Roman Reigns is currently sitting atop WWE as World Heavyweight Champion. However, his reign cannot last forever. With several major stars circling the OTC, the company has multiple credible options to choose from for the man who eventually dethrones him.
The key is not simply choosing the biggest name. WWE needs to consider the timing, the WrestleMania 43 picture, and whether taking the championship away from Reigns would create a stronger story afterward. The OTC’s current position makes every potential challenger important.
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The eventual decision should protect the biggest matches while giving a rising star enough credibility to carry WWE forward. That is why the distinction between who should win and who should wait matters. Some victories would create a new centerpiece, while others would weaken an even bigger WrestleMania story.
That said, in this article, we look at three WWE Superstars who should dethrone Roman Reigns and two who shouldn’t.
#5. Shouldn’t: The Rock
The Rock should not dethrone Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 43 if WWE decides to finally book their highly anticipated clash.
Although The Final Boss winning the World Heavyweight Championship would create a huge WrestleMania moment, it would not be the best outcome for WWE’s long-term plans. The veteran does not need another major championship victory, particularly when The OTC’s reign could be used to elevate a younger, full-time superstar.
Instead, WWE should make Roman Reigns vs. The Rock about legacy, family, and power. The story between the two members of the Anoa’i family is much bigger than a championship. Reigns entering WrestleMania as champion would add even more stakes, with The Final Boss attempting to prove that he is still the biggest name in the family.
However, Roman should ultimately defeat The Rock. This would give the OTC another massive victory while allowing WWE to keep its championship plans intact.
Most importantly, the person who eventually dethrones Roman Reigns would receive far more value from the victory. If WWE wants to create its next megastar, that historic moment should belong to a full-time superstar rather than The Rock.
If WrestleMania 43 is the destination, Rock should challenge Reigns’ legacy, not his championship.
#4. Should: Penta
Penta has already earned a golden opportunity. He defeated Rey Fenix in the World Heavyweight Championship No. 1 Contender’s Tournament final on RAW. As a result, he will challenge Roman Reigns when the red brand returns to Mexico City on September 14. That makes him one of the most logical candidates to shock the champion.
WWE could create a huge moment by having Penta defeat Reigns in Mexico. The setting would make the victory even more meaningful. Meanwhile, the masked star’s distinctive style would give the World Heavyweight Championship a fresh identity.
Even if WWE does not plan for Penta to win immediately, the match could establish him as someone who belongs in the main-event picture. However, if creative wants an unexpected title change, the masked star has the momentum and opportunity to make it happen.
#3. Should: LA Knight should dethrone Roman Reigns
LA Knight should eventually dethrone Roman Reigns because WWE has already built the chase. Knight remains determined to get his World Heavyweight Championship opportunity, and WWE’s recent programming has continued to keep him in Reigns’ orbit.
An LA Knight victory would also give the company a satisfying payoff. He has spent a considerable amount of time trying to reach the top of the mountain. Thus, beating Reigns would instantly become the defining achievement of his career.
The crowd reaction would be enormous, too. Triple H could build the match around Knight repeatedly falling short before finally finding the opening he needs. A decisive victory over the OTC would make Knight feel like a true top-level champion rather than simply a popular superstar.
#2. Shouldn’t: Cody Rhodes
Cody Rhodes should not dethrone Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 43, especially if WWE decides to build toward their rematch on the grandest stage.
If Cody wins the 2027 Royal Rumble, he would have every reason to challenge Reigns. However, WWE should consider giving someone else the opportunity to have that career-defining moment. It doesn’t always have to be The American Nightmare.
Cody Rhodes has already enjoyed several major WrestleMania moments and has been positioned as one of WWE’s central stars for years. Having him defeat Reigns again could make the title picture feel predictable, particularly if another superstar has emerged as a legitimate main-event threat by WrestleMania 43.
Triple H should use this opportunity to elevate someone new. A victory over the OTC would instantly establish another superstar as a top-tier name and create a fresh direction for the World Heavyweight Championship.
The American Nightmare can still have an important role at WrestleMania 43 without winning the title. If WWE wants to keep Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes as the match, Reigns retaining could lead to another superstar eventually stepping up and taking the championship.
The American Nightmare has had his moments. Now, WWE should give somebody else the chance to create theirs.
#1. Should: Oba Femi
Oba Femi is the strongest long-term choice to dethrone Roman Reigns.
WWE has spent months presenting Oba as a dangerous future main-event force. His rise, physical presence, and confidence make him feel like someone who could eventually stand across from Roman without looking out of place.
More importantly, a Reigns-Femi rivalry could establish the next generation at the very top. The OTC has already defeated and survived numerous elite challengers. Thus, The Ruler defeating him would signal that WWE’s future has officially arrived.
The match could be built slowly, with Oba Femi continuing to rack up major victories before finally confronting Roman Reigns for the championship. When the moment comes, Triple H could make Femi’s victory feel like a changing of the guard.
Penta and LA Knight are compelling possibilities. However, Oba Femi has the clearest long-term upside. If WWE wants Reigns’ eventual defeat to create its next megastar, Femi should be the man holding the championship when the OTC finally falls.
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Edited by Steffi
