5 ways WWE can book John Cena and Finn Balor in the Universal Title picture on the road to SummerSlam 

#4 Roman Reigns accepts John Cena's challenge before he can face Finn Balor

"My answer to your challenge is No!" @WWERomanReigns@HeymanHustle#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/bNzH18faBo

— WWE on BT Sport (@btsportwwe) July 24, 2021

Finn Balor's challenge was accepted, but John Cena may still get a WWE SummerSlam singles match against Roman Reigns. The Prince only stepped into the picture because the Universal Champion refused Cena's challenge. But what if this changes before the match between Reigns and Balor is made official?

All it would take is one passionate promo from the 16-time WWE World Champion, in which he riles up The Tribal Chief. If Roman Reigns ends up accepting John Cena's challenge, Finn Balor may have to wait for his title shot until after SummerSlam.

WWE may have inserted him into the main event scene just to tease a future title match between Balor and Reigns, while getting the fans excited for when it eventually happens. It would be the perfect post-SummerSlam feud for The Head of the Table, once he vanquishes Cena.

---

#3 John Cena and Finn Balor have a number one contender's match for WWE SummerSlam

"If you're not interested in John Cena's challenge maybe you're interested in mine?!" - @FinnBalor#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/DqFsaiIUMX

— WWE on BT Sport (@btsportwwe) July 24, 2021

Another way for John Cena to make his way to the main event of SummerSlam could come in the form of a big match on SmackDown. The Blue brand's ratings would further improve if it hosted Cena's first televised in-ring match in over 30 months.

He could face Finn Balor, with the winner going on to SummerSlam to face Roman Reigns. This seems like a natural solution to the complex situation involving both of them. The former NXT Champion would benefit greatly from going toe-to-toe with John Cena in 2021, even in a losing effort.