The Big Dog, the Head of the Table, the Tribal Chief. Roman Reigns has been going on a tear lately and is in the midst of his career-defining run. With Paul Heyman being his special counsel, Reigns is just getting started and is about to carve out a path of destruction unlike any other. WWE has been trying to find the right way to use Reigns in years past, but to no avail, he would consistently fail to connect with fans. His surprise return at SummerSlam, laying out the then-new Universal Champion, The Fiend and Braun Strowman was shocking as it was necessary. He regained the championship soon thereafter. The return immediately made an impact and established Reigns as a no-nonsense monster not to be trifled with. It will not be a surprise if Reigns is penciled in for a lengthy reign with the top prize on the blue brand. Most would even say that it is necessary, and will be good to build up the prestige of the character as well as the Universal Championship. But, everybody has to be defeated at some point, and the titan has to fall to a mighty warrior one way or another. So let’s take a look at some challengers who can unseat the Ruler of SmackDown and beat Roman Reigns.
Who Should Be The One To Beat Roman Reigns
Honorable Mentions:
Goldberg – Anyone would be remiss if they didn’t mention the WCW Legend. A showdown between them never materialized, because of forces outside their own control. As much as Goldberg’s aura and legacy are concerned, it’s easy to book. But, it would work better if the tables were turned. Reigns should be the one doing the squashing not the other way around.
Karrion Kross – Intriguing as it might sound, NXT’s monster works better as an antagonist like the aforementioned Big Dog. If there is a chance for a showdown the line, under the right circumstances, who wouldn’t want to see it?
Drew McIntyre – As evidenced by their showdown at Survivor Series, a possible matchup between the two will be blockbuster in a grander stage. But, for now, they are the top champions in their respective brands, and it is a “wait and see” situation for the year 2021.
Big E – If recent backstage rumblings are to go by, WWE has monumental plans for the big man. A matchup with the Tribal Chief might be in the cards, but not yet. Big E should run the gauntlet and earn this matchup.
5. Samoa Joe
A dark horse if there ever is one, Samoa Joe has established an aura of a top-level star. He can easily step in and be a believable threat against Reigns. Joe has been one of the few performers, in the last decade, that feels legitimate. He carries himself like he could beat anybody if he wishes to do so. The reason he is so low on this list is because of how uncertain his status is as an in-ring performer. Joe’s return to prominence is not a question of why, it’s if management still believes in him and trusts him enough not to get injured. Best believe if Joe is indeed healthy, and they’re willing to build him up, it will be a showdown for the ages.
4. Daniel Bryan
It’s quite shocking to know that Bryan and Reigns had very limited bouts together. Their biggest matchup came way back in 2015 at the first-ever Fastlane pay-per-view. A contest now between the two would be nothing short of spectacular. And if reports prove to be accurate, fans might have this feud as early as the Royal Rumble 2021. Not to suggest that Bryan should beat Roman Reigns at the event, but a long-overdue program between the two would be the stuff of legends. Bryan is more than likely winding his full-time in-ring career down. One last great feud maybe even one last run with a top title, could cap off the phenomenal run of Daniel Bryan. And in the process giving Roman Reigns one of his greatest rivals and a great way to start another run with the Universal title after he inevitably beats him to regain it
3. Brock Lesnar
Lesnar versus Reigns is a fascinating case. Paul Heyman is the manager for both, and it puts the Advocate in a compromising position story-wise. But, a collision course between these two is easily box-office and people would flock to any arena to see this. Some might say fans were indifferent to their match back at Wrestlemania 31, others would state they had a great match but it was all forgotten because of the monumental Money in the Bank cash-in of Seth Rollins. Both are at different stages in their careers. A match now between Reigns and Lesnar would be a showcase in brutality that many matches could not replicate. The potential of a tweener Lesnar, a fighter who’s neither a good or bad guy and just wants to fight the best, who wouldn’t want to see that? A matchup for the ages fans never knew they wanted.
2. Keith Lee
A magnificent specimen unlike any other, Keith Lee has all the tools of a “sports-entertainer” that WWE craves. And the arsenal that makes independent wrestling fans root for the “Limitless One”. A mastodon of a man who flies around the ring like he’s under-200 pounds is quite a sight. Keith Lee extending the challenge to Roman Reigns is just a story that writes itself. Lee conquered NXT in decisive fashion, and upon his arrival on Raw many were ecstatic to have the superstar debut. WWE higher-ups, particularly Vince McMahon, was said to be high on the star. As long as WWE does not lose faith in him, they have a megastar on their hands. Not only does it establish a new top star, which WWE lacks, it also gives Roman Reigns a sworn enemy, a competitor he could feud with for years. Giving the company two cornerstones for the future.
1. Kevin Owens
Owens is definitely not the first person that comes to mind when considering people who could beat Roman Reigns. But, as his recent feud with “The Tribal Chief” will tell you. Kevin is a sympathetic “never give up” babyface. WWE needs to capitalize on this. Owens’s feud with Roman was presumed to just be a one-off feud that Reigns just bulldozes through. But, with great promos on SmackDown and a great match at the Tables, Ladders, and Chairs 2020 pay-per-view. Owens could be the monkey that Reigns never shakes off. He just keeps coming back, and Reigns keeps beating him time and time again. But as far as Owens is concerned, he just needs one win to end the champion’s destruction. This will catapult Kevin Owens to the biggest babyface the WWE has had in a while.
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