WWE Royal Rumble 2026: Predicting All 30 Entrants
14. Sami Zayn (#17)
Before Trick Williams emerged to get up in his face, Sami Zayn was part-way through a story about explaining to his young son why he's never been WWE or World Heavyweight Champion. That's surely part of a slow burn roll towards Sami eventually living that dream and celebrating with his boy, which will be a heartwarming moment when it happens.
That narrative does make him a firm favourite to win the Rumble and secure a bumper title match at WrestleMania 42. It'd be inaccurate to call Zayn the biggest fave for the bout, but he's definitely up there as someone who could end the night pointing at a big 'Mania sign as fireworks blast off around him.
Sneaking him out there following the hubbub of Santino's silliness sounds like a good idea. Then, in-fitting with his slow burn storytelling, Zayn can build momentum quietly before a finishing crescendo (win or lose).