WWE: Roman Reigns to eventually face a former world champion after his return

Unfortunately, Roman Reigns had to withdraw from WWE Day 1 after testing positive for COVID-19. Brock Lesnar was booked to win the WWE Championship after the business revised its script. The Universal title storyline has been jeopardized as a result of the decision.

WWE wants Roman Reigns to face Drew McIntyre at some time, according to Dave Meltzer on the newest Wrestling Observer Radio podcast. Drew McIntyre was scheduled to feud with Roman following Day 1, as previously reported, but the Scottish Superstar's unfortunate injury may have hampered WWE's plans.

While WWE could have had Madcap Moss beat Drew McIntyre on Day 1, Meltzer believes the business chose to protect the former world champion because of the potential repercussions on a future storyline with Roman:

"I don't think anyone believed for a second he (Madcap Moss) was going to beat Drew McIntyre. It's funny because with Drew McIntyre being hurt, you know, they could have done it, but they didn't even dare do it. I wouldn't have either because, at the end of the day, the plan is still supposed to be Drew McIntyre vs. Roman Reigns at some point. So he shouldn't be losing to Madcap Moss even if he is going to be hurt. Hopefully, the injury is not too bad."

WWE's booking issues as WrestleMania 38 approaches

The WWE Championship being won by Brock Lesnar has unquestionably shifted the plot dynamics. The corporation has always wanted Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns to headline WrestleMania, and that may still be the case.

Meltzer brought up one major issue that could occur in the future regarding WWE's match placement. WWE apparently wants the two world title matchups to occur on separate nights, and if Brock Lesnar or Roman Reigns are still slated for a WrestleMania match, they will have to drop the belt:

"The thing with Mania is, they've got two titles. They want one title defended on Saturday, and one title defended on Sunday. If they do Reigns and Lesnar, they are going to get the title off from one of those two if they are going to do the match, or else both will probably be on the Sunday show, and then you'd have the Saturday show with no title matches."

The current issue is complicated by a number of variables, including WWE's inability to determine the severity of McIntyre's injuries. A storyline with Roman may be a stopgap feud before WWE resumes The Tribal Chief's angle with Brock Lesnar if the SmackDown star can return fast.

Fans should get some answers in the coming weeks, and as always, we'll keep you up to date on all WWE backstage news.