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PITTSBURGH — Roman Reigns claims that he runs Raw, and the line for the Universal Title forms behind him. Given that Universal Champion Brock Lesnar received an ultimatum from Kurt Angle to either appear on Raw, come to an agreement on when he would next defend his championship or be stripped of the title, the title picture may not be so cut and dry. But Reigns’ status as top dog might not be as ironclad as he thinks, as Bobby Lashley defeated the Grand Slam Champion in a battle of bragging rights and, depending on whom you ask, potential consideration for a title match against The Beast.
Fittingly, the match was a war of attrition between the two heavyweights, who largely avoided a technical grappler showcase in favor of dueling displays of speed and power. An early advantage from Reigns forced Lashley to fight from underneath, and while the former ECW Champion didn’t turn the tables instantly, his targeted attack on The Big Dog’s ribs took Reigns apart bit by bit, softening him up for high-risk maneuvers like an axe handle off the top rope.
Down the stretch, it became clear that the match would come down to who would land their Spear first, and it seemed Reigns had the maneuver teed up after knocking Lashley off the top rope with a thunderous Superman Punch. But Reigns took a little too long to admire his handiwork, and Lashley dropped The Big Dog like a rock as he ricocheted off the ropes, intercepting Reigns’ Spear attempt with one of his own to earn the three-count. Reigns may still be the uncrowned Universal Champion, but the line for the throne is getting crowded.