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This week on Raw, Roman Reigns dropped a bombshell when he announced that he was suffering from leukaemia and take time off to battle it.
As a result, he had to relinquish his WWE Universal Championship and now, the new champion will be coronated at Crown Jewel PPV when Braun Strowman and Brock Lesnar would battle it out amongst themselves.
But, what if leukaemia hadn't returned to haunt the Big Dog? What if the Shield Powerhouse had still been the Universal Champion? Whom would he be feuding with? Who would be his WrestleMania opponent? And more importantly, would the Shield break at the same night?
Also read: 3 future husbands who defeated their wives and 2 future wives who defeated their husbands
In this article, we allude on the topic. Here is how WWE could have booked Roman Reigns' Universal Championship if he hadn't suffered leukaemia.
#5 Retain his championship at Crown Jewel
Roman Reigns defeated Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam to end the Beast Incarnate's 504 days reign. It would be too anti-climactic if the Big Dog lost the title just 75 days later to the same guy or someone else. Moreover, it would spoil all the grand plans WWE had for the Universal Championship (which is already spoiled).
Instead, if he would have pinned Brock Lesnar, he would cement his status as the workhorse champion the company requires and protect Braun Strowman.
The Conqueror should have left the pro-wrestling shores way earlier if he wanted to work as a champion by showing up sporadically. Roman Reigns is the answer to the thoughts of a part-time champion. And, there is no way he would have lost the match.
#4 A faction war at Survivor Series
Back in September 2018, Joe Peiseich of Barnburner proclaimed that WWE was looking for a faction war at Survivor Series. Here is the transcript of it via Thomas Lowson of Sportskeeda:
"They're building now in time for Survivor Series, a group of factions. The Shield came back. Now Dolph Ziggler, Braun Strowman, with AOP if you want to put Drake Maverick in there as a faction, and what's the biggest faction? I keep telling you it's Paul Heyman guys."
So, at one point of time, there was a backstage plan that instead of a traditional 5-on-5 elimination tag team match to close Survivor Series, it would be a 12 man tag team match between four teams to determine the biggest faction at Raw.
In one corner would be the Shield, looking to prove to the rest of the roster that they are still the most dangerous faction in WWE. On the other corner would be Dogs of War, who have already laid carnage to the Shield multiple time in the past.
In the other corner would be Authors of Pain and a mystery partner, later revealed to be Buddy Murphy (Drake Maverick's idea and something to put Cruiserweight division in the limelight). And, in another corner would be Paul Heyman's guys - Bobby Lashley, Bobby Roode, and Bray Wyatt - three individuals who are frustrated with WWE's booking and living under the shelter of the former ECW General Manager to find prominence.
Paul Heyman's guys would win the match and the dissension between Shield would rise further. But, the Brotherhood would still be intact.
#3 The Big Dog vs. Scottish Psychopath at Royal Rumble
After Roman Reigns fends off each of Paul Heyman's guys' challenge post Survivor Series, he would require a new challenger to live up to the moniker of the fighting champion. And, in steps Drew McIntyre.
It is no secret that Vince McMahon is swayed by Drew McIntyre's charisma and demeanour. So, a future shot at the Universal Championship is inevitable. Moreover, WWE is already building towards it by teasing a feud with Braun Strowman, who happens to be the favourite to walk away with the championship at Crown Jewel.
Now, even if Roman Reigns would have been the champion, Drew McIntyre would have still got the title shot. Only one question remains - when would this shot take place? And, is there a better time than the Royal Rumble?
#2 The Ultimate Showdown with the Rock
Roman Reigns has already main-evented four WrestleManias, and like it or not, he would be main-eventing another one this April. Brock Lesnar (and technically Seth Rollins). Triple H. The Undertaker. Brock Lesnar (again). WWE needs someone to carry on the legacy, and there is no one better than the Rock.
The Rock has reiterated in the past that he misses the allure of pro-wrestling and desperately wants to be back in the squared circle. Moreover, he is the favourite to win the 2019 Royal Rumble according to renowned betting website Skybet.
So, after Roman Reigns resists Drew McIntyre's challenge earlier in the night and the Great One obliterates 29 other men, the Big Dog would walk down the ramp and have a stare off with the WrestleMania sign.
Four years earlier, they did something similar. Would the crowd react the same?
#1 The breakup no one wants
The night after WrestleMania is full of surprises. And, what better way to pull out the breakup than on the night itself.
Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose both would be jealous of Roman Reigns' achievements. Remember, they entered the main roster together. But, it was Roman Reigns who stood out. Call it Vince McMahon's partiality or his vision, there is no way the Shield stablemates wouldn't be jealous.
Last time it was Seth who snapped. Seth, it would be again. But, last time Dean Ambrose was left stunned. He couldn't believe that the Architect betrayed them.
This time he would be the catalyst. He would hand Seth Rollins the chair to do the honours again. Roman would look above at Dean in agonizing pain, and he would simply smile down at his fallen comrade.
Do you agree with our list? Do post your thoughts in the comments section.
