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This past Sunday at WWE Payback, Roman Reigns won the Universal Championship in a Triple Threat Match. Since Reigns never signed the contract for the match, he was backstage for a large part of the match. In the meantime, Braun Strowman and The Fiend tore each other apart. In the final moments of the match, The Fiend delivered a massive Superplex to Strowman, causing the ring to collapse. The Big Dog, accompanied by his new manager and advisor Paul Heyman, chose the opportune time to sign the contract midway through the match to finally make it a three-way contest. He won the match after delivering a low-blow to The Fiend and pinning Strowman after a devastating Spear.
Roman Reigns' heel turn came as a shock to many. His alliance with Paul Heyman makes for an intriguing pair, and his new-found aggressive demeanor is pretty captivating. Under Heyman's guidance, The Big Dog will be pushed as the top heel of the Blue brand. Reports also indicate that Reigns will probably have a lengthy reign.
With Reigns ruling the yard once again as Universal Champion, he will have to deal with a plethora of talented stars. This list will look at five stars who could dethrone Roman Reigns.
#5 'The Fiend' Bray Wyatt could dethrone Roman Reigns
Let's get the obvious choice out of the way. The Fiend has a bone to pick with the new Universal Champion. The Big Dog mercilessly assaulted The Fiend seconds after the latter had just won the Universal Championship at SummerSlam and then cut Wyatt's reign short, who only held the title for seven days. Moreover, as it was a Triple Threat match, Wyatt didn't even get pinned to lose his title.
Wyatt and Reigns are no strangers to each other; these two powerhouses went to war several times in 2015. During their previous feud, Reigns was the babyface, while Wyatt was a heel. This time, the roles have been reversed, which makes their impending rivalry more compelling.
Clash of Champions is the next pay-per-view, and Roman Reigns versus 'The Fiend' Bray Wyatt should be one of the event's biggest match-ups. The Fiend has only been pinned once in his WWE career. He has run roughshod over the entire roster, but he hasn't been able to subdue Reigns. Wyatt has all the tools to defeat Reigns and could win back the Universal Championship sooner rather than later.
#4 Otis could dethrone Roman Reigns
Otis is one of the breakout stars of 2020. He had a WrestleMania moment of his own when he won the heart of long-time crush Mandy Rose, and defeated Dolph Ziggler at The Grandest Stage of Them All. He would then go on to win the Men's Money in the Bank Ladder match, where he caught the briefcase that slipped out of AJ Styles' hands. Sadly, the aftermath of his victory at Money in the Bank has been under-whelming. However, he does hold the Money in the Bank briefcase and poses a danger to Roman Reigns.
Mr. Money in the Bank Otis has been a non-factor over the summer. He has been treading water and participating in meaningless backstage segments that have led up to nothing. Otis has teased a cash-in, but no one knows when the Superstar will cash it in. WWE reportedly had drawn up plans for his cash-in, but they never came to fruition. However, Roman Reigns must always be on the lookout for Otis.
With a heel champion in Roman Reigns, Otis has a prime opportunity to cash in as he is a babyface. The Money in the Bank contract virtually guarantees you a future World Championship. Hence, Otis is likely to win the Universal Champion if he decides to cash it in.
#3 Matt Riddle could dethrone Roman Reigns
Matt Riddle is one of SmackDown's brightest talents as well as one of their top babyfaces. Currently, he is embroiled in a feud with King Corbin. Riddle emerged victorious in their encounter at Payback, but Corbin's backstage assault suggests that these two are far from done.
Although he debuted three months ago, Riddle has already received an Intercontinental Championship opportunity. His championship pursuit was unsuccessful, but he did impress many. Riddle has had some backstage and off-screen controversies, but WWE still view him quite favorably. Hence, he could be in line for a future Universal Championship opportunity.
Matt Riddle would pose a massive threat to Roman Reigns' Universal Championship. Riddle and Reigns crossed paths last year at Survivor Series during the Men's Survivor Series Triple Threat Match. However, fans haven't witnessed a one-on-one showdown between the two Superstars. Roman Reigns versus Matt Riddle may not exactly be a fantasy showdown, but it will be a magical sight to behold. If WWE wants to make Riddle a mega-star, a Universal Championship win and a victory over Roman Reigns would be the best way to do so.
#2 Big E could dethrone Roman Reigns
Big E and Roman Reigns are two sides of the same coin. The similarities between these two behemoths are endless. Big E is the powerhouse of The New Day, and Roman Reigns was the powerhouse of the Shield. They were also the driving forces behind their respective factions, always holding the group together. They also possess freakish agility for men of their size. They also competed on FCW and NXT. There were also rumors that Vince McMahon wanted to push Big E initially instead of Reigns but it was the latter who was pushed as the 'next big thing'.
There is also some history between the two Superstars. Back at Survivor Series 2017, the Big Dog and the powerhouse of the New Day locked horns. The battle occurred during a Six-Man Tag Team match between The New Day and The Shield. The fans were on the edge of their seats as these two supreme athletes went to war. The Shield emerged victorious, but fans witnessed an exciting match-up.
With the eight-time Tag Team Champion now a singles star, it is the right time to push him. Roman Reigns versus Big E is a WrestleMania-caliber dream match. Reigns is rarely outmatched in power and speed; hence a showdown with Big E would prove to be a beguiling prospect.
#1 Keith Lee could dethrone Roman Reigns
Keith Lee is the newest addition to the RAW locker room. The Limitless One lost the NXT Championship to Karrion Kross at NXT TakeOver XXX in what was his final match in NXT. Keith Lee was then promoted to the main roster, where WWE made a few odd changes to his entrance music and ring attire. On his first night on RAW, he faced Randy Orton, but the match ended due to disqualification after Drew McIntyre appeared. At Payback, he defeated Orton clean in a rematch.
McMahon appears to be high on Lee. Keith Lee is a phenomenal athlete who deserves the spotlight, and it is a welcome sight to see a fan-favorite like Lee rise through the ranks. Rumors suggest that the WWE Draft will be taking place in October. WWE may be looking to change up the World title scene on both brands. Hence we may see Roman Reigns switch over to RAW.
If Roman Reigns moves to RAW, he must collide with the Limitless One. Lee and Roman Reigns stole the show at Survivor Series last year in the inter-brand Men's Tag Team Elimination Match. Keith Lee became a star that day. Roman Reigns dropping the Universal Championship to Keith Lee is a decision that would be appreciated by the fanbase.
