WWE Battleground 2016: 10 Wrestling Matches We'd Rather See

4. Roman Reigns Vs. Chris Jericho

Jericho Reigns Battleground
WWE.com

As we mentioned earlier, it can be fairly argued that Reigns should be removed from the Triple Threat match - but he's back in time for Battleground, so it would be senseless not to have him appear on the show.

He can't appear on television to promote the match, which means his opponent would have to do the legwork for him. This provides an ideal opportunity for Chris Jericho to augment his deluded heel persona and keep Roman's name in the mix without making awkward references to why he isn't there in person.

Reigns could be a 'scheduled' guest on Jericho's Highlight Reel - only of course to not turn up under the terms of his suspension. Jericho could then generate considerable heat by claiming that Reigns' absence should instead be attributed to cowardice. He could repeat the formula in the run up to and at Battleground itself, leading to Reigns' return and an impromptu match.

The match itself wouldn't be half-bad, either, predictable as it would be. Jericho loses to everybody, but it's not as if Reigns needs the rub. Jericho is also one of the few WWE stars who can make the audience turn against him, so if WWE are adamant about pushing Reigns in the face role, this might be one of the only viable methods with which to do so.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!