WWE Royal Rumble 2017 Preview
By Tim Sherry
WWE.com
WWE Universal Championship Match: Kevin Owens (c) vs Roman Reigns
The WWE just refuses to give up on Reigns. It’s admirable in a way. Really dumb in another. After constantly editing out the boos that Roman consistently receieves the WWE is still giving this failed experiment some legs by once again putting him in the world title picture. At least this time we’ll have some fun with Chris Jericho having over the ring in a cage. That should be some outstanding comedy.
So with Wrestlemania looming does the WWE dare put Roman in another main event? You know, because last year went so well. If the company wants to avoid another Wrestlemania ending in boos it might be the better option to see KO walk out of this thing with the belt. But hey, it doesn’t look like they’ve gotten the hint yet. One thing I will say is that Owens and Reigns do have fantastic in-ring chemistry so this should be another solid outing in this rivalry. So at least there’s that.
What a win would mean for Reigns: Truthfully I’m worried about what will happen to Reigns and his future if he wins the belt Sunday. Things are already really bad with him and the WWE Universe and winning the belt again could possibly put the final nail in his career coffin. This might be the only time in WWE history that winning the world title could hurt someone’s career. I wholeheartedly believe that’s the case with Reigns.
What a win would mean for Owens: Does retaining the title at the Royal Rumble automatically ensure that person a spot in a title match at Wrestlemania? No, of course not. But a win Sunday for Owens would be a great step in that direction. Say what you want about Owens and the RAW brand in general but he’s been a solid champion and he is very much deserving of a world title match on April 2nd. And if Finn Balor returns soon, what a great Universal title match that would make.