{"id":159629,"date":"2026-04-21T07:00:21","date_gmt":"2026-04-21T11:00:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/?p=159629"},"modified":"2026-04-21T01:41:45","modified_gmt":"2026-04-21T05:41:45","slug":"mapping-out-roman-reigns-run-as-wwe-world-heavyweight-champion","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/2026\/04\/21\/mapping-out-roman-reigns-run-as-wwe-world-heavyweight-champion\/","title":{"rendered":"Mapping Out Roman Reigns&#8217; Run as WWE World Heavyweight Champion"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>After a 2-year championship drought, Roman Reigns <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/2026\/04\/19\/roman-reigns-dethrones-cm-punk-to-become-wwe-world-heavyweight-champion-at-wrestlemania-42\/\" target=\"_self\">won<\/a> the World Heavyweight Championship in the main event of WrestleMania 42: Night Two. The OTC defeated CM Punk in a grueling, 33-minute bout. Although WWE may revisit the Reigns vs. Punk feud down the line, the two Superstars seem to be done for now.<\/p>\n<p>Many fans have complained about the limited number of appearances Reigns makes on TV. With the OTC as World Champion, there were concerns that the championship may not be featured regularly. However, the OTC shut down those rumors by seemingly confirming a <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/fannation\/wrestling\/wwe\/roman-reigns-announces-full-time-return-as-report-reveals-new-feuds\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">full-time<\/a> return.<\/p>\n<p>If his last World Title is any indication, the OTC is set to rule for a long period. Fortunately, several hungry challengers are already lining up for the new World Heavyweight Champion. Here, we concisely map out Reigns&#8217; run as the World Champion.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Oba Femi Might Be Roman Reigns&#8217; First Challenger<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>It appears as if Roman Reigns&#8217; first challenger has already been teased. After <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/2026\/04\/19\/oba-femi-slays-the-beast-at-wrestlemania-42-brock-lesnar-seemingly-retires\/\" target=\"_self\">crushing<\/a> Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania Sunday, Oba Femi called out the new World Heavyweight Champion on the Mania 42 PostShow. Although he didn&#8217;t specify a date, the feud could begin as soon as the RAW after WrestleMania Sunday.<\/p>\n<p>Assuming Reigns accepts, this would be a dream feud that will keep the audience glued to their seats. The Ruler is one of the most overrated Superstars on the main roster. Following his victory over Lesnar, Femi has cemented himself as a certified monster. With all the momentum on his side, he makes a compelling case as a challenger for the World Title.<\/p>\n<p>Roman Reigns vs. Oba Femi has money written all over it, and this might be the feud that could retain the audience&#8217;s interest. However, if they wrestle, the Ruler is unlikely to defeat the OTC. As great as he may be, Femi is still new to the main roster. He needs to be groomed before assuming the mantle of the World Champion.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"MUST SEE: Oba Femi calls out Roman Reigns in shocking moment: WrestleMania 42 Sunday Post-Show\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ZVCwEF8TQAA?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2>Logan Paul Comes Calling for Roman Reigns<\/h2>\n<p>There are several ways WWE could go about Roman Reigns vs. Oba Femi. Either it could turn out to be a long feud that stretches to SummerSlam 2026, or the company moves on quickly. Given Femi&#8217;s limited chances of winning the title, the rivalry wouldn&#8217;t last that long.<\/p>\n<p>If Reigns is becoming a full-time World Champion, he would need another challenger in the early months of the summer before SummerSlam 2026. Enter Logan Paul. The Maverick may be one of the most polarizing figures on the planet, but he is extremely talented between the ropes.<\/p>\n<p>In the past, AJ Styles was used to put over a new World champion. Styles put over Reigns in 2016, and did the same for Cody Rhodes in 2024. With Styles retired, WWE would need a new person to fill that role, and Paul is a good candidate.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" style=\"max-width: 610px\"><smartframe-embed class=\"smartframe_wp_element\" customer-id=\"b0c95bc04383cef69c6b47df872135cf\" image-id=\"WmOBgmIF7Zfs\" style=\"width: 100%; display: inline-flex; max-width: 3999px; aspect-ratio: 3999\/2667;\" ><\/smartframe-embed><\/p>\n<p>The YouTube sensation has battled Reigns in the past, and they put on a fantastic bout. WWE could run it back again in the summer to keep Reigns busy before a challenger for SummerSlam arises. Paul would make the OTC look good and help Reigns build momentum heading into the Biggest Event of the Summer.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"FULL MATCH: Roman Reigns vs. Logan Paul | Undisputed WWE Universal Title Match: Crown Jewel 2022\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/hBSAEMk1Iqk?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<h2><strong>King Jey Uso Battles His Cousin at SummerSlam 2026<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>This one is unlikely, but has tremendous storytelling potential. Jey Uso reunited with Jimmy to reform the Usos. The twins are hell-bent on regaining the Tag Team Titles. However, Jey has proven himself as a main event-level player, and his World Title aspirations are still very much alive.<\/p>\n<p>Therefore, Jey has an outside chance of challenging Roman Reigns for the World Heavyweight Championship. Every time the two cousins have feuded with each other, they have created magic. The love-hate dynamic between Reigns and Jey is unique and special. Considering their history and chemistry, Triple H might reconsider running it back at SummerSlam 2026.<\/p>\n<p>The King of the Ring Tournament is Jey&#8217;s safest path to the World Heavyweight Championship. Initially, the feud could begin on respectful lines as a battle between two cousins. However, following a loss to Reigns at SummerSlam 2026, Jey, who has been teasing a heel turn for a while, could snap and betray his cousin.<\/p>\n<p>A Jey Uso heel turn would freshen up his character and add a twist to the tale. Naturally, the OTC would still walk out as the champion, but it would make for some intriguing storytelling. Jimmy Uso&#8217;s role in this program would also be compelling and significant.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"FULL MATCH: Roman Reigns vs. Jey Uso | Undisputed WWE Universal Championship: SummerSlam 2023\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/y_e_9la1wc4?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2><strong>Drew McIntyre Hunts The Bloodline<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>The Bloodline has created many enemies over the years. However, few rivals carry a grudge as deep as Drew McIntyre does. The Scottish Warrior was on the verge of winning the WWE Title at Clash at the Castle 2022 before Solo Sikoa made his debut to help Roman Reigns return. This would have given McIntyre his moment in front of a live crowd.<\/p>\n<p>Although McIntyre would win the World Title again, he still resents the Bloodline. In late 2024, McIntyre began a Bloodline Hunter gimmick, where he started to take down the family one by one. However, the angle was quietly abandoned without a payoff.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" style=\"max-width: 610px\"><smartframe-embed class=\"smartframe_wp_element\" customer-id=\"b0c95bc04383cef69c6b47df872135cf\" image-id=\"WmOBjnoi8Doy\" style=\"width: 100%; display: inline-flex; max-width: 3898px; aspect-ratio: 3898\/2599;\" ><\/smartframe-embed><\/p>\n<p>With Reigns as World Champion, it makes sense to revisit this angle. After the OTC is done with his cousin, McIntyre could come calling for the Head of the Table. WWE could easily hold off this feud till Royal Rumble 2027, where Reigns will end McIntyre&#8217;s championship aspirations for good.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"FULL MATCH: Reigns vs. McIntyre \u2014 Undisputed WWE Universal Title Match: Clash at the Castle 2022\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/t8BlN-v-xZg?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<h2><strong>Gunther Dethrones Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 43<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Roman Reigns vs. Gunther is inevitable. It is one of the biggest feuds WWE could book right now, and the company is saving it for a massive occasion. This would be a fitting main event for WrestleMania 43, especially if The Rock isn&#8217;t available to compete.<\/p>\n<p>The Ring General has been <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/2026\/02\/15\/the-next-victims-of-gunther\/\" target=\"_self\">killing careers<\/a>, but he has always been a Prizefighter. When he&#8217;s done retiring legends, Gunther could resume his World Title aspirations. Winning the 2027 Men&#8217;s Royal Rumble is the safest way of booking a date with Reigns at the Show of Shows.<\/p>\n<p>As dominant as Reigns has been in the past decade, the OTC is also pretty effective in putting other stars over. Gunther is being built as the top villain in the coming years, and he needs World Titles to cement his position. Forcing Reigns to sleep in the main event of WrestleMania 43 would be a great way to build nuclear heat.<\/p>\n<p>After putting Reigns to sleep, Gunther could embark on a long and impressive World Title run. The OTC could take some time off, while the Ring General could continue to extend his unprecedented reign of terror.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"FULL MATCH: Damian Priest vs. Gunther | World Heavyweight Title Match: SummerSlam 2024\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/82RbLyhb9jY?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>After a 2-year championship drought, Roman Reigns won the World Heavyweight Championship in the main event of WrestleMania 42: Night Two. The OTC defeated CM Punk in a grueling, 33-minute bout. Although WWE may revisit the Reigns vs. Punk feud down the line, the two Superstars seem to be done for now. Many fans have [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5689,"featured_media":159760,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2192,4,3],"tags":[686,1724,7612,8734,77],"class_list":["post-159629","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-wrestling","category-wwe","category-wwe-universe","tag-drew-mcintyre","tag-jey-uso","tag-logan-paul","tag-oba-femi","tag-roman-reigns"],"modified_by":"Michael Joseph Sugue, Manager","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/159629","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5689"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=159629"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/159629\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":159763,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/159629\/revisions\/159763"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/159760"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=159629"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=159629"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=159629"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}