Since defeating Brock Lesnar to become the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion at Wrestlemania 38, Roman Reigns has yet to defend the titles, with the Tribal Chief currently absent from TV.
Multiple sources confirmed that the road map for Reigns’ next three opponents saw Riddle, Randy Orton, and Drew McIntyre step up to challenge Reigns for the championships, although Reigns did not defend his titles at last Sunday’s Hell In A Cell premium live event, and now it appears as though he’ll be absent from the upcoming Money in the Bank event too.
The news first came via Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated, who note that whilst Riddle, Orton, and McIntyre are all still scheduled to be Reigns’ next challengers, a defence is no longer scheduled to take place at MITB on July 2nd.
“The expected slate of opponents for Reigns hasn’t changed, but he currently is no longer scheduled to work Money in the Bank.”
-SI
This report was then corroborated by Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer, and although Meltzer was unable to confirm the specific reason for Reigns’ expected absence, he did highlight another claim from Justin Barrasso who noted that change in plans is likely due to the change in venue for the event.
“Plans changed once Money in the Bank was moved from Allegiant Stadium to the indoor MGM Grand Garden Arena.”
-SI
In May it was revealed that Reigns had signed a new deal with WWE that would see him work a more relaxed schedule. Despite this, Meltzer confirmed in May that Reigns was still scheduled for the HIAC, MITB, Summerslam, and Clash at the Castle events, although Reigns ultimately was absent from HIAC and now appears to be missing MITB too.
Drew McIntyre has already made his challenge towards Roman Reigns for an Undisputed WWE Universal Championship match at Clash at the Castle later this year, although it is yet to be seen whether Riddle and Randy Orton will make their challenges before we reach that point in the year.
