Roman Reigns has been riding a massive wave of success as WWE World Heavyweight Champion. The Original Tribal Chief made his fifth title defense against LA Knight at Money in the Bank 2026, cleanly defeating the megastar.
WWE has officially announced the traditional Champion vs. Champion match between Reigns and Sami Zayn at Crown Jewel 2026. However, this could fall apart if Zayn loses the Undisputed WWE Championship before the November 7 event.
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His last title reign ended on a random Monday Night RAW. With numerous contenders lined up for a title shot against The Last Real Good Guy, he faces a constant threat of losing the title.
Keeping this in mind, we take a look at three WWE stars Roman Reigns could face at Crown Jewel 2026 instead of Sami Zayn:
#3. Kevin Owens
The Prizefighter hasn’t won a WWE title for a long time. This is the perfect time for him to finally end his title drought. Sami Zayn is the reigning Undisputed Champion, and he shares a rather deep history with Owens, from being bitter enemies to best friends.
While KO is feuding with CM Punk as they both prevented each other from winning the Money in the Bank briefcase, WWE could book a rematch between Owens and Zayn on SmackDown before Crown Jewel 2026 and ban The Best in the World from the arena during their match.
This would give KO a fair shot at beating Sami Zayn, and fans might see a new Undisputed Champion crowned. Ultimately, fans would see a match between Kevin Owens and Roman Reigns for the Crown Jewel Championship.
#2. Former Undisputed WWE Champion CM Punk
CM Punk lost his Undisputed Championship to Sami Zayn after Kevin Owens interfered. So he automatically comes to the top of the list for a rematch.
Nick Aldis may book a rematch between Zayn and Punk for the title on the upcoming edition of SmackDown. If Kevin Owens is barred from appearing in the ring, he won’t get a title shot.
This would lead to a fair fight between Zayn and Punk, and The Second City Saint would have a chance of pulling off a shocker by beating The Last Real Good Guy again.
This would force WWE to change plans, as Roman Reigns and CM Punk would collide in their WrestleMania 42 rematch at Crown Jewel 2026.
#1. Finn Balor
The Prince hasn’t won a championship in a long time despite being the inaugural Universal Champion. All his title campaigns have failed. He is currently involved in a feud with Gunther, yet he remains a prominent contender for a title shot.
Balor might earn a legitimate title shot by beating Gunther with the help of Danhausen. Nick Aldis might give him a chance to challenge Sami Zayn at Friday Night SmackDown.
In a shocking turn of events, the Prince might defeat Zayn and become champion, setting up a match between Balor and Roman Reigns.
The two share a history, as their Extreme Rules 2021 match ended awkwardly when Reigns defeated Demon Balor to retain his title. Finn could bring back his Demon persona to avenge his 2021 loss, with the Crown Jewel Championship on the line.
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Edited by Angana Roy
