5 things that can happen when Roman Reigns returns to WWE SmackDown: Paul Heyman attacked; staredown with old rival

Following a rare week off from SmackDown, Roman Reigns will return to WWE's blue brand this Friday. However, some interesting developments involving Paul Heyman have taken place in his absence. The Tribal Chief will not be happy with his wise man after last week's episode.

For starters, the Usos lost to the New Day last week. Reigns might be upset at his cousins for failing in the main event, but he has bigger fish to fry. His issues are already mounting up after Heyman seemingly shifted allegiances.

Roman Reigns will defend the Universal Championship against Brock Lesnar at WWE Day 1, with this week's episode of SmackDown potentially providing a turning point in the build up to the New Year's Day event. Whose side will Paul Heyman be on?

Ranging from brief moments to monumental occurrences, here are five things that can happen when Roman Reigns returns to SmackDown this week.

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#5 Sami Zayn may confront Roman Reigns on WWE SmackDown

Sami Zayn was the most recent challenger for the Universal Championship, but his title match was more of a formality. The Master Strategist did not get a fair shot as he was attacked by Brock Lesnar before Roman Reigns proceeded to decimate him.

The Tribal Chief could be confronted by Zayn on SmackDown, even if only for a brief moment. The former Intercontinental Champion can stake a claim for a proper title match while threatening to sue Reigns, as he did last Friday before Paul Heyman interrupted him. However, the Universal Champion has bigger things to tend to.

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#4 Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar could have a massive brawl with Paul Heyman looking on

One of WWE's biggest tropes in main event feuds is to have a pull-apart brawl while building up to the match. We already got a version of this right after Crown Jewel. Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns may come to blows again this week.

This time, though, Paul Heyman would look on with severe conflict on his face. He could even inadvertently give Lesnar the upper hand, furthering Reigns' suspicions of his motivations. Unless WWE opts to keep the two apart until Day 1, this is a likely prospect for SmackDown.

#3 Roman Reigns may have a brief backstage staredown with Drew McIntyre

While the dynamic between Roman Reigns and Paul Heyman will be WWE's main focus on SmackDown, the Universal Champion can still tease some future matches. One of them is against Drew McIntyre.

The Scottish Warrior was left out of the Black Friday Battle Royal a few weeks ago, which may be the first seed planted for his eventual program with Reigns. McIntyre can simply have a staredown with The Tribal Chief backstage on SmackDown, teasing his next feud after Day 1.

WWE would like to set up Roman Reigns' next feud even before the current one is over, which makes a brief staredown with Drew McIntyre a real possibility.

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#2 Paul Heyman could be firmly in Brock Lesnar's corner on WWE SmackDown

After the way Paul Heyman psyched Brock Lesnar up to attack Sami Zayn on SmackDown, one has reason to believe that The Advocate is back alongside The Beast Incarnate. Lesnar definitely feels that way, continuing to mess with Roman Reigns' head.

But what if this time, Heyman has actually jumped ship? This would certainly ruffle The Tribal Chief's feathers, adding an extra edge to his Universal Title defense at WWE Day 1.

Perhaps it may be a ruse by Reigns and Heyman, so Lesnar has a false sense of security. WWE has brilliantly added many potential layers to this story, whether Paul Heyman sides with Roman Reigns or Brock Lesnar.

#1 Roman Reigns might attack Paul Heyman this week on WWE SmackDown

Following the events of WWE SmackDown, Roman Reigns may be fed up with the constant teases of Paul Heyman leaving him and take matters into his own hands. The Tribal Chief may snap on his Special Counsel by brutally attacking him and kicking him to the curb.

Reigns may decide to get rid of the snake before he shows his true colors, with his knowledge of Heyman's devious schemes over the years. The manager is clearly afraid of what Roman Reigns might do to him on SmackDown, with this being a potential final straw.

This would garner sympathy for Paul Heyman before Brock Lesnar rescues him. The two of them can reunite, while the match at Day 1 gets even more personal.

The dynamic between Lesnar and Heyman in 2022 would be fascinating. It may even lead to an entertaining on-screen friendship instead of the primarily business-minded relationship the two shared before.

Meanwhile, Roman Reigns will be a much bigger heel as a result of this. He would be just fine without Paul Heyman in his corner.