5 Likely opponents for Brock Lesnar after his return at Hell in a Cell

Who's next?

That has to be the question everyone in the WWE Universe is wondering after Brock Lesnar shocked the world by returning at Hell in a Cell and laying out Strowman and Reigns to end the show. Not only was the move a surprise, especially since most thought he would be training for the UFC, it also allowed Strowman to lose without actually losing.

With that being said and Lesnar seemingly back for a few more matches in WWE before his fight in UFC, who will be Lesnar's opponent moving forward? Interestingly enough, WWE seems to have a lot of options when it comes to an opponent for Lesnar, but who stands out above the rest?

While it's impossible to know for sure what WWE's plan is moving forward, it is possible to predict who someone's opponent will be based on past actions. Of course, WWE has been known to change their own plans from time to time, but here are five likely opponents for The Beast Incarnate.

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#5 The Shield

The Shield versus Brock Lesnar. Who wins?

Maybe this is a bit of a fantasy booking, but if WWE really wants to make things interesting, why not throw Lesnar in the ring with all three members of The Shield? At least that if Lesnar loses the match, it won't hurt him that badly and would be a great continuation of Lesnar's storyline with Roman Reigns.

Of course, it doesn't make that much sense when you look at the Universal title picture, but The Shield versus Brock Lesnar could be a great way to set up for that. In fact, WWE could even paint it as Lesnar wanting the match so he can incapacitate Reigns Shield brethren and leave him vulnerable for a future title match.

In the end, that would set up a lot of interesting possibilities moving forward and could be a great way to get The Shield over as more of a face than ever before. Imagine it! If Lesnar were to beat up Ambrose and Rollins to a point where they can't help Reigns defend his title, it's going to create a very frenzied situation.

Not only that, it also sets up the opportunity for Ambrose and Rollins to stay on the shelf for a bit and make a return to help Reigns when the time is right. Again, it's not perfect, it doesn't necessarily involve the Universal title, but it is a way of setting up another match between Reigns and Lesnar and creates interesting television in the process.

#4 Kurt Angle

Can Kurt Angle defeat Brock Lesnar one on one?

A lot of fans were wondering why Brock Lesnar choose to hit Kurt Angle with an F-5 a couple of months ago on Raw and while many originally thought it was just a way to make Lesnar look heelish, it could turn out to be a lot more than that. In fact, it could even lead to a match between Lesnar and Angle later on down the line.

Of course, this might not be like their epic bout at WrestleMania a decade or so ago, but it would still be a dream match for the WWE Universe to see and give them something to look forward to heading into the winter months. It also is a great use of Kurt Angle, who hasn't competed in a WWE ring since WrestleMania 34, where he and Rousey beat Triple H and Stephanie McMahon.

With that being said, this would be a blockbuster match and really give WWE a chance to enchant their audience with a healthy level of nostalgia. Not only that, it's one of those feuds that scream history in the making, which could open it up to a plethora of rematches between the two!

#3 Braun Strowman

Braun Strowman would be an interesting opponent for Brock Lesnar.

Although Brock Lesnar is still owed his rematch after losing to Roman Reigns at SummerSlam, WWE's main goal with the finish at Hell in a cell could be a way to set up Strowman versus Lesnar down the line. In fact, with Lesnar throwing Reigns on Strowman to make the pin, it seems like Lesnar is most angry at Strowman.

Whether that results in a match between the two behemoths remains to be seen and would depend on Lesnar's interest before leaving for UFC, but think of what a win would do here for Strowman! Not only would it essentially take the sting out of him eventually losing out to Reigns for the Universal title, it gives him a win that not many other Superstars have on their resumes.

#2 Roman Reigns

Will Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns do battle one more time?

Brock Lesnar is due a contractually obligated rematch for the Universal Title and while WWE could also choose to make things more interesting, they could also decide to do a one on one contest between the two. In fact, with the way the move could open things up to a variety of rematches, it seems like a pretty plausible option.

Again, there are better ways WWE can go about this and they will be discussed in the next slide, but Reigns versus Lesnar does have its positive aspects. Furthermore, the match could be a great way to create a power struggle between the babyfaces and heels on the Raw roster and help contribute to this anarchy feeling on The Raw brand lately.

In the end, Lesnar versus Reigns is one of many ways WWE could go here and while a lot of fans might not like it, there could be a lot of positive benefits to it moving forward. It could also serve to further a lot of storylines simultaneously, which is a great thing for WWE heading into the winter months of the year.

#1 Versus Roman Reigns and Braun Strowman

Braun Strowman versus Brock Lesnar versus Roman Reigns for The Universal title?

This might not be the direction WWE ends up going in, but Brock Lesnar interrupting Roman Reigns' title match could be the company's way of giving Lesnar his contractually obligated rematch against Reigns. Of course its not known exactly what that would do to Strowman and his title hopes, but maybe WWE could work them into a three-way match.

Not only would that allow for WWE to prolong the feud between the three men into the fall months of the year, it also could give Reigns a chance to lose the title without even getting pinned. At least that way, Strowman could end up the champion for a while, Lesnar leaves for UFC and Reigns could take the title back after a few months.

In the end, it's not a perfect plan, but with Lesnar still owed his rematch and Stephanie McMahon willing to give Lesnar whatever he wants, it's a highly possible outcome. It also could be a very positive thing for the WWE that allows Strowman to win without Reigns taking a loss as the top guy.