Predicting every WWE World Heavyweight Champion in 2026

2025 was a packed year for WWE, where Triple H delivered impactful shows with several big title changes. The year kicked off with Gunther as the World Heavyweight Champion on Monday Night RAW. It later witnessed the rise of new champions. Names like Jey Uso, Seth Rollins and CM Punk entered the world title picture on the red brand.

But 2026 is likely to be an unpredictable year for the World Heavyweight Championship. Several top names like Bron Breakker and Roman Reigns are already in the chase to hold the big gold. Besides, fans have been clamoring to see several other names win the title as well. The World Heavyweight Title may therefore change hands multiple times next year.

Let's predict every World Heavyweight Champion in 2026:

#4. Bron Breakker

Bron Breakker has emerged as a breakout star in 2025 with The Vision by his side. The 28-year-old is already involved in the World Heavyweight Championship picture with CM Punk. Triple H has been heavily building Breakker as a championship contender over the past few months. Therefore, it would not be a surprise if he manages to become the new champion somewhere in 2026.

Bron Breakker is the future main eventer in WWE and Triple H has been booking him like that. The company is very likely to make him the new World Heavyweight Champion next year. Fans have also been clamoring to see Breakker hold the big gold in WWE for quite some time. Therefore, The Game is expected to pull the trigger on that in 2026, perhaps at WrestleMania 42.

#3. Seth Rollins

Seth Rollins vacated the World Heavyweight Championship following his injury earlier this year. The Visionary is expected to make his return around WrestleMania 42, and he will likely go after the big gold. Fans might see Rollins rise as a babyface upon his comeback. Therefore, Triple H could put him on a redemption arc, allowing The Architect to reclaim the title.

It could turn out to be Monday Night RAW's top storyline in 2026. Hence, Seth Rollins might be getting his hands back on the World Heavyweight Championship by the end of next year. Many believe that The Visionary works at his best potential with a title on his shoulder. Therefore, WWE might want to capitalize on that by giving Rollins another title reign next year.

#2. Roman Reigns

Roman Reigns has made it clear that he wants to get back to the top once again. WWE did tease him going after the Undisputed WWE Championship. But the OTC could remain on Monday Night RAW for now. Triple H could put him in the World Heavyweight Championship picture on the red brand. This could set Reigns on a path to reassert his dominance.

Fans have been wanting to see the 40-year-old have a championship on his shoulder. Therefore, Roman Reigns may rise to the top in 2026 as the new World Heavyweight Champion on RAW. With rumors of Reigns shifting to Hollywood in the coming years, he could give one last world title run in 2026 as a full-time wrestler before setting out for other ventures.

#1. WWE star LA Knight

LA Knight has been one of the most popular stars in WWE for more than two years. Fans have been rallying behind him, wanting to see Knight become world champion. The Megastar was involved in the main event storylines occasionally this year. 2026 could finally be the year when fans might witness his rise in the World Heavyweight Title picture.

As of now, LA Knight is one of the favorites to win the 2026 Men's Money in the Bank. If that happens, it would guarantee him a title shot. Although Triple H failed to push Knight as a top-tier star this year, he may not repeat the same mistake in 2026. WWE could redeem The Megastar by giving him a much-awaited World Heavyweight Championship reign next year.

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Edited by Subhasish Deb