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By Fernando Quiles Jr
Contributing Sports Writer
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WWE superstars have been making their way to Riyadh for Saturday's "Royal Rumble 2026" event, which means it's time for predictions. The oddsmakers currently have Roman Reigns and Bron Breakker as favorites to win the men's over-the-top-rope spectacle, with "The OTC" having a slight edge. Over on the women's side, Bianca Belair, who would be a surprise entrant, and Liv Morgan have the highest chances of winning the Royal Rumble match, per oddsmakers.
There will also be an Undisputed WWE Championship match between titleholder Drew McIntyre and Sami Zayn. Legendary professional wrestling star AJ Styles will put his in-ring career at stake in a singles match against Gunther.
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Men's Royal Rumble Match
There will be some heavy hitters in this year's men's Royal Rumble match, and fans are expecting some surprises as well. Names such as Brock Lesnar have been rumored to be surprise entrants. One can't rule out LA Knight, who has been off WWE TV selling a storyline injury at the hands of Logan Paul and Bronson Reed of The Vision.
Fans and experts believe Reigns and Breakker have the best chance of winning for good reason. A win for Reigns wouldn't stop Breakker from possibly getting another WWE World Heavyweight Championship match either on a future episode of "Raw" or at "Elimination Chamber." A popular belief is that Breakker vs. Reigns could headline night one or two of "WrestleMania 42" in Las Vegas.
Expect "The OTC" to win his second men's Royal Rumble match and go on to challenge for the top male prize on the "Monday Night Raw" brand in April.
Prediction: Roman Reigns
Women's Royal Rumble Match
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WWE has made it easy for fans to view Liv Morgan as a favorite in the women's Royal Rumble match. She had teased a program with reigning WWE Women's World Champion Stephanie Vaquer before her Judgment Day stablemate Raquel Rodriguez inserted herself in the title picture. Morgan and Rodriguez could continue their growing animosity, which leads to an accidental elimination.
If that happens, Morgan would be in play for a win at "Elimination Chamber" to secure her world title shot at "WrestleMania." That scenario would also leave the door open for Belair to make her triumphant return by winning the women's Royal Rumble match. Belair hasn't been confirmed for Saturday's event in Riyadh, but having been away since "WrestleMania 41" due to a hand injury, it may be time for "The EST" to remind fans that she's still at the top of the heap.
Prediction: Bianca Belair
Drew McIntyre (c) vs. Sami Zayn - for the Undisputed WWE Championship
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WWE has been pushing Zayn's quest to capture his first world title. Standing in his way is a man he has never beaten in singles competition. McIntyre's record against Zayn is spotless, and he's riding momentum after defeating Cody Rhodes to capture the top male title on the "SmackDown" brand in a 3 Stages of Hell match.
Zayn will receive a warm welcome from the fans in Riyadh, but this is not the time for a title change. "WrestleMania" in 2027 will also be held in Riyadh, and that is far better suited for Zayn's first world championship win with a proper build. For now, Zayn will fall just short, as McIntyre likely enters a "WrestleMania" main event in front of fans. McIntyre's "WrestleMania" path could involve Rhodes and Jacob Fatu.
Prediction: Drew McIntyre
Gunther vs. AJ Styles
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This is it for the "Phenomenal" one, isn't it? Styles will walk away as an in-ring performer if he can't defeat Gunther at "Royal Rumble 2026." There's no reason for Gunther to lose just one month after he made John Cena tap out in the WWE legend's final match. The only slight glimmer of hope for fans of Styles is if WWE is planning a DQ finish.
Styles' recent classic with Shinsuke Nakamura, as well as his WWE World Heavyweight Championship match against CM Punk, has led many to believe the writing is on the wall. Gunther puts an end to Styles' Hall of Fame-worthy career on Saturday. Perhaps a "WrestleMania 42" showdown with Lesnar may be in the cards for "The Ring General."
Prediction: Gunther
More News:
- Longtime WWE Director Expected to Miss Royal Rumble 2026 in Riyadh
- WWE Confirms The Usos’ Next Challengers for Tag Team Title
- Tiffany Stratton Could Return at WWE Royal Rumble 2026: Report
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