WWE superstar Roman Reigns, long regarded as one of the leading figures in professional wrestling, is drawing attention as speculation mounts about who his 2026 opponents could be. With a special focus on the possibility of crossover talent, Roman Reigns’ 2026 opponents may include notable AEW stars, as the industry buzzes about major names potentially facing off against the Tribal Chief in the coming year.
Roman Reigns’ Recent Transition in WWE
Since 2020, Roman Reigns has held a dominant position in WWE, but following his loss of the Undisputed Championship to Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 2024, his presence on weekly programming has noticeably declined. Beginning in 2022, Reigns, also known as the Head of the Table, took steps back from a full-time schedule, prioritizing time with his family and making less frequent appearances. By 2025, he was an integral part of one of WWE’s top storylines, mainly clashing with Vision, but his television appearances remained rare. His latest appearance occurred during Survivor Series: WarGames, where Reigns’ team suffered defeat. As his 2026 schedule is predicted to be similarly light, Triple H and WWE management are tasked with optimizing his limited availability for maximum impact.
Increasing Possibilities of AEW and WWE Talent Exchanges
The world of professional wrestling remains dynamic, with regular movement of talent between AEW and WWE. With 2026 expected to continue this trend, fans are already speculating about high-profile names from AEW making the switch to WWE’s Stamford headquarters. In particular, two former AEW-affiliated wrestlers and one current AEW star are being discussed as leading contenders for a clash with Roman Reigns in the coming year.
#3: Cody Rhodes—From Rival to Likely WrestleMania Opponent
Cody Rhodes, a crucial figure in both AEW and WWE, emerges as the most probable adversary for Reigns. Once serving as AEW’s Executive Vice President, Rhodes transitioned into WWE’s primary face by capturing the Undisputed Championship from Reigns in 2024, then reclaiming it from John Cena at SummerSlam later in the year. The rivalry between the two was reignited at Survivor Series: WarGames 2025, culminating in a tense exchange where Reigns firmly distanced himself from Rhodes after a team loss.
“This is the last time we ever team. Just know that.”
— Reigns to Rhodes at WWE WarGames 2025.
This dramatic moment has sparked anticipation about an eventual singles match-up, with speculation centering on WrestleMania 2026 as the potential stage for their showdown. With Seth Rollins sidelined indefinitely, WWE’s prior plans have shifted, increasing the likelihood of Rhodes and Reigns headlining the biggest event of the year.
#2: Chris Jericho’s Expected WWE Return and Possible Feud with Reigns
Veteran wrestler Chris Jericho, currently signed with AEW, has been absent from the company’s programming since April. Rumors swirl as his contract with Tony Khan‘s promotion is set to expire by the month’s end, and his own social media posts have hinted at a possible return to WWE. The industry expects Jericho, also known as Le Champion, to make a comeback to WWE in 2026 for what could be the final chapter of his celebrated career.
Should Reigns win the 2026 Royal Rumble as predicted, and Jericho return at the same event, a confrontation during the Rumble appears increasingly feasible. Both stars have unfinished business in the ring, and such a meeting would likely set up a marquee match later in the year, reigniting interest in Jericho’s storied WWE career and Reigns’ ongoing dominance.
#1: Ricky Saints—A New Star on the Rise
Ricky Saints, previously known as Ricky Starks during his AEW tenure, stands out as a fresh potential opponent for Roman Reigns. Since joining WWE’s NXT in 2025, Saints has rapidly established himself, capturing both the NXT and North American Championships. He is seen as a future main eventer, providing an entirely new dynamic should he face Reigns, as the two have yet to compete against each other.
With Reigns shifting toward opportunities that elevate emerging talent—evidenced by his high-profile loss to Vision’s Bronson Reed at Crown Jewel 2025—he may serve as the benchmark for Saints as the up-and-comer prepares to move to the main WWE roster. The promotion appears to be positioning Saints as a significant new face in the company, and a match against Reigns in 2026 would symbolize the passing of the torch from a veteran to a rising star within the industry.
What Roman Reigns’ Potential 2026 Rivals Mean for WWE
The possibility of Roman Reigns facing Cody Rhodes, Chris Jericho, and Ricky Saints in 2026 highlights WWE’s focus on blockbuster matchups and talent transitions amid limited appearances from its top superstar. Each contender reflects key storylines and industry trends—reigniting old rivalries, staging high-profile returns, and introducing emerging stars. As fans speculate about these potential clashes, the build-up to 2026 promises major moments for WWE, changes in championship storylines, and continued evolution of professional wrestling’s biggest stage.
"This is the last time we ever team. Just know that."
Tensions are high between Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns… 👀 pic.twitter.com/iv2OopkERm
— WWE (@WWE) November 30, 2025
