5 new challengers for Roman Reigns' Universal Title after WWE Draft 2021

Roman Reigns has been the Universal Champion for over a year now and has defeated all prominent wrestlers previously on SmackDown. The WWE Draft brought in some new wrestlers who might dethrone the Tribal Chief.

In the Draft, we saw some significant changes in RAW as well as SmackDown's active roster. Shockingly, the SmackDown and RAW Women's Champions moved to a different colored brand while major SmackDown stars like Edge and Seth Rollins moved to RAW.

Now that the Draft is officially over and everything is finalized, Roman Reigns may have to get ready for some new challenges. If he can defeat Brock Lesnar at Crown Jewel 2021, newer SmackDown stars will have an eye on his title.

Here are five new challengers for Roman Reigns' Universal Championship.

---

#5. Drew McIntyre vs. Roman Reigns for the Universal Championship

Drew McIntryre was drafted to SmackDown in the Draft after spending multiple years on RAW. He made it clear that he wants to challenge Roman Reigns for the Universal Title without wasting any time.

McIntyre is one of the strongest babyfaces in the company. He remained WWE's biggest star during the pandemic era and held the WWE Championship for a long time in 2020. His rivalries against Brock Lesnar, Bobby Lashley, and Randy Orton are a few of his most notable works.

The Scottish Warrior previously faced Roman Reigns at Survivor Series 2020 in a massive battle. It was a hard-fought match until Jey Uso interfered and Reigns picked up the win. If these titans face each other again, the outcome may be different.

The company's biggest babyface vs. the company's biggest heel will be a match that can even main event WrestleMania. Once Reigns is done with Lesnar, it seems like McIntyre is next in line.

#4. King Nakamura has the caliber of putting on a great match against Roman Reigns

King Nakamura is the only name on this list that was already on SmackDown before the draft. However, he hasn't challenged Roman Reigns for the Universal Title yet. WWE may finally start the former NXT Champion's main event push by letting him challenge the Tribal Chief.

With a hypeman like Rick Boogs by his side, The Artist can now quickly increase his relevancy. Ever since turning babyface, he has received constant support from fans as well.

The King of Strong Style is currently the Intercontinental Champion as well as the King of the Ring. As WWE is set to have an official King of the Ring tournament, Nakamura may lose his crown soon.

Once this gimmick is over, he can move to the main event division and challenge Roman Reigns while Sami Zayn can replace him as the Intercontinental Champion.

One thing's for sure - whenever this match happens, the crowd will offer huge pops, and the battle will not disappoint. With the correct booking, Nakamura can dethrone Roman Reigns as the Universal Champion.

#3. Sheamus vs. Roman Reigns is a much-awaited rivalry

Roman Reigns may face one of his most brutal opponents in Sheamus. On RAW, he was involved in stunning rivalries against the likes of Drew McIntyre and Damian Priest.

The Celtic Warrior is one of the most successful stars ever to step foot in a WWE ring. He is a multi-time World Champion, a Money in the Bank winner, and was the United States Champion in the first half of 2021.

Sheamus is also one of the strongest wrestlers currently in WWE. He is a star who has already defeated Roman Reigns more than once. If Reigns and Sheamus square off once again, the latter has a fair chance of winning.

As of now, Sheamus is a heel, so his rivalry may not sound interesting. However, WWE has got plenty of time to turn him into a babyface. He can gradually turn face while Roman Reigns battles rivals like Brock Lesnar and Drew McIntyre.

Once the Celtic Warrior gets the support he once had, he may challenge Roman Reigns for the Universal Title.

#2. Xavier Woods is an interesting opponent for Roman Reigns

Xavier Woods can be an interesting opponent for Roman Reigns. Woods is an entertaining wrestler who can create excellent matches with most wrestlers.

When Bobby Lashley was the WWE Champion on RAW, Xavier Woods was involved in a Hell in a Cell match. Both wrestled on various occasions, and each time, the New Day member put on an excellent performance. The WWE Draft has allowed him to challenge for another world championship.

Also, Xavier Woods is the only New Day member who hasn't been a world champion yet. His New Day brothers, Kofi Kingston and Big E have held the WWE Championship.

Even if Woods cannot defeat The Head of the Table, he will achieve a main-event status. This will help him earn a world title shortly.

Although, it doesn't look like the former tag team champion can defeat Roman Reigns. However, this will be an excellent underdog rivalry that will help his career in the long run.

#1. Jeff Hardy bringing The Willow to challenge Roman Reigns?

Roman Reigns may fight another sinister character to defend his title. Jeff Hardy was drafted to SmackDown on the first night of the WWE Draft.

On the second night of the Draft, the Charismatic Enigma unsuccessfully challenged current United States Champion Damian Priest for the title. After the match, he was asked about his thoughts on getting drafted to SmackDown an in-ring interview.

The Anti-Christ of Westling interestingly stated that SmackDown might be the perfect opportunity to show fans his new side. It may have been a nod to his alter-ego, Willow the Wisp, a prominent persona during his time in TNA (now known as Impact Wrestling) and OMEGA Championship Wrestling.

As of now, it seems like the former world champion will feud with Austin Theory as the latter interrupted his interview and assaulted him. However, this is an excellent opportunity to make WWE fans aware of The Willow.

Sooner or later, Jeff Hardy's alter-ego could challenge Roman Reigns for the Universal Title. Fans might get to see a much-awaited world title reign from Hardy after The Willow appears in WWE.