5 Craziest WWE predictions for 2026

As we kick off 2026, the WWE landscape has never looked more unpredictable. With the ESPN era and the move to Netflix now in full swing, Triple H and TKO have completely rewritten the playbook of sports entertainment.

The past year gave fans the emotional highs of John Cena’s Farewell Tour and the rise of new stars, but this calendar year promises to be even more chaotic. Here are the five craziest WWE predictions for 2026.

#5. WWE could turn Rhea Ripley heel

Rhea Ripley entered 2026 as arguably the most popular superstar on the WWE RAW women's roster. Every time her music hits, the loud pop she receives is a testament to her connection with the audience.

However, wrestling history has seemingly been built on the unthinkable turn. While it seems unlikely for the company to sabotage one of its top babyfaces, many believe that turning Ripley heel in 2026 would be a bold creative choice. If this happens, it could reset the women's division and possibly provide a terrifying Final Boss for up-and-coming talents like Lyra Valkyria and Sol Ruca.

#4. John Cena could return for WrestleMania 42

In December 2025, fans watched the heart-wrenching scene at Saturday Night’s Main Event XLII, where John Cena tapped out to Gunther and left his shoes in the ring. He told the wrestling universe he was done. He even signed a deal with the company to represent it as an ambassador.

However, nothing seems impossible in Tripe H's WWE era. The siren song of WrestleMania 42 might be too much to resist, and the show may witness the surprise return of The Franchise Player.

Whether it’s a special guest role that turns physical or a rivalry that he feels he needs for closure, many believe the 17-time champion wouldn't stay in the bleachers when the bright lights of Las Vegas start calling in April.

#3. The Rock and John Cena could reunite and form a heel nWo

Given that many believe the nWo in 2002 was a missed opportunity, 2026 might be the year WWE finally does it right. In a shocking twist, the two biggest stars in the history of the business, The Rock and John Cena, might realize they are more powerful together than apart.

Instead of being outsiders, this version of the nWo could be a corporate takeover. Using Rocky’s real-life seat on the TKO Board and Cena’s legendary status, they could form a faction of Hollywood elites who look down on the grinders in the locker room. Interestingly, it could be a meta-commentary on the industry that would generate nuclear heat.

#2. Shawn Michaels could be promoted to the main roster and lead creative with Triple H

For years, the HBK era of NXT has been praised for its fast-paced, character-first storytelling. While Shawn Michaels has repeatedly said he loves his job at the Performance Center, the demands of the Netflix and ESPN deals might require more than one set of eyes.

In 2026, the WWE veteran might officially be promoted to lead main roster creative alongside Triple H. Arguably, seeing the two architects of D-Generation X running the creative engine together would be a dream come true for fans who miss the black-and-gold intensity of the late 2010s.

#1. The Rock could take over from Triple H as CCO

This is the nuclear option that has been simmering under the surface for over a year. The Rock isn't just a wrestler; he is a TKO Board member. Throughout 2025, fans saw The Final Boss persona blur the lines between character and corporate reality.

The craziest prediction for 2026 is that The Rock could oust Triple H as the chief content officer. If this happens, fans believe it wouldn't just be a wrestling storyline, but a corporate drama played out on the world stage. Having The People's Champion actually book the show while feuding with the old guard would be a reality-bending angle that would redefine the current era forever.

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Edited by Pratik Singh