Its official: World Wrestling Entertainment has announced that Roman Reigns will put his title, and his 365+ day reign. And it will be Reigns vs. the inaugural Universal Champion, Finn Balor.
The Finn Balor vs Roman Reigns will go down on September 26 at the Extreme Rules event at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio.
Or, will they? I may not be the “Prince” persona, a casually dressed smooth operator who used the psychological art of war to split up The Undisputed Era. The latest installment of Friday Night SmackDown seemed to tease a return to the “Demon King” gimmick Balor has used in the past. As Reigns left the ring after besting Balor, the lights dimmed and turned red. As if the demon was awakening.
Known as Prince Devitt during his NJPW days, Balor chose a symbolic new ring name when he joined WWE. ‘Finn’ is a hero and king of Irish legend, whilst Balor is the giant that he slew. Both regal and demonic connotations are purposefully knitted into the name.
Time will tell if Balor chooses to don the elaborate painting and headdress again. Before he can possibly become once and future champion, the current titleholder Reigns has to come face to face with another challenger. Brock Lesnar will take on the champ at Madison Square Garden on September 10’s episode. Reigns has seemed shook by the advent of Lesnar. And cracks are beginning to show in his relationship with “special counsel” Paul Heyman, who is also “advocate” to Lesnar.
A less invincible Roman Reigns than the WWE Universe has come to know will be picking up the mic and looking Lesnar in the eye in a venue steeped in history.
The Universal Championship continues to be perhaps WWE’s last truly meaningful title. The race for it has some of the roster’s heaviest hitters in contention.
Lesnar returned with his eyes clearly on it as his prize, and Balor returned from NXT with the same goal. It’s a Mulligan of his 2016 reign which was cut short by a shoulder injury. Then, there is Seth Rollins, hell bent on another Universal title run. Not to mention Edge, who wants to hold the title one last time as the sun sets for good on his legendary WWE career.
Each of these contenders has just as much chance as the other of taking the title from Reigns. But, of course… he won’t go quietly. Balor vs. Reigns may not be the end of Reign’s title run, but it will certainly be a test. His long championship run and the revamp of his character into an indomitable heel have helped to enshrine the belt with the honor it deserves. It’s become the crown jewel of one of WWE’s best current storylines.
(cover photo courtesy of wwe.com)
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