Why Was Roman Reigns Absent From Monday Night RAW; Here's What We Know

Roman Reigns, the Undisputed WWE and Universal Champion, was absent from the latest Monday Night RAW episode.

The Usos [Jey and Jimmy Uso] successfully defended their Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships against Matt Riddle and Kevin Owens in the episode. After the match, Owens chased off The Usos and Sami Zayn.

Then, Solo Sikoa decided to take charge, which saw him beat up Riddle. Eventually, Riddle had to be stretchered out of the building.

With his new contract shortening his WWE appearances, Reigns does not frequently appear on the RAW episodes these days.

The Tribal Chief was nowhere to be seen Monday because he was in Los Angeles with his special council Paul Heyman, according to Ringside News. Interestingly, Reigns' visit also coincided with The Rock's trip to Los Angeles' SoFi Stadium, where his wife Lauren Hashian sang the National Anthem before a football game.

There is no certainty about Reigns' next fight as yet. His new part-time schedule has seen him wrestle in just 10 matches on TV or premium live events this year.

Reigns and Rock's presence in the same city at the same time could fuel rumors about a potential WWE fight between the two cousins.

Earlier this year, Reigns defeated Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 38 in Texas and became the undisputed champion. A fight between Reigns and The Rock has been discussed for years. There are rumors that the two superstars could come face to face next year at WrestleMania 39, which will take place in Hollywood.

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The Rock may have to win the Royal Rumble to "earn" his unified WWE Universal title shot. But WWE has not made its final decision yet.

Meanwhile, it was earlier reported that Bobby Lashley could fight against Lesnar at the Royal Rumble next month or the company could save the match for the "The Show of the Shows" – WrestleMania in April 2023.

Royal Rumble 2023 is scheduled to take place on Jan. 28 at Alamodome Stadium, Texas.