By Dan, Wrestling Spot Editor
WWE in recent times can be viewed as an era of Roman Reigns domination. Having become the undisputed WWE World Champion after adding the WWE Championship to his WWE Universal title, ‘The Tribal Chief’ is looking unstoppable at the top of the highest profile metaphorical mountain. With recent reports that WWE are holding off a high-profile singles encounter between Reigns and Drew McIntyre, we take a look at some other stars who could feature in title matches in the coming months.
1. Cody Rhodes
What could turn out to be the single biggest story in wrestling of 2022 broke in February. Cody Rhodes sent shockwaves through the industry as he departed All Elite Wrestling, the promotion which has become the highest profile competition to WWE in recent years and of which Rhodes was a spiritual founder. The rest they said was history, Rhodes did what many may have previously thought unthinkable and made a sensational return to WWE at Wrestlemania 38, defeating Seth Rollins and getting a greater reaction than could possibly been envisaged in the process. In an emotional in-ring promo, he made it pointedly clear that he was back to capture the WWE champion, his father Dusty Rhodes was never able to claim. Recent reports have suggested Cody is seen as Raw’s top baby face and he is to be allotted significant television time, something which has been the case since his return. It is clear Rhodes is destined for a shot at the championship he says he so craves, the question is when rather than if.
2. Brock Lesnar
One of the potential downfalls to having a champion that has the sheer dominance Roman Reigns does is that it can feel that no one viable round them to de-throne or even give viable challenges for their crown. The man who can perhaps to hold claim to be Reign’s most highest profile challenger in recent times is Brock Lesnar. Lesnar ultimately dropped his WWE Championship to Reigns in the Winner Takes All title unification match at the recent Wrestlemania 38. However, there does feel like there could be scope for further encounters between these two down the line and no one could argue the multiple WWE Championship winner is not a viable option for future title matches against Reigns.
3. Bobby Lashley
Bobby Lashley has recently returned to WWE following injury and has been engaged in an angle with Osmos. His second reign as WWE Champion lasted just 21 days, losing out to Brock Lesnar at Elimination Chamber. Clearly one of the promotion’s top talents, Lashley could be an option to work with Reigns again having previously being in matches with him in 2021.
4. Seth Rollins
The ‘Visionary’ clearly makes for box office entertainment on the so-called ‘Monday Night Rollins’ and is currently engaged with an extremely watchable angle with the returning Cody Rhodes. . He previously beat Reigns by disqualification, meaning he won the match but not his title and most recently lost to the Tribal Chief in March, so it may be a while before we see him in a title match again. That said, as someone who has held all three of WWE’s major titles, is a safe-pair of hands to headline any show or event, is renowned for his wrestling abilities and is a truly one of a kind character, Rollins deserves consideration as part of any title discussion.
5. Theory
Vince McMahon’s protégé is clearly someone rising in profile by the week in WWE. He has recently captured the WWE United Championship from Finn Balor, dropped the ‘Austin’ part of his name and had a notable match with Pat McAfee at Wrestlemania 38 which spiralled into a fight between Mr McMahon and McAfee after the former beat him with Theory helping the executive to score victory. An amazing talent, Theory’s star continues to elevate and a Champion v Champion encounter could be a option down the line to further increase the stature of the young star.
6. The Miz
The veteran heel is a two time WWE Championship winner, amongst other accolades and would be a good option if they want a well known face to take on Reigns and someone with the ability to deliver a entertaining storyline. The two have clashed before in the Intercontinental Championship, so there is a history there they could draw upon.
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