3 Reasons why Roman Reigns will defeat John Cena at No Mercy and 2 reasons he won't

On paper, John Cena vs Roman Reigns is big enough of a deal.

Slipping in the intense, bordering-on-shoot promo segments and an undercurrent of personal dislike, the encounter is elevated to a whole other level.

Not since the Rock versus Hulk Hogan dream match at WrestleMania 18 has a cross-generational clash between icons had this much edge to it.

And the fact that John Cena still has plenty of mileage to offer the WWE -- making the result a foregone conclusion by no means -- only furthers the intrigue.

Will John Cena, golden shovel in hand, fresh off making an appearance on the Today's Show, prove that the WWE is still his stomping ground?

Or will "The Big Dog" lay the cornerstone for the Roman empire over John Cena's battered legacy?

As we wait eagerly for No Mercy to find out, here are three reasons that justify a Roman Reigns victory over John Cena and two that don't.

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#1 Will: Passing the torch

It's only natural that the new will replace the old

It's been done time and again in the WWE.

And many expect that Vince McMahon's proverbial brass ring will exchange hands once more at No Mercy.

John Cena has been the quintessential company man throughout most of his career, carrying the promotion through its leanest phase, while Roman Reigns is the edgy upstart who's been tasked with taking it into the future.

Whether or not he is capable of filling John Cena's shoes, only time will tell.

But come No Mercy, chances are that he would be given a chance to prove himself all the same.

Won't: Too Predictable

When the "logical" victor fell

In a dream match of this magnitude, along with the furore, comes a certain level of predictability.

Almost all the logical conclusions to this match point to the fact that the old warhorse puts over the young un', that the veteran gives the rub to the up and comer, that John Cena stares at the lights for Roman Reigns.

But is it that simple?

When John Cena faced the Rock at WrestleMania 28, the shoe was on the other foot but it was still the "Leader of the Cenation" that ate the pin.

Yes, it did result in a direly predictable 'Twice in the Lifetime' encounter the following year to even up the score, but the whole shindig did showcase the WWE's willingness to flip the script just to keep the audience on their toes.

By most rational admissions, Roman Reigns is expected to win at No Mercy. But don't rule out a John Cena victory all the same.

Will: Needs to go on and challenge Brock Lesnar

Roman has unfinished business to settle with Brock Lesnar

That Vince McMahon wants Roman Reigns to defeat Brock Lesnar for the Universal Title at WrestleMania 34 is the WWE's worst kept secret today.

And Lesnar's title reign has, so far, seen off the overtures of Samoa Joe at Great Balls of Fire and braved a three-pronged assault at SummerSlam... but will face a monstrous test against Strowman at No Mercy.

Reigns, on the other hand, "retired" The Undertaker at WrestleMania, was involved in a bruising destruction derby with Braun Strowman and heads into what could be the seminal moment of his rocket-strapped career at No Mercy, before presumably facing Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 34.

And for that match to sell the way the WWE would prefer it to - not just as a clash of two bonafide Superstars but also as the culmination of Brock Lesnar's unconquerable run and Roman Reigns' coronation-in-waiting - neither of them can afford to take a loss on the road to WrestleMania.

Won't: Undertaker avenges himself on Roman Reigns

Payback is a b*tch

While we were led to believe that Roman Reigns retired the Undertaker at WrestleMania 33, there has been no official confirmation on the matter so far.

And that means -- as poignant as the Deadman's departing gesture at Mania was -- that he is still as much a part of the roster as any other Superstar and quite capable of popping up again, unannounced.

Although Roman Reigns did win their contest fair and square, the embattled veteran didn't cover himself in glory with how laboured and disjointed he looked -- something he would be, no doubt, itching to re-address.

If you recall, The Undertaker also avenged himself on Brock Lesnar for handing out a defeat to him at WrestleMania 30... what figures that the same fate isn't waiting for Roman Reigns at No Mercy too?

Will: Undertaker sets up a match with John Cena at WrestleMania 34

Will the dream match finally happen?

According to Dirty Sheets, who've been largely accurate with their spoilers and inside scoops, the WWE is planning a grand showdown between John Cena and the Undertaker at Survivor Series.

What better way to get the ball rolling on that program than by having the Deadman cost Cena the match against Reigns at No Mercy?

For one, it would keep Cena from suffering a clean loss while still making Reigns look strong and, in the process, also give the WWE Universe a feud that they've been yearning to see.

It may also be the Undertaker's final hurrah but it would be one befitting his legend as he rides off into the sunset after a match with a Superstar who embodies Hustle, Loyalty and Respect -- traits that so indelibly characterised his own career.