The Road to WrestleMania 2026 Begins in Saudi Arabia
For the first time in WWE history, the road to WrestleMania will begin outside the United States. The Royal Rumble 2026 event will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This event, scheduled for Saturday at 2 p.m. ET, will kick off the rivalries that will culminate in the grand event of professional wrestling. The Royal Rumble is traditionally the starting point for WrestleMania, where the main matches are established and the contenders for the top championships are defined. However, this year, the situation is uncertain, with many questions about how WWE superstars will position themselves in the coming weeks. Figures like Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar, absent since Survivor Series: WarGames in November, will surely play a crucial role in the plans for WrestleMania 42. Furthermore, Seth Rollins, currently injured, is expected to be involved. Could there be surprises with unexpected returns? The following are preliminary predictions for the two nights of WrestleMania 42, maintaining a six-match-per-night format to ensure continuity. This means that some prominent names could be left out of the event, which returns to Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on April 18th and 19th.WrestleMania, Night 1
Jade Cargill vs. Bianca Belair (WWE Women’s Championship)
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With too many deserving wrestlers for a spot at WrestleMania, a ladder match could be the solution. Femi, the former NXT champion, could debut on “Raw” or “SmackDown” and join the contest. Reed and Femi would bring strength, while Balor and Knight, popular, would have the opportunity to shine. The inclusion of Evans and Penta promises aerial acrobatics and a memorable match.
Charlotte Flair vs. Alexa Bliss vs. Giulia vs. Tiffany Stratton (United States Women’s Championship)
It’s hard to imagine a WrestleMania without Flair. After her alliance with Alexa Bliss, it’s time for Flair to return to her “heel” role. Despite her multiple titles, she has never won the United States Women’s Championship, currently held by Giulia. A rivalry with three former champions could raise the profile of the title and Giulia.Gunther vs. Brock Lesnar
Gunther, known for “retiring” wrestlers like Bill Goldberg and John Cena, could have Lesnar as his next target. It’s unlikely that Lesnar will compete for a world championship at WrestleMania, and this match could be the start of his farewell tour, possibly culminating at SummerSlam in August.Iyo Sky vs. Asuka (Steel Cage Match)
This highly anticipated family feud must culminate in a singles match with a stipulation. The steel cage would serve to keep Kairi Sane out of the contest, allowing Sky to have her moment in the spotlight.
Bron Breakker vs. CM Punk vs. Seth Rollins (World Heavyweight Championship)Breakker, regardless of the outcome, will be involved in a high-profile match at WrestleMania. A victory at the Royal Rumble or Elimination Chamber would give him a rematch with Punk. The participation of Seth Rollins, who returns after an injury, would add an element of moral conflict, creating a clash between the past, present, and future of WWE.WrestleMania, Night 2
Carmelo Hayes vs. Ilja Dragunov vs. Trick Williams vs. Solo Sikoa vs. Rey Fenix vs. Damian Priest vs. Sami Zayn vs. Uncle Howdy (Eight-Man Ladder Match for the Men’s United States Championship)“SmackDown” is full of talent in the United States Championship scene, making it difficult to leave anyone out of WrestleMania. This ladder match, with the participation of several wrestlers with intertwined stories, could be the perfect start to the second night.Stephanie Vaquer vs. Rhea Ripley (Women’s World Championship)
Ripley, eventually, will seek to regain the Women’s World Championship. A confrontation with the champion Vaquer, both “babyfaces” favorites, would divide the audience. Ripley would be the favorite to win the Royal Rumble, leading to an exciting two-month showdown.Dominick Mysterio vs. Rey Mysterio (Hair vs. Career)The only way Rey Mysterio should retire is by losing to his son at WrestleMania. The story writes itself and doesn’t need more drama. Rey, 51, has been prone to injuries, and it’s time to end his career, with his son as the protagonist.The Usos vs. Logan Paul and Austin Theory (World Tag Team Championship)The presence of Jey Uso at WrestleMania is essential, as is the revitalization of the tag team division. The Usos need a high-profile rivalry, and a match with Logan Paul is crucial. Paul could be replaced by Bronson Reed if he goes for the Intercontinental Championship, but teaming with Theory could be more valuable.Becky Lynch vs. Bayley vs. Liv Morgan (Triple Threat Match for the Women’s Intercontinental Championship)Lynch, after her rivalry with Maxxine Dupri, could face Bayley. Two of the original “Four Horsewomen” reviving their history would be a great addition. The inclusion of Liv Morgan, from The Judgment Day, would add excitement.Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes vs. Jacob Fatu vs. Drew McIntyre (Fatal Four-Way Match for the Undisputed WWE Championship)McIntyre’s victory over Rhodes for the championship has raised doubts about his reign. With Reigns in the main event, and the inclusion of Rhodes and Fatu, this match could be an exciting main event. This would keep McIntyre, who has been exceptional, in contention for the title. There is a possibility that Rhodes will face Randy Orton, but to keep the main stars in the event, a multiple match with high stakes is proposed.
