5 potential challengers for Braun Strowman's Universal Championship

#1. Jeff Hardy

Jeff Hardy

Jeff Hardy recently made his return to WWE after close to one year out of the ring with a serious knee injury. Defeating King Corbin during an episode of Friday Night SmackDown from an empty arena inside the WWE Performance Center, Jeff Hardy looked better than ever.

Reports have also suggested that Jeff Hardy was considered by WWE officials to replace Roman Reigns to face Goldberg for the WWE Universal Championship at WrestleMania 36. Given that the superstar that was scheduled to face Goldberg at WrestleMania was likely to win the Universal Championship, it shows WWE's views on Jeff Hardy in the current Universal Championship landscape.

Ultimately, WWE higher ups decided to go with Braun Strowman to face Goldberg at WrestleMania, perhaps due to Jeff Hardy's lingering legal issues from 2019 that are still due to be solved.

But, this does not rule out another run at a World Championship for Jeff Hardy in WWE. Jeff Hardy has roughly 12 months left on his WWE contract. This time has been added on to Hardy's WWE contract due to time on the shelf because of injuries sustained whilst under contract with WWE.

With it looking more and more likely that this could be Jeff Hardy's final WWE run, WWE could be looking to get the biggest bang for their buck when it comes to the 'Charismatic Enigma'. Jeff Hardy is a proven draw in WWE and a former multiple time World Champion. Facing off against Braun Strowman for the Universal Championship is not only a financially viable World Championship feud, but also features a first-time-ever match up that WWE is always looking to promote.