5 WWE predictions from Wrestlepalooza to WrestleMania 42

What’s next for WWE following multiple weeks of surprises and the return of championship-caliber superstars? WWE is well on its way to Wrestlepalooza following an eventful PLE in France. WWE Clash in Paris ended with Seth Rollins retaining his World Heavyweight Championship after Becky Lynch interfered and cost CM Punk the victory. Roman Reigns would defeat Bronson Reed to kick off the final WWE PLE of August 2025. However, he’d leave the ring on a stretcher following a brutal attack from Reed and former two-time Intercontinental Champion Bron Breakker.

Wrestlers such as Rusev, Lynch, and John Cena would all win their respective matches. The Wyatt Sicks were also victorious when Dexter Lumis and Joe Gacy successfully defended the WWE Tag Team Championship against The Street Profits. Recent weeks have seen the return of AJ Lee and Brock Lesnar. Without further ado, let’s look at five more predictions for World Wrestling Entertainment for 2025 and beyond!

#5. Rumored matches and speculation for WWE Wrestlepalooza 2025

So far, only two matches have been confirmed for WWE’s PLE debut on ESPN’s streaming service. “The Beast” Brock Lesnar indicated that he’ll be facing Cena in a singles match at Wrestlepalooza. That event is also set to host a bout for the vacant Women’s World Championship when Stephanie Vaquer battles former champion Iyo Sky. There is much speculation on what other matches WWE CCO Triple H will book for the card. One heavily rumored match is Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch battling CM Punk and AJ Lee in a mixed tag team showdown, featuring a battle between warring couples.

Drew McIntyre is scheduled to wrestle Randy Orton one-on-one on the next episode of WWE SmackDown! However, if that match doesn’t have a definitive finish or results in a DQ or no contest, then it’d make sense to feature their rematch inside the Gainbridge Fieldhouse on September 20 at Wrestlepalooza. There’s also the chance of Cody Rhodes facing The Scottish Warrior at the upcoming PLE in Indiana, but it would make greater sense for WWE to conclude the Scotsman’s program with The Viper first.

The Miz recently got in SmackDown GM Nick Aldis’ ear, advocating for a shot at The Wyatt Sicks’ WWE Tag Team Championship. If the A-Lister gets his wish, wrestling fans could be treated to Melo Don’t Miz contending for tag team gold at Wrestlepalooza.

Another championship match at September’s PLE could see “Dirty” Dominik Mysterio defending his Intercontinental Title, perhaps against AJ Styles and El Grande Americano in a triple threat match. If Montez Ford and/or Angelo Dawkins of The Street Profits are looking to make a name for themselves on their own, a good start would be going after Sami Zayn’s WWE United States Championship.

#4. Sheamus and Rusev Form a Tag team and Go After The Judgment Day’s World Tag Team Championship

The Celtic Warrior and The Bulgarian Brute pushed each other to their limits in a series of hard-hitting battles, seemingly concluding at WWE Clash in Paris in a Good Ol’ Fashioned Donnybrook match. Rusev won their most recent bout, and he appeared in a vignette on last week’s Raw, offering to extend his arm to Sheamus and maybe they could be friends again. However, Rusev also claimed that the former World Heavyweight Champion now knew his place beneath The Redeemer’s feet.

Nearly a decade ago, Sheamus and Cesaro had a series of hard-hitting matches, which would lead to the two European strongmen forming a tag team known as The Bar. In 2025, the Irishman and the Bulgarian could follow a similar path, going from rivals to becoming a dominant tandem on Monday nights. The Judgment Day’s Finn Balor and JD McDonagh are the current holders of the red brand’s World Tag Team Titles. They may be in for the fight of their lives if Rusev and Sheamus join forces.

#3. Drew McIntyre Defeats Cody Rhodes For WWE Championship; Scottish Warrior Loses It Before WrestleMania 42

The Scottish Warrior is one of WWE’s most well-rounded superstars, and he’s long overdue for another run with the WWE Championship. Rhodes is the current holder of SmackDown’s top male singles title after dethroning John Cena for the gold in the main event during the second night of 2025’s SummerSlam. However, rather than having another lengthy babyface run with the Undisputed Title, The American Nightmare could end up losing his championship to the Scotsman before 2025 is finished.

McIntyre could reign as champion for a few months, losing the title back to Rhodes during WrestleMania season in 2026. Over the past five years, The Scottish Warrior has proven himself as an invaluable asset for WWE, especially when given the ball to perform at a top level in a main event role. A title reign for McIntyre could also make sure that Rhodes’ babyface run doesn’t go stale.

#2. WrestleMania 42 Features Main Event Trilogy Between Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns

Much like in 2023 and 2024, WrestleMania in 2026 could be capped off by a singles showdown between The American Nightmare and the former Big Dog of WWE. Roman Reigns portrayed a heel during his last major battles against Rhodes, but they may experience a role reversal if they were to collide next year at The Showcase of the Immortals.

The Rock wanted Cody’s soul at Elimination Chamber: Toronto earlier this year. Rhodes rejected The Great One’s offer, leading to yet another beatdown directed by The Final Boss. In 2026, The American Nightmare could change his mind, believing that it’s in his best interest to submit to The Rock’s demands and turn to the dark side.

The Rock’s possible involvement in the Reigns vs. Rhodes trilogy could lead to a future WrestleMania main event to crown the true Tribal Chief of the Anoa’i family. If The Rock costs Roman his match against Cody, that could set the stage for Reigns vs. The Rock at WrestleMania 43.

#1. Sami Zayn or Roman Reigns Wins 2026 Men’s Royal Rumble

Out of everyone on the main roster, there’s an argument to be made that Reigns is “best for business” when it comes to winning next year’s 30-man Royal Rumble battle royal. Few active competitors can match the aura and intrigue that The OTC brings to the table every time he makes his presence known on WWE programming. A win for Reigns could set up the WrestleMania main event trilogy between him and Cody Rhodes, thereby writing a new chapter in their historic rivalry.

However, if Roman Reigns doesn’t win the Rumble in 2026, WWE might look to The Underdog from the Underground to pull off an impressive win live from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Sami Zayn is currently the United States Champion, but he’s a star who has his heart set on one day becoming World Heavyweight Champion. Zayn could embark on his own story during WrestleMania Season next year by winning the Rumble in the Middle East and going on to challenge for the red brand’s top male singles prize at WrestleMania in Paradise, Nevada.