This past year was another successful and lucrative one for WWE. There were many major moments, but 2025 was mostly about the year-long retirement tour of John Cena. However, with that now in the rearview, the company must plot out plans to make 2026 just as big and profitable.
However, they have a wealth of resources and the deepest roster ever to set up some really fun matches in 2026. With that in mind, we look at 10 we need to see in WWE in the new year.
CM Punk & Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed
While there have been some really good feuds in WWE over the last few years, nothing tops the lengthy one between CM Punk and Seth Rollins. Things have gotten very emotional and personal between the pair of future Hall of Famers since the former made his return to the company in 2023. However, what if they were to put their hate aside to face a similar foe?
After Rollins was violently ousted from The Vision this fall, he is sure to be looking for revenge in 2026. Punk also has a long-standing rivalry with the faction. It would be something to see Punk and Rollins form a bitter and shaky alliance to try and take down The Vision. The build to it would be must-see TV.
AJ Styles vs. Je’Von Evans
During John Cena’s retirement tour, he took part in several matches that were clearly booked to elevate future stars. With AJ Styles expected to retire in 2026, you can bet he will do the same for talented up-and-comers. That is why a matchup between “The Phenomenal One” and Je’Von Evans needs to happen.
Styles became a legend for his uncanny athleticism. Evans very much feels like the next-gen version of the future Hall of Famer. With the WWE great still in impressive shape, a clash between the generational athletes to help elevate Evans feels like classic wrestling booking.
Bron Breakker vs. Jacob Fatu
There are a few fast-rising talents on the WWE roster that feel like future mainstays in the main event picture. Yet, none have the combo of intensity and athleticism like Bron Breakker and Jacob Fatu. Both have quickly risen to notoriety due to their impactful styles and reputations as bad men not to be trifled with.
That is why a clash between the two in 2026 would be a ton of fun. Who would win in a battle of these young titans? Either way, it would be the first of many future matchups between two men sure to hold top titles in the company eventually.
Finn Balor vs. Dominik Mysterio
It feels like things have been building for a while toward a clash between Finn Balor and Dominik Mysterio. There are no leaders in the Judgment Day, but it has always felt like Balor wanted that role. However, with Mysterio’s success over the last two years, it seems like he is the unofficial leader of the group. A serious schism and battle for true control of the faction could force the other members to pick sides and lead to some very entertaining TV.
Motor City Machine Guns vs. The Usos
Over the last few months, we have seen less and less of the Motor City Machine Guns on SmackDown. One has to wonder — if one of them is not injured — will they still be on the WWE roster for all of 2026? For however long they remain in the company, it would be an absolute shame if they don’t get to face the Usos.
The MCMG are viewed as one of the greatest tag teams of their generation, while the Usos are arguably the best ever in WWE. For history’s sake, a match between the two legendary teams needs to happen before the MCMG’s time in the company ends.
Montez Ford vs. Angelo Dawkins
There are many fans of two-time tag champs, the Street Profits. However, as much as any duo in the company, their time together has run its course. Both need a major change beyond just altering their look and music. They need to go their separate ways, especially Montez Ford, because he has so much potential. That is why we need to see a match between them in 2026 to finally put a nail in the coffin of the Street Profits tag team.
Jade Cargill vs. Bianca Belair
Jade Cargill has emerged as one of the roughest and toughest women in WWE. Her turn to the dark side has allowed her to play to her strengths, which is her cocky belief in her elite athleticism. However, there is another woman in the division just as gifted, but with greater support in the fanbase, and that is Bianca Belair.
The former tag champs are no longer friends, and whenever Belair does return, one could imagine Cargill’s new persona will clash with hers. A match between the two could be highly emotional and an amazing athletic display. We need to see it in 2026.
Brock Lesnar vs. Gunther
There have been rumors in the past about a potential match between Brock Lesnar and Gunther. With new speculation that the former could return in 2026, and after the latter sent both Cena and Bill Goldberg into retirement last year, it feels like the next 12 months would offer a perfect time for Lesnar vs. Gunther. Furthermore, the match itself could be outstanding and highly physical.
Iyo Sky vs. Sol Ruca
The WWE women’s division has had a huge influx of amazing athletes over the last five years. Two of the elite in the division are Iyo Sky and NXT star Sol Ruca. With rumblings emerging that Ruca could be promoted soon, a match between the two is a must. Because of their athletic gifts, a bout between them would have match of the year potential.
Lucha Bros. vs. Fraxiom
WWE has an unbelievable match of the year contender at their disposal if they ever choose to use it. Former NXT tag champs Fraxiom are, arguably, the best team in the company because of their acrobatic abilities. However, one duo who may be just as gifted are the Lucha Bros. — Penta and Rey Fenix.
The real-life brothers have been kept apart in WWE since joining the company last year. However, it is just a matter of time before they tag up and show what made them tag champs in AEW. Having them face Fraxiom could lead to an awe-inspiring aerial display that the company has never had in the tag division.
