5 recent news and rumors about Roman Reigns: Update on future with WWE, backstage disagreement with Vince McMahon, "interesting finish" planned for Brock Lesnar match

Welcome to another edition of our news and rumor roundup for Roman Reigns. The Tribal Chief will put the Universal Championship on the line against Brock Lesnar at Crown Jewel on October 21. We have an update on the possible finish to this eagerly-anticipated match that has been built around Paul Heyman's split loyalties.

With many superstars jumping ship from WWE to AEW, we have news on Reigns' future with the company. We've also learned about his likely opponent for Tribute to the Troops and an anecdote about a backstage disagreement he had with Vince McMahon at WrestleMania 37.

Here are five recent rumors and news stories you should know about Roman Reigns:

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#5 Update on Roman Reigns' future with WWE

When asked about AEW and the prospect of working with CM Punk, Roman Reigns said that hardcore professional wrestling fans were lenient towards All Elite Wrestling because of its novelty. The Tribal Chief also stated that he would wrestle Punk if that was what the audience desired, but he doesn't feel it will elevate him personally.

Bryan Alvarez recently addressed these comments during an episode of Wrestling Observer Live. He called Roman Reigns a "WWE lifer" with firm belief in the company.

"Roman Reigns, from everything that I have been told from people all over the place, is a lifer. You know that guy that stands up for WWE with tears in his eyes?... This guy believes much of what he says when he is standing up for and defending WWE. He is a very very loyal soldier in this WWE Universe," said Alvarez. [H/T WrestlingNewsCo]

As expected, Reigns isn't likely to work for another promotion anytime soon.

#4 Backstage disagreement between Roman Reigns and Vince McMahon

Roman Reigns scored an emphatic victory in the main event of WWE WrestleMania 37, pinning WWE legends Daniel Bryan and Edge simultaneously to retain the Universal Championship. However, he walked out to his old theme when the biggest show of the year would've served as the perfect platform to debut his new entrance music.

During a recent interview with Bleacher Report, Reigns stated that he decided to persist with his old theme since he couldn't reach an agreement with Vince McMahon in time for WrestleMania 37.

"It wasn’t ready. Me and the big man weren’t agreeing on a couple of things, so I was like, ‘ I’m not going out to it now.’ I have to feel it because nobody outside of my cousins and Paul is walking out to that. To me, these are the types of things I have to 100 percent be connected to, and that’s why our audience can trust me, and the presentation, and the character, and everything I’m doing."

When they're fully invested in their characters, professional wrestlers can deliver convincing performances that help them connect better with the audience.

It's interesting to note that Vince McMahon caved in to Roman Reigns' desire not to debut the new music theme, despite the WWE Chairman apparently taking the final call in every creative decision.

Do you think WrestleMania 37 would've been the perfect stage for the new theme?

#3 "Interesting finish" planned for Roman Reigns vs Brock Lesnar at Crown Jewel

Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar are currently involved in a compelling program in professional wrestling, one that has been well received by both fans and critics. WWE reportedly fast-tracked Lesnar's return and brought him back at SummerSlam in response to CM Punk's AEW debut.

According to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Vince McMahon wants this feud to carry on for an extended period of time. Reigns and Lesnar could have a series of matches.

"Crown Jewel is built around Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar for the Universal title in the first match of what is expected to be a multiple match series. The finish will be interesting. There are ways to beat Lesnar that still leave a rematch open, and WWE has no qualms with a non-finish,'' said Meltzer.

The finish of the match needs to protect both stars and could involve Paul Heyman, who is one of the key figures in the storyline. Meltzer had earlier floated the idea that there could even be a title switch, but that doesn't appear to be a possibility anymore.

This probably also means that Brock Lesnar could face Roman Reigns once again at Tribute to the Troops.

#2 Roman Reigns would have no problem "smashing" The Rock

Over the past year, there has been plenty of speculation suggesting that Roman Reigns is being set up for a program with The Rock. There have also been conflicting reports about whether WWE wants the eight-time WWE Champion to return at WrestleMania 38 in Dallas or at WrestleMania 39 in Los Angeles.

In an interview with Complex, Reigns admitted that The Rock is his dream opponent.

"I think there’s an obvious one out there with Dwayne, the Rock. Do either of us really need it? No. But I think it’s something that the fans want to see. They kind of clamor over it and they make their comments and they gossip, and it seems to be that talk that’s constantly brought up. Obviously, we want to please our audience and we want to service them. So if that’s something that they’re into, I have no problem smashing him," said Roman Reigns.

Ever since his last match at WrestleMania 29, there has been speculation about The Rock returning to the ring. However, The People's Champion has a number of commitments to fulfill before he returns to the wrestling ring.

#1 Junior Dos Santos responds to Roman Reigns' comments on AEW

During his interview with Complex, Roman Reigns touched on a variety of topics including CM Punk and the AEW locker room. Reigns dismissed the roster that Tony Khan put together and said that he would have no problem handling them.

"I’m 6’3”, 265 pounds. A legitimate athlete who can throw some weight around and has been on the gridiron at the highest level. D1. All ACC. I probably would’ve maintained in the NFL if my health issues didn’t happen when I was 22 years old. So, I mean, when it comes down to it, I’ll throw him and pretty much the rest of that roster out the club, no problem. They’re just little brothers, you know?" said Roman Reigns.

Former UFC star Junior Dos Santos, who made his in-ring debut during the most recent episode of AEW Rampage, took exception to Reigns' comments and shot back on Twitter.

Reigns' comments didn't seem to go down well with a few AEW stars who saw fit to respond.