7 New Directions For WWE After Royal Rumble 2026
1. Roman Reigns Targeting CM Punk
This is one of the biggest matches WWE has in their back pockets for 2026.
Roman Reigns was definitely a more popular winner this year than he was back in 2015. The poor lad can likely still see all of those disappointed faces staring back at him. So, mind you, can The Rock. Big Dwayne's jaw is still rattling around the streets of Philadelphia all these years on. That result almost played before an ECW-esque, 'You f'd up' chant.
Whilst pointing at the gigantic WrestleMania 42 sign on Saturday, Roman wore a knowing look. It's one of smouldering confidence, because he knows he has the entire wrestling world in the palms of his Superman Punch-giving hands. Soon, that fist will meet Punk's jaw (decided jawbone theme running through this entry, apologies!) on WWE's largest annual stage.
Punk defending the World Heavyweight Champion vs. Reigns at WrestleMania 42 makes a hell of a lot of sense. It's a no brainer for sure. Think back to Survivor Series 2024 when they were teammates in WarGames and Punk was defying Roman's orders. That rebellious spirit will roar again, albeit against a babyface 'OTC' rather than a heelish Bloodline despot.
Reigns hasn't held the newer version of the World Heavyweight Championship yet. Yet being the key word to pay attention to there. Maybe April will be his time to shine...again.
Where else can you see WWE booking heading after the 2026 Royal Rumble? For more wrestling, check out 5 Ups & 4 Downs From WWE SmackDown (30 Jan - Results & Review) and 15 MORE Incredible WWE Ruthless Aggression Era Moments Nobody Ever Talks About!