By now you all have heard the news from last night: Roman Reigns is out of his WrestleMania 36 showdown with Universal Champion Bill Goldberg. This isn’t shocking news as “The Big Dog” is considered immunocompromised and that is simply something you don’t want to play with in the COVID-19 world we are living in. I know it’s widely reported that Roman pulled out of the match, but if you think there wasn’t any doctor involvement, you’re crazy.
We also know that more WWE superstars are likely out of their WrestleMania 36 match-ups, which again isn’t surprising. WWE is playing it safe, at least on the individual level, and it will impact the card.
But the show must go on…or at least the show IS still going on. Must? That’s another article for another day.
But if the show goes on, Goldberg needs a new opponent. While the replacement has likely already filmed the match with Goldberg, we are left spoiler-free and wondering who that might be. Let’s take a look at the candidates (mostly) from the WWE SmackDown brand.
5. Baron Corbin faces Goldberg at WrestleMania 36
Not exactly an upgrade, but it’s hard to upgrade from Roman Reigns. But in this case, it’s a serious downgrade. Baron Corbin has been a reliable performer for the WWE, and could–at minumum–generate some heat for an ass-kicking at the hands of Goldberg. I don’t see Goldberg putting Corbin over, and nor do I think he should. But it’s at the very least a possibility.
4. Mojo Rawley gets the shot
Yes, you read that right. Mojo Freaking Rawley. It makes sense from a creative standpoint, as Rob Gronkowski is the host of WrestleMania 36 and can logically book the match, giving his boy the opportunity of a lifetime. I personally enjoy Mojo Rawley, but even saying that I would also say he isn’t where he needs to be to be challenging anyone for the Universal Championship anywhere, let alone at WrestleMania and let along against Goldberg.
