Happy New Year, WWE Universe - and with the calendar turning to January 2026, that can only mean one thing.
It’s a mere 30 days until the Road to WrestleMania kicks off with the annual men’s and women’s Royal Rumble, taking place this year in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
For the first time in nearly 40 years, one of the "Big Five" events is heading outside of North America for its winter spectacular. As the show moves to the King Abdullah Financial District, the stakes have never felt higher.
The Rumble is the ultimate reset button; it’s where a year of planning can be upended by a single "over-the-top-rope" moment, and where the hierarchy of the locker room is decided in a 60-minute war of attrition.
Such is the intrigue of who will come out on top, that Oddschecker are one of the first to round up the current betting odds, casting their eyes over the markets to determine who, alognside the old tales from those dirtsheets out there, could be the person to be crowned the men’s Royal Rumble winner - and book their place at the Showcase of the Immortals later this year, Wrestlemania in Las Vegas.
1. Oba Femi (25/1)
The standout "dark horse" from NXT. After dominating the developmental brand for much of 2025, rumours of a main-roster call-up have reached a fever pitch. A win for Oba Femi would mirror Brock Lesnar’s early-career trajectory—a dominant force entering the big stage and immediately clearing the path to WrestleMania. | Getty Images
2. Seth Rollins (20/1)
'The Visionary' has spent 2025 battling through injuries and high-stakes rivalries. Despite the lower probability, Rollins is the "Grand Slam" player who can never be counted out. If he is fully cleared and enters at a late number, he has the pedigree to outlast the field once again. | Elsa/Getty Images
3. Jacob Fatu (20/1)
The 'Samoan Werewolf"'is the ultimate wildcard. While much of his year was defined by Bloodline warfare, a solo run starting with a Rumble win could be the most explosive creative move WWE makes in 2026. His intensity and "unpredictability" factor make him a favourite for fans looking for a shock winner. | Ethan Miller/Getty Images
4. Drew McIntyre (20/1)
'The Scottish Warrior' is back and more bitter than ever. After a chaotic 2025 defined by his rivalry with Cody Rhodes, McIntyre is looking to set a brutal tone for the New Year. As a former winner, he knows exactly what it takes to survive the distance, making him a perennial threat to the favourites. | WWE
5. LA Knight (16/1)
The 'Megastar' continues to defy the odds through sheer connection with the crowd. While he has enjoyed a steady 2025, a Royal Rumble win would be the final piece of the puzzle to elevate him into the permanent main-event scene. With the "YEAH!" chants echoing globally, he remains a high-probability spoiler. | AFP via Getty Images
6. CM Punk (16/1)
Sitting alongside LA Knight, CM Punk’s odds reflect his 'Final Boss' status in the World Title picture. Whether he enters as champion or challenger, Punk’s goal has always been the WrestleMania main event. If he isn't holding the gold by January 31, he becomes the most dangerous man in the 30-man match. | Getty Images