During tonight’s episode of WWE Friday Night SmackDown, Adam Pearce announced Roman Reigns’ next opponent for the Universal Champion at the Royal Rumble pay-per-view.
After The Usos retained their SmackDown Tag Team Titles against The New Day, they cut to Reigns’ dressing room and Seth Rollins appeared. The show closed with Rollins laughing as he stood face to face with his former Shield partner.
This was not the original plan. At the Rumble, it was originally supposed to be Drew McIntyre challenging Reigns for the title but McIntyre is currently out of action with neck issues. Also, Rollins was originally scheduled to win the WWE Championship at Day 1. WWE has Reigns’ plans mapped out through WrestleMania. Click here for spoiler news on WrestleMania plans.
Here is the updated card for the Royal Rumble pay-per-view:
WWE Universal Championship
Roman Reigns (Champion) vs. Seth Rollins
WWE Championship
Brock Lesnar (Champion) vs. Bobby Lashley
30-Man Royal Rumble match
Announced so far: Angelo Dawkins, Montez Ford, Rey Mysterio, Dominik Mysterio, Austin Theory, Johnny Knoxville, Sheamus
30-Women Royal Rumble match
Announced so far: Nikki A.S.H., Rhea Ripley, Tamina, Dana Brooke, Zelina Vega, Carmella, Aliyah, Natalya, Naomi, Shotzi Blackheart, Shayna Baszler, Charlotte Flair, Mickie James, Nikki Bella, Brie Bella, Lita, Michelle McCool, Kelly Kelly, Summer Rae
WWE Raw Women’s Championship
Becky Lynch (Champion) vs. Bianca Belair or Doudrop or Liv Morgan
Mix Tag Team Match
Edge and Beth Phoenix vs. The Miz and Maryse
And we thought Christmas had already passed. #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/lky3DfGSX0
— WWE on FOX (@WWEonFOX) January 8, 2022
