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With Roman Reigns currently firing on all cylinders in WWE, a WrestleMania match against The Rock seems inevitable. It is the biggest match possible for the Universal Champion - but should it happen next year in Dallas, or the following year in Los Angeles?
WWE had been planning for The Rock and Reigns to face each other at WrestleMania 38 next April, but the proposed dream match might be shifted to 2023. There are arguments to be made for the match to headline either show, both of which will take place in front of one of the largest crowds in 'Mania history.
Let's take a look at a few reasons why Roman Reigns should face The Rock next year, as well as a few why WWE should hold off on it until WrestleMania 39.
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#1 WrestleMania 38: Roman Reigns does not have too many full-time challengers on SmackDown
Following the WWE Draft, SmackDown's male roster is way more understated and low-key than RAW's. The blue brand is desperately short on main eventers, with Drew McIntyre being the only full-time babyface who is ready to challenge Roman Reigns for the Universal Championship today.
As a result, WWE may need to look elsewhere for Reigns' WrestleMania opponent. The Rock's star power would instantly make SmackDown feel bigger. It also gives the company a chance to build some new babyfaces to challenge The Tribal Chief after The Show of Shows.
#1 WrestleMania 39: Hollywood is the perfect setting for The Rock's final WWE match
The Rock is a massive Hollywood star. This makes the prospect of him wrestling his final WWE match in the area a huge opportunity to generate mainstream buzz for the company. It is the perfect ending to his story, while also furthering Roman Reigns' run on top.
The Great One's comeback (and retirement) would mean so much more in his hometown, while it would also be pretty convenient for him. It feels like too big of an opportunity to pass up, which may explain WWE's willingness to delay the Rock-Reigns match.
#2 WrestleMania 38: WWE risks potential cancellation by delaying the match by a year
Roman Reigns vs. The Rock may be too big of a WrestleMania match for WWE to risk it being canceled. But if it is being earmarked for 2023, there is a chance it does not happen at all, since a lot can change in a year.
Several factors could result in The Great One becoming unavailable to face his cousin at WrestleMania 39. The Rock's injury against John Cena at WrestleMania 29 caused a delay in filming, which could become a concern over a longer waiting period.
His only match since was a six-second squash of Erick Rowan three years later. If he can make it to Dallas next April, WWE might as well book the match between The Rock and Roman Reigns, as waiting for the perfect moment might backfire in this case.
#2 WrestleMania 39: Roman Reigns vs. The Rock is fitting for the SoFi Stadium
Having just opened around a year ago, the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California is a beautiful venue. It has been designed perfectly and looks incredible, with an exceptional view all around.
The SoFi Stadium could seat up to 100,000 fans at WrestleMania 39, further extending its beauty. There doesn't seem to be a bad seat in the house. As a result, WWE must book the biggest possible main event for potentially the most aesthetically pleasing WrestleMania ever.
The Rock and Roman Reigns fit the bill perfectly for this spot.
#3 WrestleMania 38: Roman Reigns would have to remain WWE Universal Champion until he faces The Rock
Roman Reigns needs to keep the Universal Championship for his match against The Rock, whether WWE books it at WrestleMania 38 or 39. The belt serves as a tangible symbol of excellence that proves Reigns is The Head of the Table. It signifies more than just a world title at this point.
He should be unbeaten heading into the feud. This scenario is perfectly plausible if the dream match happens in 2022. After defeating The Rock, Roman Reigns can then drop the Universal Title to a new babyface star, possibly at SummerSlam.
But if WWE delays the match, The Tribal Chief would need to remain Universal Champion for another year. It would take his title reign beyond 900 days. Unless Reigns manages to remain fresh throughout 2022, this is a risky move. Would he be able to keep his momentum for another year?
#3 WrestleMania 39: It would mean so much more if Roman Reigns defeats The Rock in Hollywood
While the quality of his Universal Title reign might take a slight hit if it crosses two years, the story is set up perfectly for Roman Reigns to retire his cousin in his backyard. It would only serve to enhance his growing legend.
We mentioned how The Rock's retirement match being in Los Angeles is the perfect situation. The Tribal Chief would take advantage of this and the mainstream buzz surrounding The Great One and his retirement.
There will be more eyeballs on him at WrestleMania 39 than ever before, as he humbles the biggest movie star in the world on The Grandest Stage of Them All. Roman Reigns instantly becomes a much bigger star if he defeats The Rock in Los Angeles, than in Dallas.
The Tribal Chief can truly establish himself amongst the highest level of WWE legends with an away win against his cousin.
