A Roman Reigns victory in the 2026 Men’s Royal Rumble match, during which he tossed out Gunther last to solidify his place in the main event for WrestleMania 42. The win was Reigns’ second Royal Rumble victory, and solidified his status as one of the most dominant performers in WWE over the last 10 years. The OTC proved to be not only a loaded field but the premium live event closer on the Road to WrestleMania.
Triple H Praises Reigns
Following the event, WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H offered effusive praise of Reigns on the Royal Rumble post-show. Triple H acknowledged Reigns’ smarts and grasp of the business, saying he belongs in the upper echelon of wrestling geniuses. “He’s one of the smartest, most strategic thinkers in this business today,” he said. Jim Ross is the one who came up with Cerebral Assassin for me. It would be a name I would have for Roman Reigns. One of the greatest thinkers in this business.”
Before that, Drew McIntyre retained the Undisputed WWE Championship against a valiant Sami Zayn in an entertaining match. The win was another step in McIntyre’s rise through WWE, and it increasingly places him at the top of that company. Nowhere else to go for the WrestleMania title shot we all know he’s getting next, speculation immediately turned toward Drew McIntyre as Reigns’ opponent of choice.
McIntyre Targets Reigns
In the post-show press conference, McIntyre was pressed straight up on the potential of facing Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 42. The Scottish Psychopath did not hold back and referenced their long and bitter history. McIntyre stated, “Roman Reigns? Oh, there’s a big enemy of Drew McIntyre. His Bloodline made my life a living hell for so long. So if he wants to pick Drew McIntyre, I know he’s on his own now. On his own, I would destroy Roman Reigns.”
McIntyre doubled down with a direct challenge and a clear warning. He added, “Go for it, Roman. Pick me. Let’s main event WrestleMania, and I will drop your ar$e. I’m unbeatable right now.” But with tension at an all-time high for Wrestlemania 42, the focus is entirely on Roman Reigns and this colossal moment.
