Roman Reigns is the undisputed ruler of both WWE Raw and Smackdown brand since April 3rd. He won the Winner Takes All Championship Unification Match against Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 38 to be the first holder of the WWE and Universal Championships. He then also ordered his cousins, The Usos to bring together the Raw and SmackDown Tag Team Championships. This obviously indicated a possible merger.
Many fans are under the impression that this will eventually bring an end to the brand split where there won’t be any separate rosters for WWE Raw and Smackdown. However, it seems that WWE is not planning on ending the brand split, as of this writing, according to the latest Wrestling Observer Daily update. This is despite the fact that two titles are getting merged.
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There have been some obvious rumors since WrestleMania 38 season about WWE doing the merger. The moment that Brock Lesnar won the WWE Title at Elimination Chamber 2022 and the title unification match was confirmed, the brand split was obviously expected. But it seems that they are not gearing up to put back WWE Raw and Smackdown rosters, together.
Roman Reigns Unlikely To Drop Undisputed WWE Universal Title Until 2023
The report has also noted that Vince McMahon could change his mind, but the creative direction doesn’t call for a brand split,
“Roman Reigns is scheduled to headline WrestleMania Backlash even though they don’t seem to have started a program for him. Also, regarding rumors of brand mergers because of the singles title merger and the tag title merger, right now they are not merging rosters. Of course Vince could decide something different five minutes from now but as of right now nobody has heard anything discussed in that direction.”
Issues regarding WWE Raw/Smackdown brands need to be sorted out
With only one champion across WWE Raw and Smackdown, plans are likely to be on the line to deal with the unbalanced roster. Specifically, the USA Network shouldn’t be happy about the top champion getting billed from FOX. The issue will have to be addressed but for the time being, the brand split will continue.
WrestleMania Backlash 2022 is the next stop for WWE Raw and Smackdown where Roman Reigns will be the headliner. He attacked Shinsuke Nakamura on the post-WrestleMania 38 episode of SmackDown that may lead to a bout. He will also be defending his titles against Drew McIntyre on WWE’s UK Tour.
The WrestleMania Backlash Premium Live Event is scheduled for Sunday, May 8 from the Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, Rhode Island. Below is the updated announced card,
Winners Take All Title Unification Match for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Titles
WWE SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos vs. WWE RAW Tag Team Champions RK-Bro
I Quit Match for the SmackDown Women’s Title
Ronda Rousey vs. Charlotte Flair (c)
Cody Rhodes vs. Seth Rollins
AJ Styles vs. Edge