Published: 3 hours ago by SP3 | Last Updated: 3 hours ago by SP3
Born in Harlem, New York and now living in the Bronx, Sid Pullar III aka SP3 is a lifelong wrestling fan who has been covering the industry for over nine years as a podcaster and writer. His passion for the industry has been documented with over 3,000 videos on YouTube and 8,000 written pieces across multiple outlets, such as WrestleTalk, Sports Illustrated and more.@TruHeelSP3
WWE
On the September 14 episode of Monday Night Raw, Roman Reigns will defend the WWE World Heavyweight Championship against Penta.
While Penta has a chance to walk away champion in his home country, Reigns seems to be the favorite to win in Mexico City.
Coming out of Raw, there could be any number of potential contenders who will be next to challenge “The OTC.”
Here are seven potential Roman Reigns next WWE World Heavyweight Championship challengers after Penta.
7. LA Knight
Over the past few months, LA Knight has been the most vocal detractor to The Bloodline.
After reuniting post-WrestleMania 42, The Bloodline have had to deal with Knight at every turn.
In recent weeks, Knight has challenged Roman Reigns for the World Heavyweight Championship, but the champion has refused time and time again.
Coming out of the September 14 WWE Raw, it feels like Knight will be next up for Reigns sooner rather than later.
6. Solo Sikoa
Following WWE Clash In Italy 2026, Solo Sikoa found himself back in The Bloodline business.
After being offered a spot back in the group, Sikoa has fought back against his family.
Sikoa has since become one of the most popular stars in WWE today and a main enemy of Roman Reigns and company.
Looking to prove himself as better than his cousin, this should set the stage for Sikoa to once again challenge Reigns’ spot as “The OTC” by going after the World Heavyweight Championship.
5. Seth Rollins
At WWE SummerSlam 2026 Night Two, Roman Reigns defeated Seth Rollins to retain the World Heavyweight Championship.
Post match, Reigns offered the Shield fist pump to Rollins in a show of respect between the former stablemates.
While this match was billed as the final time they would meet, Rollins could return to WWE and want another crack at the title he never lost.
Rollins facing Reigns next would be intriguing to see if the dynamic has changed after SummerSlam.
4. Bronson Reed
Back at WWE Crown Jewel 2025, Bronson Reed defeated Roman Reigns in what was the biggest victory of his career.
Known as “The Tribal Theif,” Reed propelled himself to another level facing Reigns.
After six months on the shelf with a torn bicep, Reed recently returned to reunite with The Vision at WWE Sunday Night’s Main Event.
Now that he is back, Reed could be considered a top contender considering his past win over “The OTC.”
3. Bron Breakker
On the WWE Raw After WrestleMania 41, Bron Breakker attacked Roman Reigns to officially align himself with Seth Rollins and Paul Heyman to form The Vision.
Over the next few months, Breakker laid out Reigns on several different occasions.
Despite facing each other in tag team action, Reigns has never went one-on-one with Breakker as of yet.
Wanting to be known as “the future” of WWE, Breakker could achieve that by defeating Roman Reigns for the World Heavyweight Championship in the near future.
2. Oba Femi
At WWE Night of Champions 2026, Oba Femi defeated Jey Uso to win the King of the Ring tournament.
Thanks to this win, Femi was scheduled to get a shot at the world title of his choosing at WWE SummerSlam 2026.
However, Femi chose to forgo this title opportunity to face Brock Lesnar in a Hell In A Cell at the event.
Despite this title shot being seemingly dropped, it should be Oba Femi that will be next in line to challenge Roman Reigns for the World Heavyweight Championship following his title clash with Penta on the September 14 WWE Raw.
1. Royce Keys
After being taken out by Jacob Fatu weeks earlier, Royce Keys returned to WWE alongside the debuting OTM to attack LA Knight, Solo Sikoa and The Usos on the August 24 Monday Night Raw.
The former Powerhouse Hobbs has created the group now known as 946 alongside Lucien Price and Bronco Nima.
946 has been running roughshod over anyone in WWE since their arrival.
This could lay the foundation for Royce Keys’ biggest match of his career by challenging Roman Reigns for the World Heavyweight Championship in the coming weeks and months.
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