WWE 2022 Preview: Predictions for Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, Becky Lynch, Edge & much more

#1 WWE SmackDown Predictions for 2022 - Roman Reigns, Brock Lesnar, Sasha Banks & more

The biggest story on SmackDown is also the biggest story in the entire WWE, as Roman Reigns enters 2022 as Universal Champion.

He will face Brock Lesnar at Day 1 but is expected to retain his title, before taking on The Beast Incarnate once again at WrestleMania 38.

Lesnar will be the favorite to win the Men's Royal Rumble Match and earn a rematch against The Tribal Chief, but a Universal Title win at The Show of Shows is unlikely. Reigns will remain on top of SmackDown and WWE for most of 2022, if not all of it.

If anyone is to defeat him in the coming year, it should be Drew McIntyre. The Scottish Warrior will likely be Roman Reigns' primary challenger after WrestleMania. Another potential opponent for the Universal Champion is WALTER, who would be an excellent addition to the blue brand.

Elsewhere, 2022 has to be the year of Sasha Banks. She will likely be the next SmackDown Women's Champion after defeating Charlotte Flair, possibly at WrestleMania. The Legit Boss has a great shot to win the Women's Royal Rumble Match unless Bayley is ready to return to WWE by then.

The Role Model could be an excellent surprise winner at the Rumble before she faces Banks for the SmackDown Women's Title at 'Mania. Naomi may also enjoy a rise up the card after she gets her hands on Sonya Deville, who will return to in-ring action soon.

Elsewhere on SmackDown, Sami Zayn could have another great run with the Intercontinental Championship after his upcoming match with Shinsuke Nakamura. Hopefully, he gets to premiere his documentary in 2022.

Also, WWE needs to finally push Cesaro. He's too good to languish in the mid-card without much direction.

Here is a quick summary of what to expect from SmackDown in 2022:

• Brock Lesnar wins the Men's Royal Rumble Match
• Roman Reigns retains the Universal Championship through most of the year
• Drew McIntyre is the top babyface on SmackDown after Lesnar
• Sasha Banks dethrones Charlotte Flair
• Bayley returns and wins the Women's Royal Rumble Match
• Sami Zayn enjoys an IC Title reign

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What are some of your expectations from WWE for the upcoming year? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below.