Five WWE Superstars Who Should Not Win the 2026 Royal Rumble
Introduction
As the anticipation builds for the 2026 Royal Rumble, discussions arise about which WWE superstars should take center stage. Here are five wrestlers who should not claim victory, allowing fresh talent to shine.
1. Jey Uso
Jey Uso triumphed in the 2025 Royal Rumble, but a repeat performance would be excessive. Although he has held the World Heavyweight Championship, he does not currently match the stature of stars like Cody Rhodes, John Cena, CM Punk, or Seth Rollins. With emerging talents such as Bron Breakker, LA Knight, and AJ Styles eager for their moment, Uso should step aside to let new contenders rise.
2. Randy Orton
Having won the Royal Rumble twice, Randy Orton has solidified his legacy. After a recent hiatus from the ring, he left off his feud with Drew McIntyre while supporting Cody Rhodes. Although he has unresolved issues with Jacob Fatu, no recent developments have occurred. A third Rumble win would be excessive, especially since he has already faced Cena and Rhodes for titles in recent years. WWE should prioritize the elevation of newer talent over revisiting Orton's past achievements.
3. Brock Lesnar
Brock Lesnar remains a formidable presence in WWE, yet he has already secured two Royal Rumble victories, including one in 2022. His limited appearances, from SummerSlam to Wrestlepalooza and WarGames, emphasize his part-time status. While he has potential storylines with current champions, another Rumble win would be unnecessary. The event should focus on showcasing fresh talent rather than repeating victories for established stars.
4. Roman Reigns
Since 2020, Roman Reigns has been a part-time competitor, holding the SmackDown championship for four years. He has faced Cody Rhodes twice at WrestleMania, with another match hinted at following WarGames. Although Reigns has only won the Rumble once, in 2015, another victory would hinder the progression of WWE's roster. Officials should resist the urge to give him another win, as he can secure title opportunities without the Rumble. A trilogy with Rhodes at WrestleMania 42 could feel repetitive and limit chances for other wrestlers.
5. Logan Paul
Logan Paul has been prominently featured as part of The Vision, but his role is primarily to elevate Bron Breakker as the next World Heavyweight Champion. Despite his popularity and heel persona, Paul has already received multiple title shots against Rhodes, Reigns, and Uso. Winning the Rumble would diminish the match's credibility, which should highlight a star who has not yet had numerous opportunities.