WWE Royal Rumble 2026: 5 Nightmares That Could Come True

1. Drew McIntyre’s Reign Is Shortlived

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Eventually, Sami Zayn capturing either the WWE Title or the World Heavyweight Championship is on the cards. He's been setting the scene for that with promos about explaining to his son why he's never held the top prizes, and by winning then losing the United States Title. It's a rollercoaster road of ups, downs and emotions for the one time El Generico.

So, would it really be the worst if he captured the WWE Title at the Rumble? In a word, yes, but that's largely due to the guy holding it right now. Drew McIntyre has had his own peaks and troughs for years, and he's only just beaten Cody Rhodes in a '3 Stages Of Hell' match over in Germany to become the brand new champ.

Dropping the belt so soon would be hellish for McIntyre, whether it's to Sami or any of the other workers involved in a Fatal-4-Way at Saturday Night's Main Event before the Rumble. Zayn is this writer's choice to win that match and challenge the Scot over in Saudi, but he shouldn't bag the win if that's the case.

WWE should let Drew enjoy the fruits of his labour for a while, at least. Seeing him cast aside for anyone this quickly would suck, and it'd be a sure sign that Triple H plans to play hot potato with the most important strap in the industry heading through WrestleMania season.

If he wins at SNME, then Sami can stomach some disappointment. Patience is everything. He'll have his time.

What other nightmares could come true at WWE Royal Rumble 2026? For more wrestling, check out 15 MORE Incredible WWE Attitude Era Moments Nobody Ever Talks About and Every WWE Tough Enough Winner: Where Are They Now?

Contributor

Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.