Jump directly to the content

WWE'S plans for the Universal Title have been thrown into chaos as they reportedly don't know when Roman Reigns will return to the company.

The Big Dog was due to challenge Goldberg for the belt at WrestleMania 36 but did not feel comfortable competing during the coronavirus outbreak after a brave battle with leukemia.


Follow our Wrestlemania 36 LIVE BLOG for all the latest reaction


 WWE star Roman Reigns was forced to pull out of WrestleMania 36 because of the coronavirus crisis
1
WWE star Roman Reigns was forced to pull out of WrestleMania 36 because of the coronavirus crisisCredit: WWE

Reigns was diagnosed with the blood cancer for a second time in 2018, but returned the following year after fighting back.

However, his immune system was lowered during treatment for the illness and the 34-year-old understandably took no chances in the behind closed doors Mania.

Reigns was likely set to be crowned Universal Champion over veteran Hall of Famer Goldberg before he was hastily replaced by Braun Strowman - who beat Goldberg to land the title.

According to Tom Colohue of Sportskeeda, WWE's plans are now in chaos as they are not sure when the four-time world champ will be coming back.

Reigns won't be able to return to the ring until the COVID-19 pandemic is placed under control in the United States but that could be in several months.

They don't know when(Roman Reigns) is going to be back. Everything they had written beforehand is on the scrap heap now.

Colohue revealed on the Dropkick DiSKussions podcast: "This is essentially going to be a complete rewrite of everything they had planned for Roman Reigns.

"The main reason being they don't know when he is going to be back. With everything happening and with the coronavirus looking like it's going to last for months, if not years, they cannot say with confidence, 'Okay, we'll write a storyline for August, because we don't know if he's going to be back. We'll write a storyline for November.

"They don't know when he is going to be back. Everything they had written beforehand is on the scrap heap now.

"They have to start from scratch, make something entirely new, that new storyline may lead to him to be the champion within three months over from whoever becomes champion next if anyone becomes champion next.

"It may be that we don't see Goldberg in the Universal championship for the next 8 months, but most likely, they write off Goldberg, get the championship on someone new and then the championship goes back into contention for anyone.

"Roman returns when Roman returns and then storyline start anew."

SunSport told two-weeks ago how Reigns was being monitored by doctors as the deadly coronavirus swarmed around the world.

The wrestling promotion have been taking high safety measures during the outbreak, including strict rules over travel and tests.

Topics