On the 22 October 2018 episode of Monday Night Raw, 'The Big Dog' of the WWE, Roman Reigns shocked the entire world when he revealed that he had been battling leukemia and was forced to relinquish the WWE Universal Championship.
One of the most polarizing figures in the history of WWE found overwhelming support from all corners due to his real-life condition. He made a promise to the WWE Universe on that day that he would come back and every fan was hoping that each of his words come true.
On 25 February 2019, the WWE Universe rejoiced as Roman Reigns announced that he's in remission.
Roman Reigns has been headlining the WrestleMania for the past 4 years. WWE has not yet made a formal announcement regarding his in-ring return. However, with 34 days until WrestleMania 35, Roman Reigns might plan to return at the grandest stage of them all.
With this in mind, let's look at the possible matches we might see at the event wherein Reigns makes his triumphant return, assuming that he is cleared to wrestle.
#1 Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose v/s Elias and Bobby Lashley
This match is borne out of what we see on 25 February 2019 as Roman Reigns, along with fellow Shield member Seth Rollins, saved Dean Ambrose, the third member of The Shield, from a beat down against Drew McIntyre, Baron Corbin, Elias and Bobby Lashley.
It is worth noting that Dean Ambrose attacked Seth Rollins on the same night on which Reigns made his initial announcement about battling leukemia. For months, Ambrose had been portrayed as a heel during his subsequent rivalry with Seth Rollins.
However, due to a below-average character design of the heel Dean Ambrose, the rivalry and the gimmick could not gather much steam. As Seth Rollins won the Men's Royal Rumble 2019 and became the #1 Contender to Brock Lesnar's Universal Championship, Ambrose was left with no storyline and no opponent.
On 29 January 2019, WWE formally announced that Dean Ambrose (Jonathan Good) would not be renewing his contract with the company post-WrestleMania 35. Since then, Dean Ambrose has been treated nearly as a jobber and suddenly showed shades on turning face once again in the 18 February 2019 episode of Monday Night Raw through another Shield reunion.
However, it is a possibility that Dean Ambrose leaving WWE might only be a storyline and a tag team match at WrestleMania 35 alongside Roman Reigns could be used as a catalyst in the story to prevent him from leaving the company and reunite The Shield during the course of WrestleMania 35.
The selection of Elias and Bobby Lashley has been done considering that McIntyre might be involved in a storyline with Braun Strowman at WrestleMania 35. Furthermore, since Roman Reigns would most certainly win his comeback match, Elias and Lashley seem to be the ones who would be hurt the least due to this loss.
#2 Roman Reigns v/s Drew McIntyre
Although previously it was mentioned that Drew McIntyre could be engaged in a storyline with Braun Strowman at WrestleMania 35. However, if WWE decides to change these plans, then McIntyre could be the perfect opponent for Roman Reigns in his comeback match.
For almost half a decade now, Roman Reigns had been unable to win the support of all of WWE Universe with his presence always showered with cheers and boos by the fans at the same time. Despite being the biggest star attraction for the WWE, he had not been able to cement his spot as one of the greatest the company had ever seen.
However, due to his recent real-life situation, Reigns has received overwhelming support and adulation from WWE Universe. WWE would want to keep this support afloat and build on this momentum for a long time. Pitting Roman Reigns against the biggest villain of Monday Night Raw (after Brock Lesnar), Drew McIntyre could be the best way forward.
#3 Roman Reigns v/s John Cena
This match might seem like a long shot at this time owing to the fact that John Cena has now turned into a full-fledged Hollywood star and rarely makes an appearance in WWE TV. However, considering that this is WrestleMania 35 being discussed here, the show would be incomplete without one of its biggest star attractions ever.
Notably, Roman Reigns and John Cena have been involved in a rivalry before, which culminated at No Mercy 2017 with Reigns trouncing Cena. However, considering the star power of both the superstars, this match always deserved a bigger and grander stage and what bigger stage could there be than WrestleMania.
Furthermore, as mentioned, since it would his comeback match, Roman Reigns is almost destined to win this bout. Instead of hurting the credentials of an active superstar due to the loss, John Cena could be the perfect opponent for Reigns as a loss would not hurt the mega-stardom of Cena. Also, it could further cement Reigns as the Face of WWE once again at WrestleMania.
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