WWE Scraps Major Roman Reigns Singles Match

WWE ditches huge Roman Reigns one-on-one match - for now...

by Andy H Murray
Randy Orton Roman Reigns
WWE

WWE shelved plans for a Roman Reigns vs. Randy Orton singles match at Royal Rumble 2024 as the promotion wants to preserve it for a later date.

Dave Meltzer reported on Wrestling Observer Radio that this was why WWE opted to book an Undisputed Universal Title four-way for the 27 January premium live event. Rather than facing Orton one on one, Reigns is to defend the Undisputed straps against Randy, AJ Styles, and LA Knight in Tampa, LA.

Per Meltzer, WWE feels "there is money to be made with Randy Orton and Roman Reigns in a program at some point." Officials believe the Rumble was too early for them to face one another.

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The four-way exists so that one of Styles or Knight can take the pinfall, according to Meltzer. This would allow WWE to preserve Orton vs. Reigns by avoiding having one pin the other.

Orton and Reigns' last televised bout came on the 4 May 2015 episode of WWE Raw, following a significant feud the previous year. The duo have been heavily involved with one another since Randy returned to WWE at Survivor Series 2023 and set his sights on 'The Head of the Table.'

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. 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.