WWE Rumor Roundup: Update on Roman Reigns' future opponent, Injured star to return soon? Shane McMahon-Randy Orton botch (February 6, 2022)
Welcome to the latest edition of WWE Rumor Roundup.
Roman Reigns' challengers on the road to WrestleMania 38 have already been confirmed. But who will step up to the Universal Champion after this year's Show of Shows concludes? A recent report suggests that a top name from SmackDown could target Reigns soon.
Another star from the blue brand — who has been out of action lately — might finally return to the company. Plus, the 2022 Royal Rumble event featured backstage controversy, most of which is related to Shane McMahon's influence in the 30-man contest. Rumors indicate that a significant botch occurred with McMahon's entrance in the Men's Rumble.
Meanwhile, Tyson Kidd was notably absent from the said event. We'll look at his current WWE status as well. Additionally, reported plans for a top NXT star's appearance in the Rumble were nixed.
With that in mind, let's dive straight into these topics.
#5. Drew McIntyre could face Roman Reigns in WWE this year
Roman Reigns may have stood tall at the end, but I believe this match significantly helped to elevate Drew McIntyre and enhance his credibility as WWE Champion.
The power of working with the Tribal Chief.🙏
#SurvivorSeries https://t.co/GTCtCrQrA4
Roman Reigns' next Universal Championship defense will go down on February 19 against the returning Goldberg. While The Tribal Chief is the favorite to retain his title at Elimination Chamber, Brock Lesnar has challenged him to a subsequent match at WrestleMania 38.
Many fans also believed that Drew McIntyre would face Reigns in early 2022. That does not seem to be the case right now, but McIntyre will reportedly cross paths with the Universal Champion at some point this year. Dave Meltzer stated in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that plans for the bout are still in place:
“Drew McIntyre is very much in the plans for an opponent for Reigns at some point."
I was hoping for Drew McIntyre vs Roman Reigns but i guess we'll get it after Wrestlemania. #SmackDown
The Scottish Warrior has had four televised one-on-one encounters against Roman Reigns, with the latter emerging victorious every time.
The two men have more recently faced off in untelevised tag team bouts.