Roman Reigns not advertised for WWE TV, live events this summer
Roman Reigns’ comments at a WWE house show this past weekend about entering “a new phase” of his career got the fans and industry speculating about what that might mean.
As it turned out, it meant the 36-year-old signed a new deal that calls for the undisputed Universal Champion to work less live events, according to Dave Meltzer.
That reduced schedule appears to be beginning next month.
Outside two pay-per-views, Reigns isn’t listed on either graphics or a talent listing via WWE.com for any of the summer schedule that was released last week: a near ten-week stretch that runs from late-June through nearly the end of August.
Meltzer discussed the developments on Monday’s Wrestling Observer Radio, saying Reigns is still scheduled for the two July pay-per-views during that time: Money in the Bank and SummerSlam.
Meltzer was unsure if Reigns is filming a movie or if there is a specific reason for his absence. It’s unclear if Reigns will remain undisputed champion or if WWE will have a title change either before this stretch or at a pay-per-view.
A look at arena websites for the summer schedule support Reigns’ summer break outside a Friday, July 8th SmackDown in Fort Worth, Texas, that he is still listed for. He remains on an outdated graphic for a Friday, July 15th SmackDown, but is not on the talent listed for that event.
As of now, Reigns is advertised on WWE.com for two September SmackDowns.
Since 2011, Josh has been a contributing editor to Wrestling Observer/F4WOnline.com and also hosts the Punch-Out podcast. He has also written for Fight Magazine, Bloody Elbow, Bleacher Report, and other websites. He's a 2000 graduate of the University of Maine, worked in pro sports, and once was an indie ring announcer.