According to reports, Roman Reigns, the reigning face of the company and holder of a major title for over three years, is expected to wrestle only four times in the current year. Despite his popularity and status within the company, Reigns has reportedly signed a contract that allows him to have fewer working dates, often resulting in his absence from television for several weeks at a time.
Reigns is set to defend his title at WrestleMania with his opponent yet to be determined, though Cody Rhodes or The Rock are speculated to challenge him for the championship. However, Wrestling Observer Radio suggests that this event could account for one-quarter of Reigns’ in-ring appearances for the year, indicating that he may wrestle only four matches on WWE television.
The Elimination Chamber premium live event in Perth, Australia, scheduled for late February, will reportedly not feature Reigns, despite fans speculating that he might face The Rock, who made a return to RAW earlier this year. Reigns’ upcoming match is scheduled for the Royal Rumble later this month, where he will defend his title against Randy Orton, LA Knight, and AJ Styles.
While Reigns may have limited television matches, it is likely that he will participate in a televised limited-edition match, with his other two matches slated for SummerSlam and the traditional Saudi Arabia show. Meanwhile, CM Punk has been confirmed to appear at the Elimination Chamber event next month, marking his return to the company after being released by AEW.
The Fox Sports report suggests that Punk’s first match in over a decade in Australia will likely take place at the final main roster premium live event before WrestleMania 40. Punk’s previous matches in Australia occurred in September 2012 when he defended his WWE title against Daniel Bryan in successive house shows prior to his initial departure from the company.