Roman Reigns' Next Challenger: Bronson Reed vs. Bron Breakker – Who Can Dethrone The Tribal Chief?

Sep 01, 2025

Roman Reigns' Iron Grip: Can Anyone Break The Tribal Chief's Reign?

Roman Reigns' Universal Championship reign has been nothing short of dominant. For years, he's stood atop the WWE mountain, dispatching challenger after challenger with calculated brutality and the unwavering support of The Bloodline. The question on every wrestling fan's mind isn't *if* his reign will end, but *when* and *by whom*? Two names have been circulating heavily in the conversation: Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker. Both represent drastically different styles and bring unique strengths to the table, making them compelling, albeit distinct, potential adversaries for The Tribal Chief. This analysis delves into their individual capabilities, examining whether they possess the necessary ingredients to dethrone Roman Reigns and what the implications of each scenario would be for WWE Shop and merchandise sales.

Bronson Reed: The Colossal Threat

Bronson Reed, also known as JONAH outside of WWE, is a powerhouse of a performer. His blend of size, agility, and surprising athleticism makes him a formidable opponent for anyone on the roster, let alone the seemingly invincible Roman Reigns. He isn't just a big man; he's a big man who can move, fly, and deliver devastating offense from any position.

Strengths of Bronson Reed as a Challenger:

Size and Power: Reed's sheer size is an immediate advantage. He can believably overpower most opponents, including Roman Reigns. The visual of Reed manhandling Reigns would be impactful and immediately establish him as a credible threat.
Agility and Athleticism: He isn't just a bruiser. Reed can perform impressive aerial maneuvers, including dives and springboard attacks. This unpredictability would keep Reigns on his toes.
Resilience: Reed can absorb a tremendous amount of punishment. This is crucial against Reigns, who wears down opponents with a relentless barrage of offense.
Untapped Potential: While Reed has shown flashes of brilliance, he hasn't yet reached his full potential in WWE. A feud with Reigns could be the catalyst to elevate him to the main event scene.

Weaknesses of Bronson Reed as a Challenger:

Character Development: While his in-ring work is strong, Reed's character needs more depth. He needs a compelling backstory or motivation to resonate with the audience on a deeper level.
Mic Skills: Reed's mic work, while improving, still needs polish. He needs to be able to cut compelling promos that can match Reigns' intensity and charisma.
Booking: Reed has sometimes been booked inconsistently, hindering his momentum. Consistent wins and strong storylines are crucial to build him as a credible threat to Reigns.
Bloodline Interference: The Bloodline is a significant factor in Reigns' success. Reed would need a plan to counter their interference, either through allies or strategic planning.

Bronson Reed vs. Roman Reigns: A Potential Match Scenario

The build-up could focus on Reed's unstoppable force meeting Reigns' immovable object. Promos could highlight their contrasting styles and Reed's determination to break Reigns' grip on the Universal Championship. The match itself would be a brutal, physical affair, with both men exchanging devastating blows. Reed would need to showcase his agility to counter Reigns' power game, while Reigns would need to exploit any weakness in Reed's armor.

A potential finish could involve Reed overcoming The Bloodline's interference, perhaps with the help of a surprise ally. Imagine a scenario where Solo Sikoa attempts to interfere, only to be met by a returning Kevin Owens, leveling the playing field. This would allow Reed to capitalize and hit his Tsunami finisher, finally dethroning Reigns. However, a clean win is less likely due to the established dynamics of Reigns' character and booking. A controversial finish, perhaps with a disputed pinfall, could also be used to extend the feud.

Bron Breakker: The Legacy Phenom

Bron Breakker is a second-generation superstar, the son of Rick Steiner and nephew of Scott Steiner. He brings a raw intensity and undeniable athleticism to the ring, reminiscent of his legendary father. Breakker's rapid ascent in NXT showcased his immense potential, and many believe he's destined for main event status on the main roster.

Strengths of Bron Breakker as a Challenger:

Athleticism and Power: Breakker possesses incredible strength and explosiveness. He can deliver devastating spears and power slams with ease.
Intensity and Charisma: Breakker's intensity is palpable. He exudes a natural charisma that draws the audience in.
Legacy: His lineage as a Steiner gives him instant credibility with wrestling fans. He can tap into the legacy of his father and uncle to connect with the audience.
Untapped Potential (on the Main Roster): Similar to Reed, Breakker's main roster journey is just beginning. A feud with Reigns would be a massive opportunity to establish himself as a top star.
Wrestling Prowess: Breakker’s wrestling skills are impressive for someone relatively new to the business. He picks things up quickly and is constantly improving.

Weaknesses of Bron Breakker as a Challenger:

Experience: Breakker is still relatively new to the wrestling business. He lacks the experience of someone like Roman Reigns.
Character Development (beyond intensity): While his intensity is captivating, Breakker needs to develop a more nuanced character beyond just being an aggressive powerhouse.
Mic Skills (developing): Breakker's mic skills are still developing. He needs to refine his delivery and learn to cut more compelling promos.
The Bloodline Factor: Like any challenger, Breakker would have to contend with The Bloodline's interference.
Over-Reliance on Power Moves: While his power moves are impressive, Breakker needs to diversify his offense to keep Reigns guessing.

Bron Breakker vs. Roman Reigns: A Potential Match Scenario

The build-up could focus on Breakker's raw potential and his desire to prove himself against the established champion. Promos could highlight the contrast between Reigns' calculated dominance and Breakker's youthful exuberance. The match itself would be a clash of styles, with Reigns trying to exploit Breakker's inexperience and Breakker trying to overwhelm Reigns with his power and intensity.

A possible scenario involves Breakker showcasing his resilience and refusing to back down, even in the face of The Bloodline's interference. Picture a moment where Jimmy and Jey Uso try to double-team Breakker, but he fights them off with a series of suplexes and clotheslines. However, Reigns would ultimately capitalize on Breakker's mistakes, using his experience and cunning to secure the victory. While a win for Breakker at this stage might be premature, a strong showing against Reigns would solidify him as a future main event player. The match could end with a controversial decision or a near-fall that leaves the audience wanting more, setting the stage for a future rematch.

WWE Shop Implications: The Merchandise Factor

The choice of Roman Reigns' next challenger has significant implications for WWE Shop and merchandise sales. A successful feud can elevate a challenger's popularity, leading to a surge in merchandise sales, while a lackluster feud can have the opposite effect. Let's examine the potential impact of Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker on WWE Shop.

Bronson Reed Merchandise Potential:

T-Shirts: A well-designed Bronson Reed t-shirt featuring his signature pose or catchphrase could be a strong seller.
Action Figures: A Bronson Reed action figure would appeal to collectors and fans of larger-than-life characters.
Autographed Memorabilia: Autographed photos and other memorabilia could attract collectors willing to pay a premium.
Limited Edition Items: Exclusive, limited-edition items, such as signed prints or commemorative coins, could generate buzz and drive sales.

WWE Shop Impact if Reed Wins: If Reed were to dethrone Reigns, the impact on WWE Shop would be significant. His merchandise sales would likely skyrocket as fans celebrate his victory. WWE would need to quickly capitalize on his momentum by releasing new merchandise and promoting it heavily.

Bron Breakker Merchandise Potential:

T-Shirts: A Bron Breakker t-shirt featuring his Steiner-inspired logo or catchphrase would be a popular choice.
Hoodies: A Bron Breakker hoodie would appeal to fans looking for comfortable and stylish apparel.
Action Figures: A Bron Breakker action figure would be a must-have for collectors and fans of his intense style.
Steiner Brothers Throwback Merchandise: Capitalizing on his legacy, WWE could release throwback Steiner Brothers merchandise featuring Bron Breakker alongside his father and uncle.

WWE Shop Impact if Breakker Wins: If Breakker were to defeat Reigns, the impact on WWE Shop would be immense. His merchandise sales would likely explode as fans embrace the new champion. WWE would need to aggressively market his merchandise and position him as the face of the company.

Analyzing the Potential: Which Challenger is More Likely?

Objectively assessing the likelihood of either Bronson Reed or Bron Breakker dethroning Roman Reigns involves considering several factors, including their current booking, their perceived potential by WWE management, and the overall storyline direction. While both possess the talent and potential to challenge Reigns, their paths to the Universal Championship differ significantly.

Bronson Reed: An Uphill Battle?

Currently, Bronson Reed faces an uphill battle. While he has impressed in his matches, he hasn't been consistently presented as a top-tier threat. His booking has been somewhat inconsistent, and he hasn't had the opportunity to develop a compelling character or storyline. This makes it less likely that he will be chosen to dethrone Reigns in the near future. However, a strong showing in upcoming matches and a renewed focus on his character could change this perception.

Bron Breakker: The Golden Child?

Bron Breakker, on the other hand, appears to be on a more favorable trajectory. His rapid ascent in NXT and his immediate integration into significant storylines on the main roster suggest that WWE management sees him as a future star. His lineage, athleticism, and undeniable charisma make him a compelling candidate to challenge Reigns. While he still needs to refine his skills and develop his character, his potential is undeniable. Therefore, Breakker is arguably the more likely of the two to eventually challenge, and potentially dethrone, Roman Reigns.

The X-Factor: The Bloodline's Future

The future of The Bloodline plays a crucial role in determining Roman Reigns' next challenger. The internal conflicts within the group, particularly the tension between Reigns, Jimmy Uso, Jey Uso, and Solo Sikoa, could lead to a major storyline shift. A potential split within The Bloodline could create opportunities for new challengers to emerge, or it could weaken Reigns' position, making him more vulnerable. Any challenger will need to navigate the treacherous waters of the Bloodline storyline to reach Reigns.

Conclusion: The Reign Must End Eventually

Roman Reigns' Universal Championship reign is destined to end eventually. Whether it's Bronson Reed, Bron Breakker, or another superstar who ultimately dethrones him remains to be seen. Both Reed and Breakker possess the potential to be credible challengers, but they need to overcome their weaknesses and capitalize on their strengths. The choice of the next challenger will have significant implications for WWE Shop and merchandise sales, as well as the overall landscape of WWE. The company has to capitalize on the moment with any potential challenger. The next chapter in Roman Reigns' saga promises to be filled with intrigue, drama, and intense competition, and it will be fascinating to watch as the story unfolds. Only time will tell who will be the one to finally break The Tribal Chief's iron grip on the Universal Championship. The key is to create a challenger that the fans believe can actually beat Roman Reigns, and is supported by booking and a convincing storyline.