A talented worker with a strong personality and a superstar look, Reigns has all the tools to be the biggest star in the company.
However, continual stubborn, short sighted booking from WWE in the early stages of his headline push, specifically at the Royal Rumble in 2015 doomed his main event run to fail.
Unwilling to push the much loved Daniel Bryan as the number one babyface in the company, WWE attempted to reduce his heat and superstar aura by having him eliminated very early and decisively in the Royal Rumble match.
Mirroring the unfortunate ending of the 2014 Royal Rumble, Reigns was aggressively booed as the live audience saw Reigns as the office’s chosen one and rebelled against the booking in favour of Bryan.
Unfortunately, the booking of Reigns ever since has been focused on establishing him as the top babyface superstar in the company, which as the fans continue to reject it, puts Reigns in a very difficult position.
Being forced to face a plethora of heels, Reigns at times comes perilously close to turning other superstars babyfaces such is the crowd’s animosity towards him.
Adding to Reigns’s issues right now is also the fact that he has greatly ran out of heel opponents to face on Monday Night Raw as he has fought everybody who can conceivably headline with him multiple times.
Therefore, one has to look slightly further afield or out of left field to find viable opponents for the Universal Champion who could deliver a fresh, money drawing feud with him.
The following slideshow counts down five such opponents that would work best in a feud with Reigns.
#5 The Rock
Former 10 time World Champion and Hollywood mega star The Rock is currently rumoured to be set to face his cousin, Roman Reigns at Wrestlemania 35.
That match would undoubtedly be a marquee attraction with two of the biggest stars of their generations clashing one on one for the first (and likely only) time.
However, despite the massive draw this match would be, the promotion of it would be problematic for WWE given The Rock would be loudly cheered and Reigns, despite his face persona would be vociferously booed as he is most weeks on television.
This match would be more effective and better for Reigns’s career should he turn heel prior to the bout and then he can encourage the boos he will elicit and make for an incredible atmosphere.
Rock would no doubt bring it in the ring and in the build for the bout and would crucially also be willing to stare at the ceiling for his younger foe.
It could be a career moment for Reigns. If booked correctly.
#4 Shinsuke Nakamura
Shinsuke Nakamura’s heel turn at Wrestlemania 34 when he low blowed AJ Styles after losing his WWE Championship match with him, has been a revelation.
Adopting the hilariously insincere catchphrase, “No speak English” whenever he is challenged for his dastardly behaviour, Nakamura has the kind of persona that should ensure he is booed at Reigns’s expense.
The two have had fleeting interaction before as Reigns was the man last eliminated by Nakamura as he won the 2018 Royal Rumble.
It could be the perfect set up for their feud. Nakamura could look at Reigns and be jealous of the fact that despite him being the one to win the Royal Rumble, it is Reigns and not him who has won a World title this year.
The matches between the pair should be dynamic, fast paced and hugely entertaining also.
In fact, Reigns versus Nakamura would be such a brilliant feud and it is amazing that it hasn’t taken place already.
#3 Randy Orton
Randy Orton has faced Roman Reigns before but the current incarnation of his character would make him the perfect opponent for Reigns.
Orton has made it his mission to destroy all of WWE’s babyface stars. There is none bigger (in theory) than Reigns.
Such is Orton’s calculated and psychotic behaviour, even WWE’s audience is unlikely to cheer him over Reigns.
The pair already have chemistry, evidenced by their excellent match at Summerslam in 2014 and their earlier bouts opposite each other as part of The Shield versus Evolution feud.
Reigns and Orton in late 2018 or 2019 has all the hallmarks of a classic rivalry.
#2 Dean Ambrose
Roman Reigns’s running buddy, Dean Ambrose is gradually becoming more and more disillusioned with his Shield pals and seems set to turn against both in the near future.
With Reigns having a title defence already booked at Crown Jewel in Saudi Arabia on November 2, 2018 versus Brock Lesnar and Braun Strowman, it appears likely that Ambrose, should he turn heel on his friends would face Rollins first.
This would set up a Universal Championship feud with Reigns, likely at the Royal Rumble.
Ambrose’s new edgy character should make the perfect foil for Reigns in what would no doubt be an emotionally charged feud.
Such is Ambrose’s proficiency in playing a dastardly heel, he should be able to bring the fans on Reigns’ side which would make for an extremely entertaining conflict.
#1 Drew McIntyre
The former Intercontinental Champion, Drew McIntyre returned to WWE in 2017, three years after leaving the company for pastures new in ICW, Evolve and most notably Impact Wrestling where he reigned as World Champion.
Initially posted to NXT, where he won the NXT Championship, McIntyre graduated to the main roster once more on the post-Wrestlemania 34 Raw.
Teaming with Dolph Ziggler, the charismatic Scotsman has been one of the highlights on WWE television in 2018.
Currently feuding with Reigns as part of The Shield’s rivalry with himself, Ziggler and Braun Strowman, McIntyre has forced The Shield to show fear and sell generously for him.
At six feet six inches tall, McIntyre is an imposing figure and is more than a match for Reigns physically.
Fully capable of drawing the ire of the crowd, McIntyre would also direct those pesky boos in the correct direction.
There is a strong chance, McIntyre could soon be Reigns’ challenger for the Universal Championship which will be something to behold.
0 votes
