Roman Reigns Set for a Shocking Return as WWE Rethinks WrestleMania 42 Plans

As WWE barrels toward another WrestleMania season, one name continues to loom larger than all others — Roman Reigns. After months away from television, new reports are beginning to shed light on when The Tribal Chief is expected to return and, more intriguingly, how dramatically his path to WrestleMania 42 may change.

According to the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Reigns is currently expected to make his long-awaited comeback at the Royal Rumble in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on January 31. That return date alone would be enough to generate massive buzz — but it’s the creative direction beyond that moment that has truly captured fans’ attention.

Reigns No Longer in the Title Picture?

Perhaps the biggest revelation is that WWE is now expected to move Roman Reigns out of the Undisputed WWE Championship picture for WrestleMania 42. This is a notable shift from earlier speculation, which suggested WWE was building toward a third WrestleMania clash between Reigns and Cody Rhodes.

The history between the two is already etched into WWE lore. Reigns defeated Rhodes in the main event of WrestleMania 39 in 2023, crushing the American Nightmare’s first attempt at finishing his story. One year later, at WrestleMania 40, Rhodes got his redemption, dethroning Reigns and finally capturing the Undisputed WWE Championship.

With that rivalry now evenly split, WWE appears reluctant to immediately revisit the matchup — especially with Rhodes recently losing the title to Drew McIntyre on SmackDown, a result that has sent ripples through the company’s long-term creative plans.

Where Has Roman Reigns Been?

Reigns has been absent from WWE television since November, when he teamed with Rhodes, CM Punk, and The Usos in a losing effort against Brock Lesnar and McIntyre. Since then, his character has largely existed in the aftermath of internal chaos.

Much of that turmoil stems from Paul Heyman, whose shocking betrayal at WrestleMania 41 altered the course of multiple storylines. Heyman turned on both Reigns and Punk, allowing Seth Rollins to win their Triple Threat Match — a moment that fractured alliances and effectively dismantled The Vision, the faction surrounding Reigns.

That betrayal left Reigns isolated, dethroned, and without his longtime advocate — a rare position for a man who dominated WWE for years.

Brock Lesnar: Familiar, But Risky?

With Reigns seemingly out of the title hunt, attention naturally turns to potential WrestleMania opponents. One obvious name is Brock Lesnar, who, like Reigns, is featured prominently in WrestleMania 42 promotional material.

On paper, Reigns vs. Lesnar is always a blockbuster. In reality, the rivalry has already played out across multiple WrestleManias. While their chemistry is undeniable, there is growing concern that revisiting that matchup yet again could generate fan fatigue rather than excitement.

WWE must weigh nostalgia against innovation — and this time, nostalgia may not be enough.

Seth Rollins and the Story Left Untold

Another compelling possibility is Seth Rollins. Before Rollins’ injury sidelined him in October, WWE had reportedly considered him for a major WrestleMania 42 role. A return from injury could place him directly back into Reigns’ orbit.

The history between Reigns and Rollins runs deep, dating back to The Shield. With Rollins now removed from The Vision and carrying his own unresolved issues with Reigns, the groundwork exists for a story driven by betrayal, legacy, and unfinished business — rather than championships.

If Rollins is medically cleared in time, this feud could offer WWE a fresh main-event-level narrative without relying on a title.

A New Generation Threat: Bron Breakker

Looking further ahead, Bron Breakker is frequently mentioned as a “money opponent” for Reigns. While Breakker currently appears destined for World Heavyweight Championship contention following his loss to Punk on the Raw Netflix anniversary show on January 5, his explosive style and rising popularity make him a natural foil for Reigns.

Roman Reigns may be headed back at the Royal Rumble, but WrestleMania 42 could unfold without him in the title picture

A clash between the established Tribal Chief and WWE’s most dominant young powerhouse may not happen at WrestleMania 42 — but it feels inevitable at some point.

WrestleMania 42 Without Roman Reigns at the Top?

The idea of WrestleMania without Roman Reigns in the title picture would have been unthinkable just a few years ago. Yet WWE now finds itself in a position where Reigns’ aura alone is enough to anchor the biggest show of the year.

Whether it’s Lesnar, Rollins, or an unexpected opponent, Reigns doesn’t need a championship to command attention. His mere presence reshapes the card.

What Happens Next?

All eyes now turn to the Royal Rumble in Riyadh. If Reigns does indeed return there, the direction of his character — confrontational, vengeful, or introspective — will offer the first real clues about WWE’s WrestleMania vision.

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With WrestleMania 42 set for Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, WWE has the stage, the spectacle, and the star power. What remains uncertain is how Roman Reigns fits into that picture.

One thing, however, is clear: