With the Royal Rumble 2026 just around the corner, this Saturday’s Saturday Night’s Main Event in Montreal is set to be a key turning point on the road to WrestleMania 42. Several major WWE stars are scheduled for high-stakes matches, with world title implications, personal rivalries, and championship gold on the line.
Here’s a look at the card, key predictions, and why some experts believe Sami Zayn shouldn’t win in front of his hometown crowd — even if he’s the fan favorite.
WWE Championship No. 1 Contender’s Match: Fatal 4-Way
Randy Orton vs. Damian Priest vs. Sami Zayn vs. Trick Williams
All eyes will be on Sami Zayn this Saturday. Wrestling in his hometown of Montreal, Zayn has a chance to become the No. 1 contender for the WWE Championship and face Drew McIntyre at the Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia. With the crowd behind him and a storyline built around redemption, it seems like the perfect setup.
But not everyone thinks Zayn should win.
Why Zayn Shouldn’t Win… Yet
Analysts argue that giving Zayn the win now — only to likely lose to McIntyre at the Rumble — could hurt his long-term momentum. Instead, saving his big win for the Royal Rumble match itself could set him up for a WrestleMania world title moment, something fans have been waiting for since his heartbreak against Roman Reigns at Elimination Chamber 2023.
Letting someone like Trick Williams get a spotlight match against McIntyre would be a win-win: Williams gains experience and credibility, and Zayn keeps his momentum heading into Las Vegas.
Predictions:
- Rick Ucchino: Sami Zayn
- Zack Heydorn: Randy Orton (surprise pick)
- Blake Lovell: Sami Zayn
WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship
Rhea Ripley & IYO SKY vs. Liv Morgan & Roxanne Perez
This match features four of the top stars in WWE’s women’s division, but it’s hard to imagine Ripley and IYO dropping the belts in their first title defense. Liv Morgan may be positioned for a major singles run, especially with Stephanie Vaquer holding the Women’s World Championship — a dream matchup that feels WrestleMania-worthy.
Roxanne Perez continues to shine, but the smart money is on Rhiyo retaining and heading to Las Vegas to defend in a multi-team match, possibly under TLC rules.
Predictions:
- Rick Ucchino: Rhea Ripley & IYO SKY
- Zack Heydorn: Rhea Ripley & IYO SKY
- Blake Lovell: Rhea Ripley & IYO SKY
Cody Rhodes vs. Jacob Fatu
A deeply personal and unpredictable match. Jacob Fatu’s interference cost Cody Rhodes his WWE Championship in the brutal Three Stages of Hell match against McIntyre. Rhodes now wants revenge, and Fatu is quickly making a name for himself as a wild and dangerous force in WWE.
With both men potentially still in the WWE title picture, a clean loss for either doesn’t make sense. Expect a chaotic finish, possibly a disqualification or a no-contest.
Predictions:
- Rick Ucchino: No contest or DQ loss for Cody
- Zack Heydorn: No contest
- Blake Lovell: No contest
Royal Rumble Implications
Outside of Saturday’s card, WWE has started filling out the 2026 Royal Rumble match fields:
Confirmed Names:
Men’s Rumble
- Cody Rhodes (declared weeks ago)
Women’s Rumble
- Rhea Ripley
- IYO SKY
- Liv Morgan
- Roxanne Perez
If Zayn loses on Saturday, he could still enter — and win — the Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia, where he is extremely popular. That win would finally give him the path to headline WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas, possibly against McIntyre or another top champion.
Could We See Another Match Added?
There’s talk of a fourth match being added to the Saturday Night’s Main Event card. One strong possibility is Jade Cargill making her first WWE Women’s Title defense. If added, it would bring even more star power to an already stacked night of wrestling.
