WWE News: Roman Reigns Expected To Respond To Brock Lesnar On SmackDown

KEY POINTS

Roman Reigns may know his new opponent for the Universal Title on SmackDown
Brock Lesnar coming to SmackDown may also see the appearance of Big E or Bobby Lashley
Drew McIntyre could stake his claim to the Universal Title in a new storyline for Reigns

After being held out of WWE Day 1, WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns is reportedly set to appear on the January 7 edition of Friday Night SmackDown.

Reigns has been medically cleared of COVID-19 and will return on the Blue Brand's upcoming episode to address his arch-nemesis Brock Lesnar.

After both Reigns and Lesnar were set to clash for the WWE Universal Title, a sudden change in the script was needed after "The Tribal Chief" failed to pass the health and safety protocols.

Hence, “The Beast Incarnate” was instead inserted into the original Fatal Four-Way match pitting now-former champion Big E against Kevin Owens, Seth Rollins and Bobby Lashley.

Lesnar won the title and is set to face Bobby Lashley at the 2022 WWE Royal Rumble event.

“The Almighty” got the nod after winning another Fatal Four-Way clash on the January 3 edition of WWE Raw.

Regardless, Lesnar will still appear on Friday in what could be a setup for the Royal Rumble.

Reigns and Lesnar have a well-documented rivalry, which was made even colorful with manager Paul Heyman officially switching sides.

With a confrontation looming as reported by TMZ, it could turn out to be something different.

Reigns could get a new dance partner, with Drew McIntyre being speculated to be next in line.

As for Lesnar, the sudden appearance of Lashley or even Big E is also possible.

If some or all of these come down, it should be a hellacious Jan. 7 edition of SmackDown in the works.

But what seems clear is that WWE fans have not seen the last of the Reigns vs. Lesnar drama.

With both icons now lording over the promotion's two flagship shows, the two may have to go separate ways for now.

Reigns and Lesnar have had four singles matches, two Triple Threats bouts, and a Fatal Four-Way match.

Interestingly, Reigns and Lesnar are tied at 3-3–clearly showing that both are bound to go for a tiebreaker at some point.

After the Royal Rumble extravaganza this January, attention shifts to WrestleMania 38. It is possible that Lesnar and Reigns could cross paths although that depends on what storyline lies ahead for the two behemoths.