This week on Raw, it was announced that Roman Reigns would be part of the show next week and reveal his plans for Summerslam. Summerslam is slated to take place on 21st August 2017, and it is more than a month away from the Great Balls of Fire pay-per-view, which should be Reigns’ next stop.
Much like you, we too are wondering what is next for The Big Dog! We gave it a bit of thought and came up with 5 possibilities for the announcement that Reigns will make next week. Do let us know in the comments if you agree with our assessment.
#5 Entering the Universal Title picture
Fans are salivating at the mouth at the thought of Samoa Joe and Brock Lesnar clashing at Great Balls of Fire. The modern day version of Hogan vs. Andre, this match has the makings of an instant classic already. Does Reigns want to face the winner of this match at Summerslam?
You may counter by saying that Reigns isn't qualified to demand a championship rematch considering he lost at Extreme Rules. You are right, but as Reigns suggested, he deserves to be Number 1 Contender because he beat The Undertaker clean, at Wrestlemania.
While we are aware of the rumours that Reigns is set to collide with Lesnar at Wrestlemania 34, we believe that WWE may have changed their plans based on their declining ratings and negative feedback on social media. While Lesnar vs. Reigns (or Joe) may not be a tempting Wrestlemania match, it is certainly a fascinating Summerslam dream match.
Also read: An open letter to “The Big Dog” Roman Reigns
#4 An inter-brand dream match
In case WWE wants to save Reigns vs. Lesnar for Wrestlemania, we arrive at an interesting possibility. Will Reigns call out someone on SmackDown Live and book a dream match at the upcoming pay-per-view? Based on what Michael Hayes said – ‘Reigns vs. Cena’ can most certainly happen in the future.
However, there is a multitude of talent on SmackDown Live that Reigns can challenge instead- AJ Styles, Nakamura, Corbin, Orton, or maybe even Jericho if he returns by then. A battle for brand pride may be an absorbing angle and can play out well, leading into the Summerslam pay-per-view.
How about this possibility? We know how much the US Championship meant to Roman Reigns. Maybe he can’t stand the thought of Kevin Owens holding the belt and wants it back on Raw? That is certainly an interesting plotline, heading into Summerslam.
#3 Bringing a legend out of retirement
As we reported recently, Goldberg recently teased coming back to the ring once again with a recent picture on Instagram.
Among the opponents he has mentioned he would like to face if he were to step back are Braun Strowman and the man in question, Roman Reigns! We saw a tease of the two men facing one another before Wrestlemania, and we’re certain that this match will bring back the casual fans who tuned out following WrestleMania in Orlando.
This is a marquee match, and since it keeps Reigns out of the title picture, it’s probably one that the fans will not mind.
#2 Proposing a Shield reunion
All three men from the erstwhile trio, The Shield, held gold as recently as last year. Unfortunately, the momentum of all three men seems to have cooled off, as have the ratings for Raw.
While Roman can propose a Shield reunion, in the guise of being the most dominant force in the roster again, it could be a ploy to bring ratings back on track and make Raw must-see television. Think about it. All three members of The Shield are now babyfaces and on the same brand. This alliance could also bolster the tag team division and give Cesaro and Sheamus some bodies to work with.
Who will they work with at Summerslam? We propose The New Day from SmackDown Live. That’s a dream match that nobody’s seen yet, and could work well to build up the dual brand pay-per-view.
#1 Settling an old score
At Sportskeeda Wrestling, none of us holds a medical degree. However, when WWE officially claims that someone is out for six months, we always take it with a pinch of salt. Braun Strowman seems to be up and about, from his pictures on Instagram, and we are confident that he will return before 6 months are up.
Will Reigns set the stage by challenging him to a grudge match at Summerslam in Brooklyn? One final contest. One match to end the rivalry that has spanned many months now?
Send us news tips at [email protected]
