Top SmackDown Backstage Rumors: Roman Reigns responsible for WWE stopping former Champion's push; Sasha Banks released by the hospital but still injured; Real reason for Bayley heel turn(11th September)

#2 Roman Reigns handpicked SmackDown Superstar Jey Uso as his opponent

As stated previously, The Big Dog will take on his cousin and former SmackDown and RAW Tag Team Champion - Jey Uso - at Clash of Champions. As per Tom Colohue, WWE gave Roman Reigns an option to chose his opponent as the Universal Champion.

He also stated that Drew McIntyre also wanted to work with his best friend Jinder Mahal before The Maharaja got injured. In a similar fashion, Reigns must have asked to work with his cousin on SmackDown.

"Not solely, but heavily influenced. Like many Champions who aren't in the midst of a major feud, Roman was encouraged to pick an opponent. You look at the reporting in this podcast from earlier in the year that Drew McIntyre wanted to work with Jinder Mahal. It's the same thing. I'm sure the discussion did take place during the period in which WWE was convincing him to return. So it may be an extra selling point for example, 'Oh, Roman, if you return we'll have you work with this person, or this person."