Former WWE champion favourite to win Men's Royal Rumble 2026

Royal Rumble 2026 will be taking place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The road to the 2026 Men’s Royal Rumble has taken an unexpected turn, as betting favorites have shifted dramatically in the weeks leading up to the blockbuster event.

While Bron Breakker was widely seen as the frontrunner, thanks to his powerful booking and recent dominance. He has now been overtaken by a familiar powerhouse: Roman Reigns.

Roman Reigns is a former world champion. He is one of the most successful marquee names of the modern era. “The Tribal Chief” has surged to the top of the predicted rankings. His rise signals a major shift in expectations as fans anticipate a wide-open Rumble field.

Sami Zayn and Gunther are currently tied for the third-favorite position, reflecting a compelling mix of momentum, fan support, and long-term storyline potential.

Gunther also in the running

Gunther is preparing for one of the biggest matches of his career this weekend: John Cena’s final bout. ‘The Ring General’ already retired Goldberg earlier in the year, and another high-profile performance could elevate him further as 2026 approaches.

A deep Royal Rumble run would align with his trajectory, especially as WWE has positioned him as a generational figure capable of taking down icons. His shared spot with Zayn indicates both fan confidence and internal momentum.

Meanwhile, Brock Lesnar’s recent return has not translated into a top-five ranking. Despite his reputation as one of WWE’s most dominant forces, he is reportedly not viewed as a likely Rumble winner, though many still hope to see him collide with Gunther once again.

Why Bron Breakker still can’t be overlooked?

Even with the odds shifting, Bron Breakker remains a top contender and should in no way be dismissed, “even by Roman Reigns,” as the analysis suggests. Breakker has taken out Seth Rollins, aligned with Brock Lesnar, and pinned CM Punk inside WarGames, making him one of WWE’s most dangerous rising names.

He also has a chance to become World Heavyweight Champion just weeks before the Royal Rumble. A victory over Punk on January 5th would remove him from the Rumble match entirely but elevate him into main-event territory heading into WrestleMania season.

If he does enter the match, Breakker, along with Bronson Reed, will be among the toughest competitors to eliminate. The looming questions remain: Will Brock Lesnar join the Rumble, and if he does, will he unite with The Vision members or remind everyone that The Beast stands alone?

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