The future of Roman Reigns in WWE after retirement is becoming a central question for fans and insiders as speculation rises about who will lead the company once he steps away, with several industry veterans openly expressing concern over the lack of clear successors. As WWE faces looming retirements and shifting storylines, the organization finds itself at a crossroads, searching for a star capable of capturing the spotlight and carrying its brand.
Major Stars Approach Their Final Chapters
This week’s developments in professional wrestling include Goldberg officially returning to WWE on RAW, where he challenged Gunther for the World Heavyweight Championship. Their much-anticipated clash is scheduled for Saturday Night’s Main Event on July 12, marking what is expected to be Goldberg’s farewell match in the ring. Earlier, Goldberg posted a training montage on X, emphasizing his commitment to his final performance. The former Universal Champion’s last match was at the 2022 Elimination Chamber event, where he was defeated by Roman Reigns.
Elsewhere, Drew McIntyre remains an influential figure within WWE, with rumors of potential collaborations with the Gallus faction. Joe Coffey, Mark Coffey, and Wolfgang were reportedly considered for storylines with McIntyre, but those plans never materialized, especially after Gallus’s recent release from the company. Addressing these missed opportunities, Joe Coffey shared his frustrations about not being able to move forward with the storyline on Refin’ It Up:
“And we heard for a long time we maybe [sic] going to the main roster and doing something with Drew, who knows? I understand Drew is on the run of a career and is doing some amazing stuff. But, like, we had little teases of it, like being in the Survivor Series program and the Royal Rumble program as Gallus, the only NXT people. And we’re like, ‘That’s really strange!’ And a lot of people were talking about it, and we thought, ‘Well, maybe it’s going to happen soon,’ but it didn’t happen. You know, it was just a little bit frustrating,”
he said. —Joe Coffey, Professional Wrestler
Currently, a serious injury sidelines Drew McIntyre with no confirmed date for his return.
Concerns Mount Over the Next WWE Headliner
The uncertainty about incoming talent has sparked strong reactions from former WWE insiders. During the Behind the Turnbuckle Studios podcast, Jonathan Coachman questioned WWE’s efforts in raising new stars and cast doubt on the company’s bench strength to fill the void once Roman Reigns calls it a day. Coachman stressed that Triple H and the WWE leadership have not provided enough focus on building marketable future headliners. He expressed these concerns directly:
“Name somebody that you can say, ‘You know what? He or she is gonna be on the MSG marquee in five years to sell out Madison Square Garden.’ I don’t know that you have. I’m saying in five years. Roman Reigns will be retired by then. Cody Rhodes, who knows? So, who’s gonna be the next guy?”
he said. —Jonathan Coachman, Former WWE Broadcaster
Roman Reigns, currently one of the company‘s most prolific superstars, has himself acknowledged that his tenure is limited. His present contract expires following WrestleMania 42, with an intention to compete for perhaps one or two additional years.
WWE Legends Prepare to Leave the Stage
Adding to the sense of transition, John Cena—reigning Undisputed WWE Champion—is also approaching the end of his wrestling career, with a Farewell Tour scheduled to conclude in December 2025. Cena’s schedule now includes fewer than 20 appearances, including an upcoming non-title bout against R-Truth on SmackDown this Friday. Despite speculation about potential comebacks, wrestling veteran Eric Bischoff is convinced that Cena’s retirement will be permanent:
“I think he’s done. I think he’s going to go through the schedule, and I think he’s sincere.” —Eric Bischoff, Former WWE RAW General Manager
The Challenges Facing WWE’s Next Generation
As WWE prepares for big departures—such as Goldberg, John Cena, and the eventual exit of Roman Reigns—the company faces growing uncertainty about its next breakout star. Well-known faces like Cody Rhodes remain, but there is discomfort within the wrestling community about WWE’s lack of ready main-eventers to headline major venues like Madison Square Garden.
Triple H and his team now shoulder the responsibility of building up the superstars who can eventually take the place of icons like Roman Reigns and John Cena. With WrestleMania 42 and other critical events looming, the company‘s approach to talent development in the months ahead will determine whether WWE maintains its dominance or succumbs to a leadership vacuum as several of its legends move toward their final matches.
