This past year was another successful and lucrative one for WWE. There were many major moments, but 2025 was mostly focused on the year-long retirement tour of John Cena. However, with that now in the rearview, the company must plot out some plans to make 2026 just as big and profitable.
With that in mind, we look into your crystal ball and make 10 bold predictions for what to expect from WWE in 2026.
Bron Breaker Will Win His First World Title
On the first RAW of the new year, Vision member Bron Breakker will compete for the World Heavyweight title. While he may win, it still seems a smidge too early for the talented young star. However, that doesn’t mean it won’t happen this year. WWE is definitely grooming Breakker to be a long-term fixture in the main event scene, and that will happen in 2026 when he wins his first world title.
Gunther Will Retire Brock Lesnar
Gunther has become the most hated man in WWE after sending Cena into a retirement with a loss last month. He also did the same to WCW icon Bill Goldberg earlier this year. It would not be surprising if the company adds to the Austrian’s legacy by building his reputation as a new legend killer.
So, what wrestling great could he send into retirement this year? While many believe it could be AJ Styles, considering his physical style in the ring, an epic matchup with Brock Lesnar in “The Beast’s” career finale seems more likely in 2026.
The OG Judgment Day Will Reunite
While Rhea Ripley and Damian Priest remain popular with fans, they have hit a ceiling creatively. Oddly enough, their fall from elite status seemed to begin when they were ousted from the Judgment Day in 2024. They need a major change to their current characters.
Former faction pal Finn Balor’s promo this week on RAW seemed to suggest some big goals in 2026. What if his pursuit of a top title included a reunion with Ripley and Priest? It would be the sort of huge shift all three could use and be a very pleasant surprise in the new year.
Jacob Fatu Will Win 2025 Men’s MITB Briefcase
The Money in the Bank briefcase has become the most dangerous tool in WWE. In the hands of a sneaky and opportunistic heel, it is a major problem for the reigning champion. However, when in the control of a monstrous talent, it is an automatic trip to the top and winning a world title.
With rumors that Jacob Fatu could be on the receiving end of a big push in 2026, look for that to hit a tipping point when he wins the men’s MITB briefcase and cashes in early in 2027.
Lyra Valkyria Will Win 2025 Women’s MITB Briefcase
Speaking of the MITB briefcase, the women’s match is sure to elevate a rising talent the company is big on as well. That individual will likely be Lyra Valkyria. Last year was a productive one for her as she won the Intercontinental title, had a meaningful feud with Becky Lynch, and got to develop her character a lot in her storyline with Bayley.
The word is that WWE is very high on her, and winning the 2026 MITB match will be the proof of that.
The Street Profits Will Finally Split
While the Street Profits have their fans, the duo has badly needed a major shift in their careers that must be bigger than a gear and theme change. We haven’t gotten a classic tag team breakup in some time, and 2026 seems like the perfect time for the duo to finally split so the company can get to test the potential of Montez Ford as a solo act.
LA Knight Will Win First World Title
This is going to be a make-or-break year for LA Knight. The long-time wrestler is 43. He may only have a few more years in the industry. If he doesn’t win a world title in WWE this year, it probably will never happen. It feels like the company is setting him up as a Diamond Dallas Page-like underdog entering the new year. Look for that to pay off in a major feud with The Vision and an eventual World Heavyweight Title win.
Randy Orton Will Turn on Cody Rhodes
WWE champion Cody Rhodes lost many of his closest friends after he became the new face of the company. However, former mentor Randy Orton remains the one ally that he has not left his side. Don’t be surprised if that changes this year and “The Viper” returns to his evil ways to chase one last title reign and turns on his long-time friend.
Drew McIntyre Will Retire AJ Styles
The belief is that 2026 will be the final year in AJ Styles’ legendary career. And it would make sense if he takes an L to a rising star on his way out. But we think WWE will go in a different direction. With Drew McIntyre unlikely to regain a world title in the short-term, it would be a great consolation prize if he added to his resume as the company’s best bad guy by being the man to send “The Phenomenal One” into retirement this year.
Trick Williams Will Have a Lengthy Reign as United States Champion
Finally, Trick Williams is set to join the WWE main roster. The move up has been long overdue, and the company should make a strong effort to push the man who is one of the greatest performers in NXT history. The perfect way to do that would be to give him a lengthy run with a secondary title.
With Williams likely to join his fiancée Lash Legend on SmackDown, expect a lengthy US title run for the two-time NXT champ in 2026.
