5 Reasons why Roman Reigns is facing Finn Balor instead of John Cena next

#2. To swerve fans with an unexpected Roman Reigns match

*REPLY WITH A GIF*What was your reaction to Roman Reigns accepting Finn Balor's challenge?!#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/uRKv5glQTN

— WWE on BT Sport (@btsportwwe) July 24, 2021

As we mentioned, it's been rare to see Roman Reigns defend the Universal Championship on SmackDown this past year. It has happened, with the most notable title defense being his match against Daniel Bryan, where Reigns defeated him clean to send him away from SmackDown and WWE.

The match did come as a bit of a surprise since many anticipated Finn Balor to be Roman Reigns' opponent a few months from now. It would have made sense to preserve Balor and protect him for a few months until he faces Reigns, but WWE has decided to surprise fans.

The Prin❌e@FinnBalor is back out!#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/RssGGbi6HH

— WWE on BT Sport (@btsportwwe) July 24, 2021

There are pros and cons to this. Whether it takes place now or in a few months, the outcome might simply be the same - with Roman Reigns winning. It's hard to imagine Finn Balor being the one to dethrone him. The con of it is that Balor might be forced to take a pinfall or submit hardly two weeks into his SmackDown return.

The outcome will be the same but this was a pleasant surprise that got a good reaction.