Roman Reigns: 5 Top matches for the Big Dog outside of WWE

Roman Reigns has stood tall near the top of WWE for the last several years as the undisputed Big Dog of the company.

35-year-old Roman Reigns is one of the most decorated stars in the company's recent history with several WWE and Universal Championship runs to his name.

It all came from relatively humble beginnings in WWE for Reigns, who started out as a fairly unassuming star in NXT, despite his obvious physical attributes. Since then, his work-rate, charisma, and undeniable connection with the audience - be it good or bad - has taken the former Shield member to the top of the industry.

Roman Reigns battles health issues while at the top of WWE

Roman Reigns has, however, had his challenges. He returned after several months out after a traumatic leukemia diagnosis, stunning medical professionals and fans alike. He also made the decision to pull out of WrestleMania 36 earlier this year, citing the need to be with his newborn twins and his wife and not risk their health, especially in the middle of a pandemic.

It seems obvious that Reigns will be back in WWE soon enough, but for a star so big, it's only natural that minds sometimes wonder as to what might be possible for him away from the bright lights of Vince McMahon's company.

With that in mind, today I've taken a quick glance over five possible contenders for big matches against Roman Reigns if he were ever to step away from WWE and explore other possibilities.

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#5. MJF

Maxwell Jacob Friedman, or MJF as he is better known, is the resident loudmouth of All Elite Wrestling.

The 24-year-old New Yorker is one of the most antagonizing heels on the AEW roster, where he found a permanent home in early 2019.

Despite having debuted as a typical heel and seemingly being the perfect fit for the role, it appeared to fans that, on screen, MJF had changed his ways when he aligned with Cody ahead of the Full Gear pay-per-view last November.

Accompanying him to the ring for his world title match against Chris Jericho, MJF would cost Cody by throwing in the towel and effectively signaling for a forfeit of sorts. What initially looked like an act of kindness was revealed to be an act of malice when, after the match, MJF left Cody laying.

Never short of a word or two and always keen to trade insults with fans on social media, some might argue that Roman Reigns would the ideal choice to shut the mouth of MJF - it's a match I'd pay to see!

#4. Ken Shamrock

Roman Reigns has taken on all comers during his career thus far - from young upstarts to seasoned veterans and everyone else in between. At 56 years old, there's little doubting that, if he were to take on Roman Reigns in the present day, Ken Shamrock would definitely fall into the 'veterans' category.

Roman Reigns v Ken Shamrock - a match for the ages

However, Shamrock is still featuring and competing on a regular basis, currently signed to Impact Wrestling where he's in his second spell. As well as being one of the most noted UFC fighters of all time - a UFC Hall of Famer no less - Shamrock was also a top WWE Superstar during the Attitude Era.

He was a former Intercontinental Champion, a Tag Team Champion, and a King of the Ring winner, with notable WrestleMania appearances under his belt, not least in 1998 when he took on The Rock. That same year, he battled Owen Hart in Dungeon and Lion's Den Matches - two of the most unique of the era.

Roman Reigns' power and speed going up against Shamrock's sheer intensity and will would most likely have made for a better match in the latter's heyday than it would now, but while the World's Most Dangerous Man remains active, fans can always dream.

#3. Cody

Roman Reigns and Cody have certainly crossed paths before. But while they may be familiar enough with each other from previous battles over the years, there is little doubting that any such meeting between Reigns and The American Nightmare now would very different indeed.

As well as occasionally clashing on television, the two came to blows at Battleground in 2013 when Shield members Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins took on Goldust and Cody - then wrestling as Cody Rhodes. The latter duo won, saving their jobs in the process.

Roman Reigns v Cody - a battle of two huge names

In the intervening years, it would be safe to say that Roman Reigns and Cody have gone on to have stellar careers. While Reigns has established himself firmly as one of WWE's top Superstars, with Championship reigns aplenty, Cody helped found AEW. As well as being an executive, he's also one of their top talents and the inaugural AEW TNT Champion.

It seems unlikely the pair would cross paths again anytime soon but, in wrestling, you never say never. It would be a meeting of two huge names.

#2. Will Ospreay

One choice for a tasty-looking match for Roman Reigns would be Will Ospreay, a name that might otherwise fly under the radar a little with wrestling fans who focus their attention on WWE.

Will Ospreay is undoubtedly one of the most popular wrestling talents in the world right now, with the 27-year old performing and making huge waves in New Japan Pro Wrestling. Since his debut in the industry back in 2012, he has amassed an impressive body of work on the independent scene.

Roman Reigns v Will Ospreay - One for the future

The Londoner has featured on home soil with the likes of Progress Wrestling, while also touring the world before settling in Japan, first signing there in 2016. He's already gone on to win their IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship on three occasions.

Interestingly, Ospreay has revealed that, in 2018, WWE contacted him with a contract offer to join their ranks, but he turned them down. That's one chance for this intriguing match-up gone, then. Here's hoping for another in the future.

#1. Jon Moxley

Don't misunderstand me here - this isn't just a lazy wish for Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose to reunite in WWE and get it on all over again. It's safe to say those days are long gone.

I would be mightily interested to see how a match between Roman Reigns and the 2020 version of 'Ambrose' would pan out. That's right - I want Reigns going up against current AEW World Champion, Jon Moxley.

Moxley made no secret of his dissatisfaction with his final months in WWE, with the 34-year old making clear he feels much more of a free spirit creatively in AEW. It's no real wonder - it took him less than a year to become the company's top name.

Roman Reigns v Jon Moxley - Good friends, better enemies?

I'd go as far as to say that, should they meet now, Reigns would actually be the underdog - at least in so much as, for the first time, Moxley's stock has overtaken that of The Big Dog, whereas in WWE you could argue that Reigns was always the bigger star.

Moxley is now something of a maverick and a hellraiser - how would Reigns handle that? I wouldn't mind finding out.