5 things you need to know about Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar at WWE Day 1 - Recap, Rumors, Predictions

One of the biggest matches in recent WWE history is set to take place on New Year's Day, 2022 -- Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar for the Universal Championship.

The two megastars will clash at Day 1, the latest addition to WWE's pay-per-view calendar. They share a storied history, including some of the most compelling storytelling in all of wrestling. But how did we get to this point with Reigns and Lesnar?

Let's take a look at the rivalry over the years and how things stack up heading into their next meeting. Here are five things you need to know ahead of Brock Lesnar's Universal title match against Roman Reigns at WWE Day 1.

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#5 Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar's WWE WrestleMania history

The story between Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar has spanned years, including two WrestleMania main events. The first one was in 2015, as the heroic Reigns stepped up to face Lesnar, a year after The Beast Incarnate ended The Undertaker's undefeated streak.

The two had an excellent and hard-hitting WWE Championship match, which included the birth of Lesnar's iconic 'Suplex City' line. Both stars were bloody by the end. As the bout neared its conclusion, Seth Rollins ran out to cash in his Money in the Bank contract.

Rollins added himself to the match and pinned Reigns to win the WWE Title at WrestleMania 31. He wouldn't play a part three years later when the former Shield member challenged Lesnar yet again.

This time, The Beast Incarnate was the Universal Champion. Over a year into his title reign, Lesnar dominated his way to a victory over Reigns at WrestleMania 34. He left The Big Dog in a pool of his own blood before storming up the ramp.

Roman Reigns would get the last laugh over Brock Lesnar during this leg of their rivalry, as he won the Universal title at that year's SummerSlam. He was the conquering hero. Things would change merely two years later.

#4 The Paul Heyman factor

WrestleMania 36 was a turning point in WWE for Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns. The COVID-19 pandemic caused the event to happen behind closed doors. Lesnar and Reigns both took a hiatus from the company at the time.

The former Shield member returned at SummerSlam 2020 and quickly aligned himself with Paul Heyman, who was last seen in WWE looking distraught after Lesnar's defeat to Drew McIntyre at the Performance Center. The Beast Incarnate's advocate swiftly became the special counsel to The Tribal Chief.

Heyman has a history with the Samoan dynasty in wrestling, which has given more realism to his partnership with Roman Reigns. The Head of the Table has remained Universal Champion for over a year, tearing his way through WWE's best, including Edge, Daniel Bryan, and John Cena.

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#3 Brock Lesnar's return at WWE SummerSlam to confront Roman Reigns

After a year of pure dominance, Roman Reigns may have met his biggest obstacle. Brock Lesnar made his shocking return to WWE at SummerSlam 2021, moments after the Universal Champion defeated John Cena. Paul Heyman was on his knees in the corner and completely stunned.

The Beast Incarnate claimed that he was still Heyman's client, which planted seeds of doubt in Reigns' mind. Was he being set up by the Wiseman? This question wasn't answered during their match at Crown Jewel in October.

Paul Heyman's actions did not point towards either Brock Lesnar or Roman Reigns. Instead, The Usos came out to help their cousin retain the title at the Saudi Arabian pay-per-view. The Beast Incarnate would go on a rampage the following night on SmackDown, leading to his suspension from WWE.

#2 The latest twist in the tale

Brock Lesnar's return from suspension came in time for the build to WWE Day 1, leading to the announcement of his rematch against Roman Reigns. He continued to cause friction between his rival and Paul Heyman, which proved pivotal this time around.

When confronted by The Tribal Chief a couple of weeks ago, Heyman claimed he was protecting him from Lesnar. Reigns fired his special counsel and laid him out with a Superman Punch before The Beast Incarnate made the save.

Paul Heyman is in no-man's land right now, not in either man's corner. He even acknowledged that this might be the end of his WWE career. But will it remain this way?

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#1 Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar at WWE Day 1 -- who will win?

So, here we are. The new year is days away, but will there be a new Universal Champion?

Dave Meltzer reported on Wrestling Observer Radio that something big is in the works for the match at Day 1. Amid the recent concerns of COVID-19 in WWE, the presence of Roman Reigns, Brock Lesnar, and Paul Heyman at the event is very important in the context of WrestleMania 38.

While this could mean a variety of things, the most likely outcome is a double-cross from Heyman. His firing may turn out to be a ruse all along, as he looks to help Lesnar before betraying him. The partnership between Heyman and Reigns does not feel finished.

With The Beast Incarnate screwed out of another Universal Title match, he can win the Royal Rumble Match to complete the trilogy with The Tribal Chief at WrestleMania. Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar will likely main event The Show of Shows, where there is a case for either man to win.

Prediction: Roman Reigns wins at WWE Day 1 after Paul Heyman betrays Brock Lesnar; Lesnar wins the Royal Rumble Match to face Reigns again at WrestleMania 38