It was two weeks ago when Roman Reigns suffered a brutal attack from Braun Strowman on Raw. He was carried out of stretcher from the arena in a mobile ambulance after Strowman destroyed the original ambulance. He is absent from WWE TV since then.
Now, WWE has given updates on him stating that he has suffered a cracked rib and separated shoulder. But, he will be available to feature in the final match against Strowman at Payback. This one might be the culmination of their feud that is ongoing over three months.
Now, there’s no legitimacy of Reigns’ injury and it is being shown from a kayfabe perspective. There’s a reason why WWE is portraying an injured Reigns will take on against the mountain among men at this Sunday’s event.
As per reports from Wrestling Observer Newsletter, WWE has reserved Braun Strowman as Brock Lesnar’s next opponent at the next Raw-exclusive PPV, Extreme Rules. Before that, he needs to pick up major momentum by winning this bout against The Big Dog of the WWE.
He can boast about the fact that he won against the man who retired the Undertaker at Wrestlemania 33.
But, on the other hand, WWE sure does not want to ruin the momentum that Reigns received after getting his biggest victory at Wrestlemania. Hence, it will be portrayed that Roman Reigns has come back from injury, prematurely leading to this defeat. This is what the source stated about this match at Payback:
“So [Braun Strowman vs. Roman Reigns] is the main event. The idea is that Reigns comes back quick, so he’s got his excuse when he loses, and then he loses, then Strowman gets Lesnar.”
It might turn out to be a yelling situation for the fans that WWE might make another match between Reigns and Strowman. This is keeping in mind that Reigns should not be looked weaker by any means. A match against Brock Lesnar is reserved for him at next year’s Mania.
Hence, Reigns vs. Strowman with an added stipulation might be the main event of this year’s Summerslam.