Backstage News On WWE's Plans For Roman Reigns At WrestleMania 33 & Royal Rumble

What next for the United States Champion?

Roman Reigns WrestleMania
WWE.com

WrestleMania 33 hits Orlando in less than 100 days, and while Goldberg vs. Brock Lesnar feels like a dead cert, the rest of the card remains a mystery. One thing's for sure, though: Roman Reigns will remain front and centre throughout the build, particularly if the past two years are anything to go by.

Reigns dominated the past couple of Royal Rumbles and headlined WrestleMania 31 & 32: there's a strong chance he'll continue the theme in 2017, and he could be set for another big night at the Rumble according Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio

The United States Champion is set to challenge for Kevin Owens' Universal Championship with Chris Jericho suspended above the ring in a shark cage. After defeating Owens on Raw this week, the lingering impression is that Reigns will repeat the feat in San Antonio.

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WWE are reportedly considering a number of different options for Reigns at Mania, but none are set in stone. One includes a huge surprise that Meltzer concedes probably isn't happening, though there's no indication as to what that surprise may be. He does note, however, that none of the discussed Mania plans involve another Reigns coronation in the vein of WM 32, where his WWE Championship win was universally rejected by the live crowd.

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.