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Roman Reigns retained his Universal Championship over John Cena at SummerSlam, but he will be pretty busy for the rest of the year. Quite a few potential opponents have lined up to take on The Tribal Chief.
Following his impressive display opposite Cena, Reigns remains a target. Some Superstars clearly stated their intentions to face him, be it before SummerSlam or during the event. The Head of the Table could stack up some more huge title defenses before the year is out.
Roman Reigns has nailed every storyline he has been a part of in the past year, from family dramas with Jey Uso to mega matches against Edge and John Cena. His year-long Universal Title reign is about to go from great to legendary. But who will his next challengers be?
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Here are five potential opponents for the dominant Roman Reigns during 2021.
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#5 Brock Lesnar confronted Roman Reigns at the end of SummerSlam
This is the obvious one. Right after Roman Reigns retained the Universal Championship over John Cena, out came Brock Lesnar. He shocked WWE fans by returning at the end of SummerSlam, sporting a beard and ponytail.
The Beast Incarnate has marched right into the Universal Title scene. He will face Roman Reigns soon, possibly at Extreme Rules next month. WWE may even opt to tell a longer story between Reigns and Lesnar, especially with Paul Heyman involved.
It is entirely possible that this mega match happens at Survivor Series, with the first seeds having been planted here at SummerSlam. Whenever it does happen, we can expect some fireworks. Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar may have faced each other many times, but never with these alignments.
Lesnar as the babyface and Reigns as the heel feels like the correct dynamic for their upcoming feud, but The Tribal Chief should be the one getting his hand raised. Depending on when this match happens, we can pinpoint a few other title defenses Roman Reigns could have in 2021.
#4 Finn Balor challenged Roman Reigns before SummerSlam
The build-up to Roman Reigns' SummerSlam match against John Cena involved Finn Balor. The NXT Champion stepped into the Universal Championship picture when The Tribal Chief rejected Cena's initial challenge. Reigns even accepted Balor's proposal for a SummerSlam match.
However, things went south for the Irishman during the contract signing for the match. Baron Corbin attacked him, which enabled John Cena to sign the contract in his place. Finn Balor was incensed at this, calling out Cena and Reigns the following week.
But, The Prince was attacked by The Head of the Table and his cousins, The Usos. This seemingly set up Roman Reigns' post-SummerSlam feud. Despite Brock Lesnar's return, WWE could still maintain Balor as the next challenger in line.
When he gets his Universal Title match, it would likely be dependent on how WWE books Lesnar upon his return. Accordingly, Finn Balor can face Reigns either at Extreme Rules or on the Madison Square Garden episode of SmackDown. Either way, Finn Balor should get the next shot at The Tribal Chief.
#3 Adam Cole may get pushed to Roman Reigns' level
One of Roman Reigns' potential next challengers isn't even on the WWE main roster yet. Adam Cole is still in NXT, but that is likely to change. His 2-out-of-3 Falls Match against Kyle O'Reilly at NXT TakeOver 36 may be his final match on the Black and Gold brand.
Beyond that, Cole's WWE deal has expired. There isn't any concrete idea whether Cole will re-sign with the company or not, but Vince McMahon has seemingly taken a liking to him. The former Undisputed Era member was reportedly offered a huge contract to remain with WWE.
This might indicate that the Chairman himself has big plans for Adam Cole on the main roster. Could these plans involve a main-event run on SmackDown? If so, the former NXT Champion could run into The Tribal Chief soon.
Cole is incredibly talented in multiple facets of pro wrestling. He is as good on promos as he is in the ring, which is saying something. Roman Reigns would likely relish working with Adam Cole, who could give him some of the best matches of his Universal Championship reign.
#2 Keith Lee can move to SmackDown and face Roman Reigns
Another potential challenger for Roman Reigns not currently on SmackDown, Keith Lee, is worthy of a main event spot in WWE. He may not be at the position right now, but all it takes is a few weeks of good booking to turn a Superstar's fortunes around.
The Limitless One could move from RAW to SmackDown during the 2021 WWE Draft, enabling him to get a chance at the Universal Champion. Lee and Reigns have some history together, dating back to Survivor Series 2019.
The then-NXT Superstar came very close to beating The Tribal Chief to become the sole survivor in the Men's Elimination Match. He may have lost, but a star was born that day. Keith Lee went on to new heights in NXT but has had a difficult time on the main roster.
Now that he has heroically overcome some scary issues, WWE should get behind Lee as a babyface warrior. There would be no better way to establish him as one, than to pit him against the man who "made him famous" in the first place. Roman Reigns and Keith Lee could create magic together.
#1 Seth Rollins has constantly been asking for a match against Roman Reigns
Roman Reigns has his hands full right now, with Brock Lesnar back in WWE and Finn Balor in the mix. But another Superstar has been vocal in wanting to face him for the Universal Championship - i.e., Seth Rollins.
WWE has done an excellent job in subtly building to the eventual clash between the former Shield brothers. Rollins had a brief staredown with Reigns at the end of WrestleMania Backlash before attacking Cesaro, who had just lost to the Universal Champion.
A similar situation unfolded at Money in the Bank, as Seth Rollins helped Roman Reigns defeat Edge to retain his title. After the match, the two once again stared down before the WWE Hall of Famer attacked The Architect and allowed an opening for John Cena to take advantage of.
After losing to Edge at SummerSlam, Rollins may still be a few months away from title contention. So, while it may be a likelier prospect for 2022, he could very well rise to The Tribal Chief after he finishes his feud with Lesnar.
The dynamic between the two is very intriguing. WWE could book a unique Heel vs. Heel feud or turn Seth Rollins babyface for this potential feud. It is the most exciting program Roman Reigns could have with a current full-time star in WWE.
