With the WWE Royal Rumble 2026 fast approaching at the end of this month, there could be some big character shifts coming soon.
While there could be a number of interesting surprises at the event, it might be superstars changing from babyface to heel that will ultimately prove the most impactful on storylines moving forward into the Road to WrestleMania 42.
Here are six potential heel turns at WWE Royal Rumble 2026.
6. Alexa Bliss
It seems that all good things must come to an end despite how enjoyable the partnership between Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss has been.
Already lasting longer than originally intended, the partnership could end up coming to an violent conclusion through an unexpected betrayal at the Royal Rumble.
While fans may anticipate Charlotte Flair turning heel, she has done so much work to portray a more likeable version iteration of her character that it would be a waste to throw it away.
A more compelling creative choice would be to have Alexa Bliss turn on Charlotte Flair, citing their past conflict and Flair’s past untrustworthiness as a reason for the end in friendship and of course, a new feud.
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5. Natalya
Less of a full heel turn and more of the debut of a far more no nonsense character, the Royal Rumble would be an amazing way to transition Natalya’s longstanding character in WWE to her latest iteration.
If the “Lowkey Legend” version Nattie Neidhart was the woman who enters the Royal Rumble, it could become immediately clear that there was a brand new era for the veteran star.
With a new entrance theme and gear that reflects her new character, Nattie’s presentation should mimic that of her cameos in AAA and GCW Bloodsport – powerful, in control and violent.
Already making history in Saudi Arabia when she competed in the first ever women’s WWE match against Lacey Evans, it could be time for Nattie to make a big step forward in her career via this year’s Rumble.
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4. LA Knight
While LA Knight remains a fan favorite, his opportunities as a righteous character have seemingly had a ceiling.
However, if he were to officially flip to the dark side at the Royal Rumble, there could be more opportunities ahead on the Road to WrestleMania 42.
Potentially flipping over to SmackDown to feud with Carmelo Hayes over the United States Championship, Knight could also end up sticking it out on Raw and targeting “Dirty” Dominik Mysterio.
With both Mysterio and Knight able to ride the line between babyface and heel depending on the situation, their feud could be a fascinating spin on the typical storytelling tropes.
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3. Jordynne Grace
Making her third Royal Rumble appearance but first as a member of the main roster, Jordynne Grace has already displayed dominance in the annual event.
While the Rumble has been kind to her in the past, this year will mark a big opportunity for “The Juggernaut.”
Able establish herself on the main roster as a threat, Grace could end up showing off some violent tendencies.
Potentially taking a violent interest in a fan favorite like Maxxine Dupri or Charlotte Flair, Grace’s shift could be subtle but important.
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2. Tiffany Stratton
After dropping the WWE Women’s Championship to Jade Cargill at Saturday Night’s Main Event back in November, Tiffany Stratton has yet to return to in-ring action.
Possibly with her return being withheld until the 2026 Royal Rumble, Stratton could bring a brand new intensity in her return.
Portraying a heel character during her time in NXT, it could definitely be that the return of “Tiffy Time” sees her bring a darker energy.
Able to immediately re-establish herself as a heel threat if she is to target the likes of Stephanie Vaquer. Lyra Valkyria or IYO SKY — a new version of Stratton could aim to take over on WWE Raw.
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1. Penta & Rey Fenix
While Penta and Rey Fenix have yet to come together on-screen so far, they have both been presented as babyfaces since their arrivals in WWE.
In what could be an amazing move, Penta and Rey Fenix could end up showing off a more vicious side in the Royal Rumble, leading to a new storyline for the pair.
With the reunion of the Lucha Brothers able to happen in the Royal Rumble, the duo could end up picking on the likes of the Street Profits or the Wyatt Sicks during the Rumble.
Starting a new feud on the Road to WrestleMania, it would be great to see Penta and Rey Fenix united in WWE for the first time — even if it meant there was a turn to the dark side for the duo.
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