Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns could only wrestle four times this year, according to reports.
Reigns is the face of the company, holding a major title for over three years having won the Universal Championship in August 2020, before unifying it with the WWE title in 2022 at WrestleMania.
Despite his status in the company and popularity with fans, Reigns reportedly put pen to paper on a contract that requires fewer working dates, with the 38-year-old often disappearing from television for a number of weeks.
He is expected to defend his title at WrestleMania in April, with his opponent undecided, though either Cody Rhodes or The Rock are expected to challenge the champion.
According to Wrestling Observer Radio, however, that night could take up one quarter of Reigns’ in-ring action this year, with it reported he could only wrestle four matches this year.
Fans had speculated whether Reigns would face off against The Rock at Elimination Chamber after both his potential opponent and on-screen advocate Paul Heyman had referenced a potential bout.
The Chamber even will take place in Perth, Australia on February 24, and many had signposted that as a potential stage for the match given The Rock’s return on RAW on January 1.
It is, however, reported that Reigns will not be wrestling at the Chamber.
His next match is scheduled for the Royal Rumble later this month, when he will defend his title against Randy Orton, LA Knight and AJ Styles.
Wrestling Observer Radio repot that while Reigns could wrestle in a limited edition TV match, it’s likely that his other two matches will be at SummerSlam and on the traditional Saudi Arabia show.
CM Punk, meanwhile, has been announced for the Elimination Chamber event next month.
The former WWE Champion made a shock return to the company late last year after being sacked by AEW.
A report from Fox Sports revealed the 45-year-old will likely wrestle his first match down under in more than a decade in the final main roster premium live event before WrestleMania 40.
Punk’s last matches staged in Australia came back in September 2012 prior to his in initial departure from the company, when he defeated Daniel Bryan in successive house shows to defend his WWE title.
