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WWE Rumors: Roman Reigns to Feud With Rusev Upon Return?

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By @nickmarsico

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Recent reports have shown that WWE is advertising Roman Reigns for a Dec. 30 show, which is the first time his name has been used to promote an event since he was injured. The advertisement has his opponent listed as Rusev, which may tell us who his next opponent will be upon return from his injury.

Something that very few, if any, people have brought up is the chance that WWE has to push Reigns and make him look stronger heading to WrestleMania — feeding Rusev to him. What better way to bring back a fallen hero? Reigns goes down to injury, rehabs, comes back to challenge the Russian who has been unstoppable, and he stops him. Seems like an obvious thing to do really, but I guess everybody (myself included) has been so caught up in either liking or disliking the concepts of Reigns winning the Royal Rumble and beating Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania and John Cena defeating Rusev at the same show.

Let’s look at the prospect of Reigns vs. Rusev, which would start at the Royal Rumble.

Ideally, at least in my world, Reigns doesn’t win the Royal Rumble. I remember reading an opinion piece that suggested Reigns should get the World Title at WrestleMania 32 if they intend to give him the belt, and I strongly agree with that sentiment. Cena didn’t get the green light until he was just shy of three years on TV, and he spent his whole time as a singles wrestler. Survivor Series marks the beginning of Reigns’ third year on the main roster, and the vast majority of his time has been spent wrestling in six-man and regular tag matches. He is improving in the ring and has great presence, but he isn’t a complete package yet.

The John Cena approach works perfectly for the case of Roman Reigns. Instead of Cena vs. Rusev at WrestleMania, put Reigns in there instead. Just like Cena defeated Big Show at WrestleMania XX to win the U.S. Title, Reigns can defeat Rusev at WrestleMania 31 to win that same belt. He can spend the spring and summer defending the belt against the likes of Sheamus (who has to be a heel by then, right?) and Cesaro in some hard-hitting matches against veterans who can help him learn how to work singles matches. He’s been off TV long enough that it’s not going to seem out of place or like a demotion for him to go after the U.S. Title.

Hopefully the rumors are true, because a big WrestleMania moment in victory for America over the evil Russians would be a perfect beginning to lead into pushing Reigns over the top. Cena can beat up on some other up-and-comer who will end up lower on the card after a feud with him. Leave Rusev out of it.

Nicholas A. Marsico is a pro wrestling writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter and Like him on Facebook!

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