The original plan for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship at the Royal Rumble has been revealed.
This past Friday, on the January 5 edition of SmackDown, Roman Reigns’ title defence was set. The show’s main event featured a triple threat between LA Knight, Randy Orton and AJ Styles, designed to find one challenger for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship at the Royal Rumble Premium Live Event, but, following interference from Reigns which left his potential opponents wiped out, SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis announced a fatal four way match for January 27.
However, per Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, it’s reported that this wasn’t the original plan. Instead, it’s believed that WWE initially wanted to stage a one-on-one match, which would’ve seen Randy Orton be the sole challenger at the Royal Rumble. In the end, it was decided that a multi-man bout would allow the Apex Predator to lose without being pinned.
“The actual deal here is that… the original idea was Roman (Reigns) and Randy Orton for the Rumble. Essentially there were parties involved who did not want to beat Randy Orton this early and just felt that there’s money to be made with Randy Orton and Roman in a program at some point, but it’s too soon to do it. But LA Knight just got beat and AJ (Styles) isn’t strong enough… I think AJ is the guy they probably would’ve wanted because Roman can beat him. The basic gist was that AJ gives them someone they can beat, LA gives them someone they can beat.”
-Dave Meltzer
Given that competitors were added so that Randy Orton didn’t have to take a fall, it may be that the company are saving a one-on-one clash between The Viper and The Tribal Chief for later down the line. Failing that, there are many other challenges waiting to step up to Roman Reigns, including Cody Rhodes and the recently returned Rock, leaving WWE with many options heading into ‘Mania season.
As always, we’ll aim to provide any further updates on Roman Reigns’ next title defence and WWE’s plans for the Royal Rumble as we hear more.
H/T to WrestleTalk for the transcription.
