4. Roman Reigns
Few wrestlers command attention like Roman Reigns. After an unprecedented four-year run as Universal Champion, fans may hesitate to imagine him circling the world title again soon. Nevertheless, The Tribal Chief remains a strong contender to win the 2026 Royal Rumble, regardless of which championship he chooses to pursue.
Reigns came agonizingly close to a Rumble victory earlier this year before Seth Rollins and CM Punk intervened, sparking a bitter Triple Threat rivalry culminating at WrestleMania 41, where betrayal and shifting alliances added layers of drama. SummerSlam saw Reigns and Jey Uso secure a tag team win, but Seth Rollins sealed the night by cashing in his Money in the Bank briefcase to become world heavyweight champion—an outcome dubbed the “ruse of the century” by commentators.
This twist sets the scene for a potential Reigns vs. Rollins showdown at WrestleMania 42. While the title may not yet be on the line, the collision course between these two is undeniable, and a Rumble win would put Reigns firmly back in the main event mix.