Adam Pearce Becomes WWE Universal Title Contender On SmackDown
SmackDown "GM" Adam Pearce named Roman Reigns' opponent at Royal Rumble.
Yes, Adam Pearce.
SmackDown's sort of/kinda'/almost General Manager has been installed as the next challenger for Roman Reigns' Universal Title at the 2021 Royal Rumble. Pearce accidentally won a lengthy Gauntlet bout on Friday's episode - he was knocked out and then placed on top of a downed Shinsuke Nakamura to score the win.
This came after Roman taunted him about making bad decisions on the show lately.
The whole thing is rather John Cena vs. John Laurinaitis, but there are some differences. Firstly, the roles are reversed; Roman, unlike Cena, is playing heel and Pearce is the sympathetic figure. Secondly, WWE has removed the comedic aspect it usually books for these Wrestler vs. Authority Figure angles.
Reigns vs. Pearce has been made official for the Rumble.
Some fans on social media don't like the decision, and it is odd to see someone like Pearce in such a featured spot on one of the biggest pay-per-views of the year. Nobody could've guessed that WWE's 'Road To WrestleMania 37' would kick off with this kind of match.
SmackDown ended with a confused Pearce coming to and realising that he's the new number one contender.