Should Roman Reigns Face Randy Orton for the Royal Rumble Title at WrestleMania 33?
As we approach WrestleMania 33, the question of whether Roman Reigns should face Randy Orton for the Royal Rumble title grows more relevant. This article examines various perspectives, considering history, storyline, and potential outcomes to provide a comprehensive analysis.
Precedent and WWE's Historical Acknowledgment
The notion of Roman Reigns facing Randy Orton for the Royal Rumble title has a historical basis. However, WWE has a habit of disregarding history unless it aligns with their current storyline. This is a critical factor to consider in any decision regarding the match.
The Undertaker Dilemma
One of the disappointments in the current storyline is the anticipated match between Roman Reigns and The Undertaker at WrestleMania 33. While Reigns can deliver great matches with strong opponents like AJ Styles, The Undertaker's recent condition is a significant concern. His lackluster performance at the Royal Rumble showed a decline in his abilities, making the potential WrestleMania match less appealing.
In addition, The Undertaker’s performance at WrestleMania 33 is likely to be one of his last, as he has hinted at retiring afterward. Given this, Reigns seems like a misfit for the event. Vince McMahon, driven by his desire to elevate Roman Reigns, is pushing this storyline despite the lack of a compelling opponent for Reigns.
Bray Wyatt vs. Roman Reigns Scenario
An alternative match between Bray Wyatt and Roman Reigns would be more engaging for viewers. Bray Wyatt's historically unbeatable image and Roman Reigns' unpredictable performance could create a compelling match. However, WWE's current direction makes it unlikely that Bray Wyatt will be given the title shot at WrestleMania 33.
The SmackDown General Manager, Daniel Bryan, is aware of this and has taken steps to ensure that a new number one contender emerges. AJ Styles, Shawn Michaels, and Dolph Ziggler have shown interest in the title and could face Bray Wyatt for the Rumble title. Once this is confirmed, Randy Orton will likely intervene to help Bray retain the title, which is a scenario that WWE seems to bend its rules to accommodate.
Potential Match for Roman Reigns?
For Roman Reigns to get the chance to face Randy Orton, there would have to be a significant shift in current storylines. If Vince decides to push Roman to the moon and keep him relevant, perhaps Reigns could receive a title shot against Randy Orton. However, this is a risky move as it could negatively impact ratings if the match does not perform well.
On a more concerning note, if Randy Orton does get involved to help Bray Wyatt, it could result in Orton attacking Reigns, resulting in Bray Wyatt being disqualified. This would allow the Wyatts to retain the title, with Reigns leaving WrestleMania with a chip on his shoulder. Such a scenario would likely result in a negative crowd reaction, including boos.
Alternatively, if Bray Wyatt manages to defeat Roman Reigns, it could potentially propel him to stardom, as his underdog status would add to the drama and excitement for viewers who have yet to see him truly step up to a significant challenge.
In conclusion, while there are compelling arguments for both sides, the current storyline and potential ratings impact suggest that a match between Roman Reigns and Randy Orton at WrestleMania 33 is highly unlikely. However, if it were to happen, fans would be wary of the outcome and its potential consequences for the storyline.