The Big Picture
The WWE title picture is in absolute chaos following a wild Night of Champions event on June 27. Sami Zayn is now the Undisputed WWE Champion, while Seth Rollins has cleared his path to challenge Roman Reigns for the World Heavyweight Title at SummerSlam this August. A backstage report confirms that creative plans have shifted dramatically, setting the stage for a massive summer of championship clashes.
Backstage Shuffling and the Road to SummerSlam
A backstage report from Dave Meltzer confirms a dramatic pivot for SummerSlam's World Heavyweight Championship booking. Meltzer noted that Rollins was always the planned backup once other options fell through.
"Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins has been planned for a long time for that show ... cause originally it was going to be Roman Reigns and GUNTHER," Meltzer explained.
This shift focuses on the deep-rooted history between the former Shield brothers rather than a fresh champion-versus-champion clash. Rollins' cage match victory over Bron Breakker cleared the final hurdle to lock in this historical clash.
Rank 10: Oba Femi Teasing Roman Reigns
Earlier this year, Oba Femi challenged Roman Reigns, teasing a champion-versus-champion collision. Femi's promo was a massive statement of intent from a rising rookie looking to make a name. The match did not materialize, but it established Femi's main event ambition to stand at the top of the roster. This segment proved his confidence, even if creative plans shifted him toward other storylines. The exchange showed that WWE is high on Femi's potential.
This ranks last because it was a tease that went nowhere. Creative abandoned the program immediately, making it a footnote in Femi's rise.
Rank 9: Reigns Defeats Fatu at Backlash
Roman Reigns defended his World Heavyweight Title against Jacob Fatu at Backlash in a physical brawl. Fatu pushed the champion to his absolute limits, countering Reigns' signature spear with raw power. Reigns ultimately secured the pinfall, marking his first successful title defense after winning it from CM Punk. The victory solidified Reigns' grip on the gold, proving he could handle dangerous new challengers. Fatu proved he belongs in the main event picture despite the loss.
This ranks above Femi's tease because it was a physical title defense. It stays low due to its highly predictable outcome.
Rank 8: Reigns Beats Fatu Again at Clash in Italy
At Clash in Italy, Roman Reigns defeated Jacob Fatu in a brutal title rematch. The encounter featured multiple table spots and heavy interference throughout the match. Reigns hit two spears to secure the pinfall and retain the World Heavyweight Title. This marked the second successful defense of his current championship run. The match highlighted Fatu's resilience but ultimately showed Reigns' superiority.
This ranks higher than Backlash due to the elevated intensity of the rematch. However, booking the same match twice in a row felt lazy.
Rank 7: Rollins Beats Reigns by DQ at Royal Rumble 2022
Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins last fought at Royal Rumble 2022 for the Universal Championship. Rollins entered using the Shield theme, gaining a massive mental edge before the bell. Although Rollins won the match, the title did not change hands because of a disqualification finish. This controversial ending left fans frustrated but cemented Rollins as Reigns' ultimate challenger. The finish protected both men but left a bitter taste in the mouth of the audience.
This historic clash ranks here because it remains the foundation of their current feud. It cannot rank higher due to the unsatisfying DQ finish.
Rank 6: Oba Femi Battles Brock Lesnar in Italy
Oba Femi and Brock Lesnar collided in a monstrous rematch at Clash in Italy. The two powerhouses traded devastating suplexes in a physical battle that stunned the crowd. Lesnar won the match, but Femi proved he could hang with the veteran. The performance established Femi as a legitimate main event threat. It was a rare showcase of two physical giants going toe-to-toe.
This ranks above the Rumble disqualification because it was a clean, star-making performance. It sits behind the title matches due to Femi's loss.
Rank 5: Scrapping the Reigns vs. GUNTHER SummerSlam Match
WWE creative originally planned a champion-versus-champion match between Roman Reigns and GUNTHER for SummerSlam. The match would have pitted the dominant World Heavyweight Champion against the longest-reigning Intercontinental Champion. However, backstage plans shifted, and the booking team abandoned the dream matchup. This change disappointed fans but allowed Seth Rollins to step into the spotlight. The decision altered the entire direction of the red brand's summer.
This pivot ranks above the in-ring bouts because it altered the entire SummerSlam card. It sits below actual matches because it was a backstage decision.
Rank 4: Speculation of Brock Lesnar Challenging Sami Zayn
Rumors suggest Brock Lesnar will challenge Sami Zayn for the Undisputed WWE Title before SummerSlam. The backstage word indicates Lesnar could win the gold, setting up a third match with Oba Femi. Femi has consistently called out Lesnar in his promos since their last encounter. If Lesnar wins, it would radically alter the SummerSlam title matches. This potential championship shift has dominated online discussions.
This plan ranks high because of the potential fallout for multiple top stars. However, we must rank it below confirmed outcomes.
Rank 3: Oba Femi Defeats Jey Uso to Win King of the Ring
Oba Femi won the King of the Ring tournament at Night of Champions by defeating Jey Uso. Femi dominated the finals, using his power to neutralize Uso's quick offense. This victory officially crowned Femi, giving him a massive boost in the title picture. The young star now holds a major accolade, cementing his top-tier status. His coronation represents a new era of dominance in the midcard.
This victory ranks in the top three because it is a career-defining tournament win. It ranks below the world title matches due to lower stakes.
Rank 2: Seth Rollins Defeats Bron Breakker in Steel Cage Match
Seth Rollins survived a brutal steel cage match against Bron Breakker at Night of Champions. Rollins took immense punishment from Breakker, who slammed him repeatedly into the steel. Despite the beating, Rollins won, showcasing his veteran experience to secure the victory. The win cleared Rollins' final obstacle, setting up his rumored SummerSlam shot. It was a masterclass in selling and timing from both athletes.
This match ranks second because of the sheer physical toll and high work rate. It only ranks below the main event title change.
Rank 1: Sami Zayn Wins Undisputed WWE Title
Sami Zayn shocked the world at Night of Champions, securing a shocking triple threat victory over GUNTHER and Cody Rhodes. Zayn pinned the champions after delivering consecutive Helluva Kicks in the main event. The emotional victory ended GUNTHER's dominant run and made Zayn the new champion. This win completely reshuffled the main event scene ahead of the summer. It stands as one of the greatest underdog triumphs in WWE history.
This is the clear number one because it was a historic championship change. No other moment matched the emotional peak of Zayn's victory.
Honorable Mentions
Jacob Fatu's impressive showing against Roman Reigns at Backlash deserves recognition. Bron Breakker's aggressive performance in the steel cage also fell just short of the top ten list. Finally, GUNTHER's long championship reign remains a historic benchmark for the company.
