Alternative Reigns ‘Mania matches

On January 25^th when Roman Reigns won the main event of the twenty-eighth annual Royal Rumble event, we all thought Reigns versus Brock at ‘Mania was dead certain. But with Triple H’s announcement and Daniel Bryan’s subsequent win, maybe ‘Mania isn’t cut and dry as we first thought.

Of course, Reigns not being in the ‘Mania main event will make his Rumble win a bit of a joke and that cool segment between the champion and challenger on the Raw after the Rumble pointless. But what are the alternatives to Brock versus Reigns and where does that leave the Royal Rumble winner?

1) Roman Reigns versus Triple H: This seems the only reasonable alternative. Have DBry go over at Fast Lane but make Reigns look strong in the process. Reigns goes after ‘the King of Kings’ after screwing him over one too many times. Triple H heavily hinted that he was getting back in shape on the Stone Cold Podcast, this would be a great return and a call back to his last set of matches (Evolution versus Shield). The result is the perfect way to create your new babyface. The problem being Sting. ‘The Icon’ is on a collision course with ‘The Game’ with the two meeting at Fast Lane. But maybe they’ll keep Sting out of the ring and keep his ‘vigilante’ character going.

2) Roman Reigns versus Seth Rollins: A little bit different but the booking writes itself. Reigns has never really got payback on Rollins for stabbing him in the back. With Rollins being the Authorities golden boy at the moment, it would make perfect sense. With the two being old Shield buddies, I’m sure these two could put on a great match, possibly even show stealing if Rollins pushes himself like he did at the Rumble. Hell, add in Ambrose for a Shield triple threat #FantasyBooking

3) Roman Reigns versus Randy Orton: Reigns and Bryan clash at Fast Lane but wait, there’s a ref bump, who’s that? RKO to Reigns, RKO to Reigns! That’s how you set up this match, why? I don’t know but does it need a reason, WWE usually don’t. Like versus Triple H, this would be a good way of setting Roman up as ‘the man’. The problem arises that Orton isn’t back in action yet and if he is to return it is likely to be against the Authority, not fighting one of their main rivals.

4) Roman Reigns versus Rusev: Wait? Isn’t Rusev feuding with Cena? Hear me out; Rusev beats Cena at Fast Lane (yeah, not going to happen but stay with me), Rusev gets put over as unstoppable, enter Roman Reigns. The two meet on Raw’s leading to Mania in little fights and brawls but they get their first bout at Mania, where Reigns goes over. Should put over both men as top talents. The problem with this one is what does Cena do at Mania and would this match be a good enough match to be on the Mania card?

5) Roman Reigns versus the Authority: A little bit of 1 and 3 together. I think Mania is destined for some kind of multi-man tag bout between the Authority and Cena’s new reinstated buddies. Reigns would add the firepower to Team Cena (which would likely be without Cena since he would be up against Rusev). Some combination of Reigns, Ziggler, Ryback, Rowan or maybe Ambrose versus Rollins, Big Show, Kane, Harper or possibly Triple H. Although I see this kind of match happening, wouldn’t it be a sad sight to see the Royal Rumble winner reduced to what is essentially a filler.

Despite the alternatives, it seems most likely that Reigns versus Brock is our ‘Mania main event. It’s a catch 22 situation, you take Reigns out of the match now and you annoy another bunch of fans or you stick with Reigns and annoy those who wanted Bryan to win. WWE are going to have to be very careful of how they book the match at Fast Lane. One alternative not mentioned but would satisfy both set of fans is a triple threat.

Do you want to see Reigns versus Brock? What alterative bout would you book? Let me know @marcusandberg