10 Reasons Roman Reigns Should Lose WWE Title At Payback 2016

2. Would Parlay Nicely Into 'Brand Extension' Return

Roman Reigns WWE World Heavyweight Champion April 2016.jpg
WWE

Fittingly acting as an extension of that point, such a move could herald the return of the 'Brand Split' to WWE. The idea was quietly phased out in 2011, played into storyline by Triple H announcing that SmackDown stars could join with Raw to create a 'Supershow' each week. It's ripe for a grand return.

If Shane McMahon did welcome the idea of AJ Styles as champion to Monday Night Raw, it'd create a schism between the General Manager and Roman Reigns.

If Stephanie McMahon then set up shop on SmackDown, Reigns could unthinkably side with her, looking to tear down Shane and in the process regain his WWE World Heavyweight Title.

Straight away, the brands would be divided. Another WWE Draft could be held, with both Shane and Stephanie picking top talent like Vince and Ric Flair before them in 2002.

Under Shane's guidance, Raw (especially with Styles as champ) would become the wrestling show, whereas Stephanie could try and present SmackDown as more of an all-round entertainment package.

Giving both brands a unique identity would be advisable since it gives fans a reason to watch each one.

Contributor

Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.