5 bold predictions for WWE in 2026

WWE has seen many ups and downs in 2025. John Cena’s retirement tour was a mixed bag as he won a record-breaking 17th world title and became a heel. However, most of its implementation left much to be desired.

Jey Uso and Stephanie Vaquer have joined the ranks of major titleholders, but popularity can only carry someone so far. Dominik Mysterio got almost as many cheers as boos.

Brock Lesnar and Becky Lynch returned to action after varying periods away from the ring. CM Punk finally got to main event WrestleMania and eventually get the World Championship. The next five bold predictions could get WWE fans talking in 2026.

#5. Gunther retires AJ Styles

Gunther has replaced Randy Orton as the new legendary killer. He added both Goldberg and John Cena to his resume in 2025, and gained nuclear heat after forcing Cena to retire in his final match.

Many of Cena’s contemporaries, such as Punk, Rey Mysterio, and AJ Styles, expressed their disgust with The Ring General face to face.

The Phenomenal One still looks great in the ring, but he has stated that the end of his career is near. With another prospect to add to his belt, Gunther AJ Styles will retire from the ring in 2026.

#4. Bianca Belair eliminates Jade Cargill

Naomi, Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill claimed to be friends during the height of their success, but it was clear that their joyride wouldn’t last long. Ego always takes over at some point, as do jealousy and resentment.

This was when Naomi felt Cargill was trying to replace her, and to some extent it did. Then she turned heel. The Storm followed suit later in the year after failing to win the WWE Women’s Title.

Belair has been out of commission since April and could return at any time. The feud was largely dispatched as Cargill hasn’t done anything of note since defeating Tiffany Stratton for the title.

EST would return to the ring and defeat her former friend, winning her first singles title since August 2023.

#3. Doomsday finally breaks

Partnerships and factions are created so that they can eventually separate and feud with each other. This happened with the nWo, Evolution, and Shield.

Despite their ever-changing lineup, Doomsday has been a faction for nearly four years. The current group includes Finn Balor, Dominik Mysterio, JD McDonagh, Liv Morgan, Raquel Rodriguez, and Roxanne Perez.

Balor won’t let Dirty Dom off the hook for how he exploits the group. Morgan and Rodriguez have already had problems since the former’s return to Survivor Series.

With cracks already showing, Doomsday will finally disband sometime in 2026, forcing the members to stand on their own in WWE.

#2. Kevin Owens makes an emotional return to the ring

Despite some great work against Cody Rhodes at the end of 2024 and the early stages of 2025, Kevin Owens was forced to temporarily hang up his boots in April to deal with a neck injury.

He underwent surgery in mid-July and returned to in-ring training. Owens is one of the best performers of this or any generation. It will be a very emotional moment for The Previewfighter to return to the ring as a face in 2026.

He hasn’t won a major title since losing the Universal Title to Goldberg in 2017. Hopefully, Owens will return to the ring, and a major gold medal would be a fitting accomplishment to cap off this moment.

#1. Chris Jericho returns to WWE

Chris Jericho became one of the greatest artists of all time once he left WCW for WWE. He has won major titles and had a slew of memorable feuds with Randy Orton, CM Punk, John Cena, and others.

Y2J helped build AEW into what it is today, but the original vision may have outgrown it. This has happened to Cody Rhodes, CM Punk, and many other past artists.

Since he has been out of action since last spring, Jericho could be on his way back to WWE on his own retirement tour. His contract expires once 2026 begins.