betting favorite, with a potential storyline leading to a clash with CM Punk. Other strong possibilities include Gunther, Sami Zayn—whose Syrian heritage makes a win in Saudi Arabia compelling—and rising stars Bron Breakker and Jacob Fatu.
For the women’s match, Liv Morgan is the frontrunner, having gained significant momentum. Former winners Bianca Belair and Rhea Ripley are also top contenders, though the event may be used to elevate other talent. Charlotte Flair, last year’s winner, is considered a less likely repeat victor as the promotion looks to build new stars.
WWE’s first PLE of 2026 will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with 35,000 fans at a new stadium constructed for this event. Last year, many expected John Cena, the overwhelming favorite but instead, the WWE changed course and Jey Uso won it, while Charlotte Flair won the women’s match. With WrestleMania 42 looming, several names stand out as realistic favorites, but there can only be one winner. Here’s a look at who could win and who could play spoiler.
Men’s 2026 Royal Rumble
Roman Reigns +175
While the OTC hasn’t been on TV since November, it appears there is a built-in storyline for him to main event Wrestlemania vs CM Punk for the World Heavyweight Championship. His only win at the Rumble came in 2015, and it does make sense for him to win his second, but as we know, storylines can change quickly in the WWE.
Gunther +200
After retiring Goldberg and John Cena in 2025, Gunther faces AJ Styles at the Rumble, where he can retire another legend. “The Ring General” is the biggest heel in the company and could be a great opponent for CM Punk at Mania. Gunther likely wins a Rumble, but it may not be this year.
Sami Zayn +400
Sam Zayn has never won a World Title. But he could find a pathway to Wrestlemania. How fitting would it be for Zayn, of Syrian descent and who speaks fluent Arabic, to win in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia? The ultimate underdog who has gotten close several times but never been able to climb the mountain. But this could be Zayn’s year, finally.
Bron Breakker +500
Bron Breakker represents the future and make no mistake, will be the World Champion one day. While he already lost to Punk, he could earn a rematch with a win at the Rumble and would have an excellent chance to win the title at Wrestlemania. Breakker is being pushed, but will that continue in Saudi Arabia? That’s the big question.
Jacob Fatu +700
His surprise return on Smackdown reignited his feud with Drew McIntyre but also assisted the Scottish Warrior in capturing the championship from Cody Rhodes. It would make sense for Jacob Fatu to face McIntyre at Wrestlemania, and the feud would intensify with a Fatu victory at the Rumble.
Oba Femi +1400
Oba Femi is a menacing force who is on the main roster, and the WWE will certainly be looking to push him in the coming months. While winning the Rumble seems like a tall order, don’t be surprised to see Femi have the most eliminations, thus pushing him into the top tier of the roster and making him a menacing beast.
Roman Reigns +175
Gunther +200
Sami Zayn +400
Bron Breakker +500
LA Knight +600
Jacob Fatu +700
Oba Femi +1400
Seth Rollins +1800
Dirty Dom +2000
CM Punk +2000
Brock Lesnar +2500
Randy Orton +2500
The Rock +3300
Drew McIntyre +3300
AJ Styles +3300
Women’s 2026 Royal Rumble
Liv Morgan -115
Since her return at Survivor Series, Liv Morgan has been gaining some serious steam heading into the Royal Rumble. Morgan has never won a Rumble and has been teased at going after the World Title and seems ready for a push up the ladder, and onto the biggest stage, Wrestlemania.
Bianca Belair +200
The 2021 winner hasn’t wrestled since Wrestlemania 41 and has been sidelined due to injury. It’s not certain she’ll be back but a surprise return and winning her second Rumble isn’t out of the question – especially when it could set up a blockbuster title match against former friend and current heel, Jade Cargill.
Rhea Ripley +300
Rhea Ripley won the 2023 event and is always considered a favorite in the Rumble. She’s typically in the final four and more than likely will be one of the last contenders. While she will return to the world title chase soon, this may be the opportunity for the WWE to give others a push.
Charlotte Flair +1200
Charlotte Flair is always in contention for the Rumble, but having won last year and being the only two-time winner, you have to think her chances aren’t very good as the WWE looks to push other talent to the main event level.
Alexa Bliss +5000
Since teaming up with Charlotte Flair, Alexa Bliss has resurrected her career as they continue a tag team run. Bliss has won titles but never a Rumble. A long-shot win could set the stage for a Flair heel turn and a possible Wrestlemania showdown. Could she be the Jey Uso of 2026? Maybe.
Roxanne Perez +6600
Last year, Roxanne Perez set a women’s Rumble record by competing for an hour and 7 minutes before being eliminated. While all eyes are on her Judgment Day teammate, Liv Morgan, Perez could find a path to a showdown with Stephanie Vaquer for the title. She looks ready to make the jump. The question is, will it happen in Saudi Arabia?
Women’s 2026 Royal Rumble Odds
Liv Morgan -115
Bianca Belair +200
Rhea Ripley +300
Tiffany Stratton +700
Charlotte Flair +1200
IYO SKY +1400
Lyra Valkyria +1800
Nia Jax +2200
Chelsea Green +2200
AJ Lee +2200
Asuka +2500
Jade Cargill +2500
Alexa Bliss +5000
