With TLC around the corner, WWE is slowly building-up matches for the final pay-per-view of the year. Roman Reigns, the current Universal Champion, is expected to put the Universal Title on the line at TLC, and his next challenger is expected to be Kevin Owens.
RELATED: Every TLC Match At A TLC PPV, Ranked From Worst To Best
Kevin Owens had a face-off with The Tribal Chief on the blue brand last week, and he also sent a message to Roman Reigns at the end of the episode, hinting at a new rivalry. Is Kevin Owens the one to stop the indomitable Tribal Chief of WWE? Are there better options for who could go toe-to-toe with the reigning Universal Champion? Let's find out.
10 Kevin Owens Should Challenge: Babyface Vs Heel Feud
Kevin Owens is currently a babyface, and he has been a good guy for a lengthy period. On the other hand, Roman Reigns is a heel for the first time in his singles career.
WWE prefers to book a feud between a bad guy and a good guy, and it makes sense for them to start a rivalry. By going after the Universal Championship as a babyface, Owens can raise his stature as a fan favorite, considering he has been primarily a mid-carder since turning face.
9 Better Alternative: Dominik Mysterio
It might be a little early to put a youngster like Dominik Mysterio in the main event scene, but WWE already sees him as a future star. After a great feud with Roman Reigns' former Shield brother, Seth Rollins, the young Mysterio should continue to ascend the ladder, and there is no better option than challenging the Universal Championship.
While Dominik would have been a filler feud for Reigns, he would have benefitted immensely, and the fans would have taken him more seriously after going head-to-head with the biggest name of the current generation.
8 Kevin Owens Should Challenge: A Former Universal Champion
Kevin Owens might be struggling for the past couple of years, but he was the Universal Champion at one point in his career. KO won the Universal Title in August 2016 and had an impressive reign of 188 days. Owens never even received a rematch after losing the belt to Goldberg in 2017.
RELATED: Ranking All 9 TLC Main Events Of The Decade
Being a former holder of the Universal Championship, Owens would be a legit challenger. Furthermore, a title rematch is still due.
7 Better Alternative: Big E
Big E is a fan favorite and rising star from the blue brand, and his recent split from New Day has raised the possibility of a singles push. The New Day member has a superior physique, in-ring skill, and charisma to be a top singles Superstar.
Given Big E's strength in the ring, he is capable of giving Reigns a run for the money. Big E's inclusion in the Universal Championship picture would have made many fans happy, and it could have been a long and entertaining rivalry.
6 Kevin Owens Should Challenge: His History With Roman Reigns
Kevin Owens had a rivalry with Roman Reigns in the past, and they wrestled a few times. However, the roles were reversed back then, as Owens was a hated heel and Reigns was considered to be a babyface.
Reigns challenged then Universal Champion Owens at 2016 Roadblock, which the latter won by disqualification. Reigns, who was the US Champion, successfully defended the title against Owens on the final RAW of 2016. They also battled at the 2017 Royal Rumble, with Chris Jericho hanging above the ring in a shark cage. Besides this feud, they also crossed paths a couple of times afterward.
5 Better Alternative: Lars Sullivan
Lars Sullivan has made a notable impact since making his main roster debut, even though he hasn't been featured on TV regularly for various reasons. The Freak hasn't had any major feud on the main roster yet, but he has dismantled some gigantic names of WWE.
Sullivan can meet his match if sets his eyes on Roman Reigns. After getting featured in the Universal Championship picture in the very first main roster feud, he could potentially become a new star.
4 Kevin Owens Should Challenge: Can Deliver An Incredible Match
While Roman Reigns has been on a roll with his new gimmick, Kevin Owens is a seasoned performer. The former Universal Champion has given many awe-inspiring matches, including with Roman Reigns.
RELATED: 10 Craziest Uses Of A Ladder In WWE History
Since Owens is likely to fight Reigns at TLC, the two Superstars could lock horns in a TLC match. If they use tables, ladders, or chairs, it is guaranteed to be a brutal encounter.
3 Better Alternative: Jimmy Uso
Jey Uso might have surrendered to The Tribal Chief of his family Roman Reigns, but Jimmy Uso, who has been out of action for months, is yet to do the same. He, however, has played a crucial part in this storyline, appearing sporadically to save his twin brother.
Jimmy Uso came out to rescue Jey in the 'I Quit' match at Hell in a Cell, where Jimmy was put in Guillotine submission by Roman Reigns. The storyline could have a perfect end if Jimmy Uso returns and challenges Reigns to a Universal Championship match at TLC.
2 Kevin Owens Should Challenge: KO Deserves To Be A Top Guy
Whether as a heel or face, Kevin Owens is always impressive. He is an amazing in-ring performer, and he is also one of the best talkers in WWE today.
Knowing his talent, Owens should be a top guy, and he deserves to be in the main event. Pushing him in the Universal Championship picture would allow him to slowly reach the top of the ladder on the blue brand.
1 Better Alternative: Daniel Bryan
Despite being two of the biggest names of the current generation, Daniel Bryan and Roman Reigns never had a steady singles rivalry because they were both babyfaces for the majority of their respective careers. Just when they teased a feud last year, Bryan turned babyface to spoil the party.
Now, Bryan is a face, and Reigns is a heel, making it an ideal scenario to book the dream feud. Nevertheless, the current storyline suggests that Bryan is going after the Intercontinental Champion, Sami Zayn, and feuding with Reigns' cousin, Jey Uso.
