The brand new yr is a pivotal time for WWE. The Royal Rumble is approaching and, with it, the highway to WrestleMania 42. Followers anticipate blockbuster matches, daring artistic instructions and the elevation of latest stars.
Final yr, Jey Uso shocked the world by eliminating John Cena to win the Royal Rumble. Then Cena, one-upped him, turning heel on Cody Rhodes earlier than changing into a record-setting 17-time world champion. The yr culminated with Gunther retiring Cena.
WWE’s artistic workforce has its work lower out to create memorable moments in 2026. There are doubtlessly extra farewell excursions on the horizon for our residing legends, and alternatives for WWE’s present crop of up-and-comers to be the subsequent huge factor.
With that in thoughts, CBS Sports activities’ specialists predict what we might see occur within the new yr.
Gunther will retire one other legend
Gunther is strictly within the elevated place that many hoped he’d discover, however few thought he’d obtain. Walter wasn’t the prototypical WWE famous person, however Gunther has thrived on the principle roster. Oddly, the sentiment round him shifted throughout John Cena’s The Final Time is Now match. Folks did not suppose he was the best opponent to retire Cena. Folks have been additionally upset when Brock Lesnar broke The Undertaker’s WrestleMania streak, and whereas that call stays decisive, it elevated Lesnar’s aura as an unstoppable power.
Gunther retired Goldberg and Cena in the identical yr. Initially of 2026, “The Ring Common” focused one other legend, AJ Types, interrupting him on Monday Evening Uncooked. “The Phenomenal” one beforehand introduced that he’d retire this yr. It is also believed that Chris Jericho will return to WWE for a farewell tour. Cena additionally just lately acknowledged that he thinks the plan is for Lesnar to retire at SummerSlam this yr when the promotion holds the occasion in his billed hometown of Minneapolis. That offers Gunther three extremely embellished, extremely gifted legends to hunt as he additional his popularity as the final word legend killer. — Shakiel Mahjouri
The Imaginative and prescient will falter by SummerSlam
It appears clear Bron Breakker shall be world heavyweight champion ahead of later, doubtless by WrestleMania. The factor is, I do not know that he has a lot use for The Imaginative and prescient from that time on. WWE doesn’t want one other Bloodline-style storyline with a champion who ought to have the ability to win on his personal, taking shortcuts to retain the title. WWE might attempt to power issues and hold the group collectively, however the smarter name can be to interrupt issues up shortly after Breakker wins the title, doubtless permitting Breakker to maintain Paul Heyman with him as an advisor, which is a task the place Heyman thrives.
With out Breakker, The Imaginative and prescient is Bronson Reed, Logan Paul and Austin Idea, which is not precisely a gaggle you wish to see dominating Monday nights. With all that stated, it is most likely time for WWE to begin planning for a close to future with out The Imaginative and prescient. Nobody advantages from The Bloodline 2.0, most of all Breakker. — Brent Brookhouse