Roman Reigns, once undisputed at the pinnacle of WWE, is poised for thrilling new challenges as speculation around his next major opponents intensifies for 2026. After losing his historic title reign, the wrestling world is eager to see which stars might step up as Roman Reigns future opponents 2026, shaping the next era of WWE main events.
Emergence of New Rivalries After a Quiet Year
Following a dominant 1,316-day run as Undisputed WWE Champion—ending only when Cody Rhodes dethroned him—Roman Reigns has limited his in-ring appearances, wrestling only a select few times since his defeat. With the spotlight shifting towards fresh storylines, fans and analysts are speculating about the next marquee matchups that could reignite his legendary status. As 2026 looms, three prominent WWE stars are widely considered top contenders to face Reigns in headline matches that could redefine WWE’s landscape.
Bron Breakker: Rising Powerhouse Ready for a Showdown
Bron Breakker has quickly earned a reputation as one of the most intimidating athletes on the WWE roster. Having recently pinned CM Punk during a high-stakes WarGames match, Breakker is now scheduled to challenge for the World Heavyweight Championship at the first RAW of 2026. Members of his Vision faction have backed his ascent, and their ongoing rivalry with Reigns traces back to WrestleMania’s aftermath, where Breakker notoriously ambushed the Tribal Chief.
Their last meeting, a tag team bout at SummerSlam, added fuel to this feud. Should Breakker capture the World Heavyweight title, the stage would be set for Reigns to return and issue a direct challenge. The encounter would not only draw huge attention as a pay-per-view main event but could also elevate Breakker to new heights, solidifying his status among WWE’s elite.
Seth Rollins: Settling Scores from Shield Brotherhood
Tension continues to simmer between Reigns and Seth Rollins, whose rivalry is rooted in the infamous Shield breakup over a decade ago. Their recent animosity escalated as Paul Heyman stunned fans by betraying Reigns and siding with Rollins in the buildup to this year’s WrestleMania. Despite the deep personal and professional fallout, the two never settled their conflict one-on-one in the ring.
Looking towards 2026, speculation is high that Reigns will call out Rollins for a major singles encounter once Rollins recovers from his shoulder injury. Rollins’ involvement in Reigns’ momentous title loss and the subsequent defection of Heyman make their clash one of the most anticipated possible matches, promising to captivate arenas filled with fans eager for closure on their enduring feud.
Cody Rhodes: A Decisive Third Chapter
Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes have developed one of WWE’s most captivating rivalries, headlining WrestleMania on two consecutive occasions. Rhodes’ victory over Reigns not only ended a monumental championship run but left the score tied between the two, with each man holding a major win.
Hints of a decisive rematch have persisted, including a moment at Survivor Series: WarGames when Reigns declared to Rhodes that their alliance had ended. With another Rhodes vs. Reigns showdown anticipated for 2026, their next contest could be arranged for the grand stage of WrestleMania—especially if Rhodes retains the title against Drew McIntyre in Berlin. Reigns, aiming for redemption, could secure a Royal Rumble victory to force the much-anticipated rubber match, a battle that could finally resolve their storied rivalry.
The Road Ahead for Roman Reigns in WWE
As Roman Reigns weighs his options for a dramatic return, the potential for showdowns against Bron Breakker, Seth Rollins, and Cody Rhodes generates intense excitement. These classic confrontations could not only shape Reigns’ legacy post-title reign but also spotlight the emerging superstars vying for WWE’s top position. With each clash promising high drama and shifting alliances—most notably involving key figures such as Paul Heyman—2026 is set to be a pivotal year in WWE, perhaps redefining the very notion of what it means to face the “Tribal Chief.”
