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That said, in this article, we look at four superstars who arguably would have been better choices to challenge Roman Reigns for the World Heavyweight Championship instead of Seth Rollins.
#4. LA Knight
LA Knight has spent the last few years proving he belongs in WWE’s main-event scene. Whether he’s competing for championships or captivating audiences with his charisma, The Megastar has consistently remained one of the company’s most popular performers.
Thus, a World Heavyweight Championship match against Roman Reigns would have been a fresh direction for both men.
Unlike Seth Rollins, Knight has never had an extended rivalry with Roman. That alone would have made the contest feel less predictable. Also, their contrasting personalities create an intriguing dynamic. Roman carries himself with calculated confidence, while Knight thrives on verbal confrontations and crowd interaction.
The promotional segments leading into SummerSlam could have been among the best of the year. Knight has repeatedly shown he can stand toe-to-toe with WWE’s biggest stars on the microphone. Also, his confidence would make him a believable challenger to Roman’s dominance.
Even if LA Knight ultimately came up short, the opportunity would elevate him further into WWE’s elite tier while giving fans a championship program they haven’t already seen multiple times.
#3. Bron Breakker
Bron Breakker may have recently fallen short against Seth Rollins. However, that shouldn’t remove him from the World Heavyweight Championship picture.
The Vision member established himself as one of RAW’s most dangerous competitors before his loss to Seth Rollins at Night of Champions 2026. His explosive offense, unmatched intensity, and physical dominance make him one of the few superstars capable of realistically threatening Roman Reigns.
More importantly, Breakker and Roman Reigns have never had a major singles rivalry. That alone makes the matchup appealing.
Roman has overcome nearly every established main-event star in WWE. Thus, facing someone like Breakker would present an entirely different challenge. The younger superstar combines incredible speed with devastating power. Hence, creating a stylistic clash unlike anything the OTC has recently experienced.
The story almost writes itself. The Dog of WWE could attempt to prove that the next generation has officially arrived by targeting the company’s biggest champion. Meanwhile, Roman Reigns would seek to remind everyone why he remains the industry’s yardstick.
Although Breakker suffered a setback against Seth Rollins, one impressive victory could quickly restore his momentum. Thus, making him a legitimate championship contender once again.
#2. WWE King of the Ring winner Oba Femi
Few superstars have elevated themselves in 2026 as dramatically as Oba Femi.
By winning the King of the Ring tournament, Oba further cemented himself as one of WWE’s fastest-rising stars. Also, he earned the right to be viewed as a future world champion. Instead of immediately shifting his attention to a returning Brock Lesnar, the company could have positioned him as Roman Reigns’ challenger for the World Heavyweight Championship.
The timing would have been perfect. The King of the Ring victory is designed to create new main-event stars. Thus, challenging Roman immediately after that triumph would have capitalized on Oba’s momentum while giving SummerSlam a fresh marquee match.
Also, their physical styles would make for a fascinating contest. Both men thrive on power, intensity, and commanding presence. Roman’s experience would contrast beautifully with Oba Femi’s relentless aggression. Thus, creating a championship clash that feels entirely new to WWE audiences.
Even if Roman Reigns retained the title, The Ruler would emerge from the rivalry looking like a future face of the company. Given everything he has accomplished in recent months, the King of the Ring winner arguably deserved consideration ahead of another Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins encounter.
#1. Royce Keys
Royce Keys found himself in Roman Reigns’ sights after the World Heavyweight Champion publicly called him and LA Knight out during the Clash in Italy post-show for bad-mouthing his family. Rather than backing down, Keys replied with a defiant “I know exactly who you are.” Thus, creating one of the most talked-about moments.
That confrontation alone planted the seeds for what could become a major rivalry. Instead of revisiting Roman’s history with Seth Rollins, WWE could have leaned into the unpredictability of a championship feud with an emerging superstar eager to make his name at the Tribal Chief’s expense.
For Keys, defeating Roman would instantly establish him as one of WWE’s newest main-event players. Even in defeat, standing across the ring from the World Heavyweight Champion at SummerSlam would significantly elevate his profile.
From Roman Reigns’ perspective, the match would reinforce his role as the standard-bearer for WWE’s new generation. Throughout his career, the Tribal Chief has defeated legends and former world champions. Thus, facing someone like Royce Keys would represent a different challenge: stopping a hungry newcomer before he reaches the top of the mountain.
The freshness of the rivalry is its biggest strength. Fans already know the story between Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins. With Royce Keys, there are no previous betrayals, no familiar chapters, and no repeated matchups. Everything would feel new. Thus, allowing WWE to create its next breakout main-event star.
Although Seth Rollins is undeniably one of the company’s greatest performers and a worthy challenger for the World Heavyweight Championship, SummerSlam 2026 also presented an opportunity to spotlight fresh faces. LA Knight’s charisma, Bron Breakker’s explosiveness, Oba Femi’s King of the Ring momentum, and Royce Keys’ rapidly growing profile all offered compelling alternatives.
Each of those challengers would have brought a unique story and a first-time dynamic with Roman Reigns. Thus, making the road to SummerSlam feel less familiar. Whether Triple H eventually explores those matchups remains to be seen. However, all four superstars have the potential to become memorable rivals for the Tribal Chief and legitimate threats to his World Heavyweight Championship reign.
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