What's next for Roman Reigns?

Is Roman Reigns the unluckiest wrestler in WWE history? It would seem that way. The three-time WWE World Heavyweight Champion was “defeated” by both Triple H and Seth Rollins on Monday night in the Fatal Four Way match to determine the Universal Heavyweight Champion.

Now Kevin Owens has the title, Rollins has been duped by his mentor and Reigns is the odd man out so to speak as there isn’t a clear path for him moving forward. One thing that is certain is he won’t be the first man to receive a title shot from the new champion.

On the bright side, Reigns continues to show well in big matches, walking the tightrope of face and heel – sometimes playing to the crowd’s love to hate him. He is still very much a work in progress and how WWE plans to use him over the course of the next four months might very well determine his fate in the main event picture moving into next year.

My bet is he turns heel and somehow is able to earn a title shot sometime in 2017. For now, however, the company has some major decisions to make, not the least is how to book him moving forward.

Here is a look at what is next for the big guy.

1- A steady dose of Rusev

A continuation of the feud with Rusev is the best possible move for Reigns

Let’s stick to the plan here, guys. The notion of Reigns defending America against the best foreign heel on the roster had so much promise and still does. Rusev was “injured” by Reigns so whether this feud continues is up in the air.

I found it odd that the company would include him in the Fatal Four Way match, but I never saw him as a winner of the Universal Title. So now, if WWE is smart, they will pick this feud up where it left off. The best way to get Reigns over as a babyface is to beat the mad Bulgarian.

2- A reconciliation with Seth Rollins

Will Roman and Seth patch up their differences?

Just like family, everyone needs to get along. The problem is how WWE books this as Rollins needs Reigns and not the other way around. There has been so much talk about Reigns turning heel, the thought of Rollins becoming a babyface never entered my mind.

Now that it is a possibility, so why not have the former Shield members kiss and makeup? I seriously doubt this can happen if Rollins is still working with Stephanie McMahon, but if he becomes a babyface and a lone wolf, this is something the company might want to explore. A run as a tag team might also be worth a look.

3- Big Cass

Big Cass would present a great challenge for Reigns

The cheers that came from the crowd on Monday night when the two big men faced off was priceless. If WWE is really thinking about Cass as a singles star, then Reigns is a great opponent, and it might signal the final move where he turns heel. Before, I thought Reigns and Rollins would make a double turn, but this kind of scenario might be even better.

Cass is still fairly green, but he has the look of a monster in the ring and a win or two over Reigns, who would do the honors, would really get the youngster over with the company. The fans already love him and his partner, Enzo, and this is quite beneficial for both wrestlers.

4- A program with Chris Jericho

Chris Jericho needs a dance partner

When Reigns was the company champion, was I the only one who wanted to see Jericho get a shot at the title and a program with the former Shield member? First off, Jericho is so awesome in the role he is playing right now. Second, he helps Reigns get over. Third, it might lead to the confrontation with Kevin Owens we all expect to eventually happen.

Now that Owens is the champion, I cannot see many wrestlers left on the roster (maybe Neville, maybe Sami Zayn) who are in line to face Jericho. This is the only place for him right now unless WWE decides to make him an Owens groupie, which defeats his whole shtick right now.

5- A title opportunity vs. Kevin Owens

Will the McMahons give Reigns another shot at a world title?

At some point, I think this does happen. It may not happen right away, but mark this down if Owens is champion after the first of the year. Owens has proven he can put together a solid program with anyone on the roster, and Reigns is no different. This also plays a bit into the Reigns-Triple H feud from earlier in this year.

If Reigns can beat Triple H for the WWE World Title, then why can’t he beat his protégé for the Universal Heavyweight Title? This is a feud that happens after Rollins and Owens and Rollins and Triple H move forward.