The King of the Ring tournament is underway. The full bracket has been released. Oba Femi and Dominik Mysterio have advanced to the next round. The remaining first-round matches will take place this week, and the finals will take place at Night of Champions in Saudi Arabia later in June.
While the field is quite impressive, Seth “Freakin” Rollins is among the favorites to win the tournament. WWE could be looking to set up a massive World Heavyweight Championship match between Rollins and Roman Reigns at SummerSlam.
However, let’s assume that the company holds off on this match or books this through an alternative angle.
Rollins could win the tournament and challenge Cody Rhodes for the WWE Championship. Alternatively, a completely different winner could emerge to face Rhodes at SummerSlam. If that happens, it would be tricky for Triple H to set up a worthy title feud for the OTC at the Biggest Party of the Summer.
On that note, let’s look at 3 potential challengers for Roman Reigns if the King of the Ring winner chooses to face Cody Rhodes.
#3. CM Punk Could Return After the King of the Ring Tournament for a Rematch
In an epic main event, Roman Reigns defeated CM Punk at WrestleMania 42 to win the World Heavyweight Championship. The Best in the World acknowledged his loss on the RAW after Mania, but has not been seen on TV ever since. There appears to be no definitive timeline for Punk’s return, but fans would be hoping he could be back for SummerSlam.
Their clash at Mania was a fitting finale for their feud, but it might also be the catalyst for another match. A reinvigorated CM Punk could make a grand comeback after the conclusion of the King of the Ring tournament. Punk could challenge Reigns to a rematch at SummerSlam.
However, the Second City Saint would not be handed that opportunity. Much like he earned his opportunity against Gunther last year, Punk could be placed in a Gauntlet match to determine the challenger. The veteran could prevail and book a date with the OTC at SummerSlam. Although Punk vs. Reigns would not be fresh, it could still be entertaining.
#2. Bron Breakker Gets His Shot at Roman Reigns
Last year, Roman Reigns and Bron Breakker crossed paths several times. More often than not, their interactions ended with Breakker standing tall over Reigns. The Unpredictable Badass is a future World Champion, and he might win his first at SummerSlam by defeating the OTC.
Breakker is currently embroiled in a feud with Seth “Freakin” Rollins. After wrapping up that program, he could turn his attention towards bigger and better things. With Paul Heyman whispering in his ear and pulling the strings, the Unpredictable Badass could maneuver his way into a World Heavyweight Championship opportunity.
Roman Reigns vs. Bron Breakker is a certified dream match, and WWE has been saving it for a big occasion. SummerSlam 2026 could be the PLE where they finally deliver this colossal battle.
#1. LA Knight Stands Up to Roman Reigns
The Bloodline’s reunion and dominance have pleased several members of the WWE Universe. However, LA Knight is less than thrilled about the Usos reuniting with Roman Reigns. The Megastar has long been a victim of the number’s game and sees the Bloodline’s resurgence as a major threat.
Nonetheless, Knight has vowed that he would do anything to get his hands on the World Heavyweight Championship. The World Title has eluded the charismatic veteran for years, but he could finally realize his dream at SummerSlam. Knight could stand up to Reigns and demand a fair shot at the title.
The OTC would oblige, but only if the former US Champion could defeat the rest of the Bloodline. Knight would then individually run through Jimmy and Jey Uso. Jacob Fatu could also fall to the Megastar. This would clear Knight’s path to the World Title at the Biggest Party of the Summer.
