Speculation is mounting over a mystery slot in an upcoming King of the Ring qualifying match scheduled for this Monday’s episode of WWE RAW. The four-way contest is set to feature Sheamus, Rusev, and Bronson Reed, with the fourth participant’s identity being held back by manager Adam Pearce, creating a buzz around who could complete the field.
During a recent episode of The Last Word podcast, the conversation surrounding the unidentified competitor took a significant turn when former WWE employee Tommy Carlucci proposed a blockbuster name: Roman Reigns. Carlucci theorized that a surprise return in the tournament could be the perfect catalyst for the next chapter of Reigns’ career.
“Here’s the thing; what if it’s Roman (Reigns) and he goes on to be the King and that starts his new reign as what he’s gonna be because we have no idea where he is, what he’s doing,” Carlucci stated. “He would be a great surprise. The roof will blow off when his entrance music comes out because we haven’t seen him since WrestleMania, I don’t think, right? And it would be phenomenal. So, it could be Roman Reigns.”
Reigns has been absent from WWE programming since the Raw after WrestleMania 41, where a betrayal by Paul Heyman led to a savage attack by Seth Rollins and Bron Breakker. In his absence, Heyman has formed a formidable new faction with Rollins, Breakker, and the recently returned Bronson Reed, establishing a dominant force on the red brand and creating a clear set of adversaries for Reigns upon his return.
The tournament discussion emerges amidst a pivotal time for Reigns, who is currently working a part-time schedule. This has reportedly led TKO to consider renegotiating his lucrative contract, while internal WWE discussions continue about a potential transition to a less physically demanding role within the next couple of years. His profile outside of the ring is also expanding, with reports linking him to the role of Akuma in a forthcoming live-action “Street Fighter” movie.
The intrigue surrounding his return was further amplified by a recent cryptic social media post from Reigns, where he expressed dissatisfaction with his current position in the company. While stars like Cody Rhodes have made their way back to action, the wrestling world awaits Reigns’ next move, with many insiders believing his comeback is imminent.
The opening in the King of the Ring tournament now presents a compelling stage for his highly anticipated reappearance.
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