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'The Big Dog' Roman Reigns is set to face 'The Beast Incarnate' Brock Lesnar in 2 weeks at 'The Grandest Stage of Them All' with the latter's Universal title on the line. Even though a majority of the WWE Universe is upset with the happening of this match, Vince McMahon seems to be quite firm about his decision and, is trying everything in his power to arouse the interest of fans in this match.
We have seen quite a few unexpected events taking place over the past few weeks, such as Lesnar not showing up on Raw even after being advertised for the show, Reigns getting temporarily suspended for speaking out all of his grievances, and Lesnar viciously attacking Reigns while he was handcuffed.
This proves that Vince and the creative team are trying their best at getting the crowd behind Reigns ahead of his clash with Lesnar at WrestleMania.
If the rumors of Lesnar returning to UFC after WrestleMania are true, then Roman Reigns will without a shadow of a doubt, walk out of WrestleMania as the new Universal champion. But what after that? Who could possibly challenge Reigns for his title? Let's look at a few of the superstars who could fill that spot.
#5 Bobby Lashley
Lashley had been a part of the WWE a few years back but left the company soon enough. He was never utilized properly during his stay in the company. He then began his career in MMA and prospered in it.
TNA gave him all the success that he needed. Lashley went on to become a 4-time Impact World Heavyweight champion.
Bobby Lashley recently made his exit from TNA, and that is when all the rumors about him joining WWE again began circulating. If Lashley really is set to make his WWE return, then he can be the one to challenge Roman Reigns for the Universal Championship. But it would be much better if the creative team builds Lashley as an unstoppable and unbeatable force before setting up his rivalry with Reigns.
#4 AJ Styles
'The Phenomenal One' AJ Styles, is currently a part of the SmackDown Live roster and is also the reigning WWE champion. Styles will be defending his WWE Championship against Shinsuke Nakamura at 'The Show of Shows'. Nakamura, the winner of this year's Royal Rumble match is expected to defeat Styles at Mania and become the new WWE Champion.
Styles vs Nakamura is not a match that happens frequently, and the chances of a rematch happening between the two is less. The Superstar shake-up will take place after WrestleMania, and if AJ Styles moves to Raw, then he will surely be the one to challenge Reigns.
AJ Styles and Roman Reigns have produced some good matches in the past, and we can expect them to deliver something of a similar magnitude this time as well.
#3 Seth Rollins
'The Architect' Seth Rollins seems to be the perfect guy to challenge Roman Reigns. These two men know each other better than anyone else. They have been good friends and arch rivals as well.
Rollins and Reigns have faced each other on numerous occasions, with each match being equally good as the previous one.
Reigns was the man who eliminated Rollins from the Royal Rumble match. Rollins kind of avenged that by defeating Reigns fair and square on the May 29th edition of Monday Night Raw. Now that Rollins owns a clean victory over Reigns, he has a credible reason to name himself as the No.1 contender for the Universal Championship.
#2 Finn Balor
'The Demon King' Finn Balor had all the momentum on his side when he made his debut on the main roster. He had scored clean pinfall victories over Superstars like Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins and, became the inaugural Universal Champion.
But all of that momentum came to a halt as he sustained a legitimate shoulder injury, which forced him to relinquish his title on the very next day.
Believe it or not, Balor hasn't received his Universal title rematch as of yet. He is currently scheduled to compete for the Intercontinental Championship at WrestleMania against the Miz and Seth Rollins in a triple threat match.
Balor stands a good chance of winning that match and becoming the new Intercontinental Champion. But if the creative team decides to put the Intercontinental Championship around Seth Rollins's waist, then Balor would be free to challenge Roman Reigns for the Universal title, as the Miz will most probably be invoking his rematch clause against Rollins.
The WWE Universe would definitely want to see Bálor get his rematch for the Universal title, and Roman Reigns would be the best champion to defend the title against Bálor.
#1 Samoa Joe
Joe and Reigns have had some history. Out of all the times these two have faced each other, Reigns has been able to come out victorious on only one occasion, with Joe getting the better of Reigns during all the other bouts (using dirty tactics of course).
'The Samoan Submission Machine' has been out of action for nearly 3 months now, due to an injury that he had suffered to his right foot. But a few weeks ago, Joe was cleared by the medical staff to make his in-ring return.
As Reigns will most probably be a babyface Champion, there will be a need for a credible heel to challenge him for the Universal title. No one can play that role better than Samoa Joe. Joe can make his much-anticipated return to the WWE on the Raw after Mania, by attacking Roman Reigns and declaring his intention of being the new Universal Champion.
This would prove to be a great start for 'The Big Dog' as the Universal Champion.
