WWE 2022 Preview: Predictions for Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, Becky Lynch, Edge & much more

2021 is in the books for WWE and the new year is upon us. This looks to be an interesting year for Vince McMahon's promotion. A lot of things will happen, with hopes that most of them will be positive.

This is a preview for WWE's 2022, with a look at the creative side of things. We will go across RAW, SmackDown, and even NXT 2.0, while predicting the major happenings in the coming year. A larger focus will be placed on the road to WrestleMania, which begins following the Day 1 pay-per-view.

From the pay-per-view schedule to potential dream matches and more, here are a few big predictions for WWE in 2022.

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#4 WWE 2022 pay-per-view schedule

The biggest takeaway from WWE's pay-per-view schedule for 2022 is the increase in Saturday shows. Almost every announced event will take place on a Saturday, except for WrestleMania Night Two and a couple of others. It all begins with Day 1 tomorrow night - a new tradition for WWE.

The promotion has yet to confirm the shows for February and October, but one has to believe they will be from Saudi Arabia. WWE may hold another international pay-per-view in 2022, with one potentially earmarked for September. It might be the much-awaited United Kingdom pay-per-view fans have been clamoring for.

The increase in stadium shows indicates bigger cards more often. Money in the Bank and SummerSlam will be held in the same month, both of which will emanate from large venues. 2022 will be a crisp year for WWE in terms of pay-per-views, with eleven shows to take place.

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#3 Who will debut for WWE in 2022?

2022 will determine whether NXT's transition was a success or not, with a plethora of stars who look primed for success on the WWE main roster. Among the young stars, Bron Breakker is the likeliest to succeed.

He will probably win the NXT Championship from Tommaso Ciampa at New Year's Evil. Following that title run, a call-up to RAW and SmackDown seems likely.

Others who could follow him include Carmelo Hayes, Grayson Waller, and Solo Sikoa, who would fit right into The Bloodline.

The main roster needs some new female stars, with quite a few of them ready to leave NXT. Io Shirai, Dakota Kai, and Raquel Gonzalez are among those who should debut on RAW or SmackDown in 2022.

Beyond NXT, Gable Steveson will surely make his WWE debut in 2022. He has already been drafted to RAW and could have a featured match at WrestleMania 38. As for his first opponent, the red brand is stacked with talent who can work with the youngster.

#2 WWE RAW Predictions for 2022 - Big E, Seth Rollins, Becky Lynch & more

RAW has improved greatly since the WWE Draft, with the roster gaining a wealth of main event stars. It is nearly impossible to predict who will stand tall at the end of 2022. Big E may very well remain WWE Champion, although he faces a stern test against Seth Rollins, Kevin Owens, and Bobby Lashley at Day 1.

Out of the three challengers, Rollins could spend an extended period with the world title. A tag team with him and KO sounds intriguing too, without hurting the top of the card too much. The impending breakup of RK-Bro will add two more main eventers to the mix in Randy Orton and Riddle.

Meanwhile, Edge will forever be a top name on any show he is on. The Rated-R Superstar may face AJ Styles in a dream match at WrestleMania 38, the same event where Goldberg might wrestle his final bout. If that's the case, Big E would be the perfect man to retire the WWE Hall of Famer.

Becky Lynch's time as RAW Women's Champion could end at The Show of Shows too. Bianca Belair should win the title from her, finally gaining revenge on Big Time Becks. The likes of Liv Morgan, Rhea Ripley, and a few aforementioned NXT call-ups will make 2022 another strong year for women's wrestling in WWE.

RAW has a lot of potential stars who will look to climb up the card in the coming year, including 24-year-olds Austin Theory and Dominik Mysterio. The latter could turn heel on his legendary father in 2022.

Damian Priest and Omos are also primed for big years on RAW, with big pushes potentially in store for both men. WWE has done quite well in giving the red brand considerable depth on its roster.

Here is a quick summary of what to expect from RAW in 2022:

• Big E remains the top babyface and retires Goldberg
• Seth Rollins holds the WWE Championship
• Randy Orton and Riddle feud
• Edge faces AJ Styles at WrestleMania
• Bianca Belair dethrones Becky Lynch
• Dominik turns on Rey Mysterio
• WWE pushes Austin Theory, Damian Priest, and Omos

#1 WWE SmackDown Predictions for 2022 - Roman Reigns, Brock Lesnar, Sasha Banks & more

The biggest story on SmackDown is also the biggest story in the entire WWE, as Roman Reigns enters 2022 as Universal Champion.

He will face Brock Lesnar at Day 1 but is expected to retain his title, before taking on The Beast Incarnate once again at WrestleMania 38.

Lesnar will be the favorite to win the Men's Royal Rumble Match and earn a rematch against The Tribal Chief, but a Universal Title win at The Show of Shows is unlikely. Reigns will remain on top of SmackDown and WWE for most of 2022, if not all of it.

If anyone is to defeat him in the coming year, it should be Drew McIntyre. The Scottish Warrior will likely be Roman Reigns' primary challenger after WrestleMania. Another potential opponent for the Universal Champion is WALTER, who would be an excellent addition to the blue brand.

Elsewhere, 2022 has to be the year of Sasha Banks. She will likely be the next SmackDown Women's Champion after defeating Charlotte Flair, possibly at WrestleMania. The Legit Boss has a great shot to win the Women's Royal Rumble Match unless Bayley is ready to return to WWE by then.

The Role Model could be an excellent surprise winner at the Rumble before she faces Banks for the SmackDown Women's Title at 'Mania. Naomi may also enjoy a rise up the card after she gets her hands on Sonya Deville, who will return to in-ring action soon.

Elsewhere on SmackDown, Sami Zayn could have another great run with the Intercontinental Championship after his upcoming match with Shinsuke Nakamura. Hopefully, he gets to premiere his documentary in 2022.

Also, WWE needs to finally push Cesaro. He's too good to languish in the mid-card without much direction.

Here is a quick summary of what to expect from SmackDown in 2022:

• Brock Lesnar wins the Men's Royal Rumble Match
• Roman Reigns retains the Universal Championship through most of the year
• Drew McIntyre is the top babyface on SmackDown after Lesnar
• Sasha Banks dethrones Charlotte Flair
• Bayley returns and wins the Women's Royal Rumble Match
• Sami Zayn enjoys an IC Title reign

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What are some of your expectations from WWE for the upcoming year? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below.