WWE
WWE wrestlers Alberto Del Rio (L) and Roman Reigns participate during the WWE Survivor Series, a professional wrestling event at Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. REUTERS/Tami Chappell

Selecting Brock Lesnar as the WWE Raw Universal champion has been scrutinized, most dismayed at the fact that he hardly appears on a regular basis. Proof of that are the episodes so far since winning the title from Goldberg at Wrestlemania 33.

With Goldberg leaving, Brock Lesnar was the only choice the WWE had. Hence, the saga of the Universal title fails to serve its purpose, mainly because it has been sideswiped by storylines over actual wrestling action in the ring.

Right now, Roman Reigns is being groomed as the logical challenger. However, there lies a large obstacle by the name of Braun Strowman. While both came face-to-face at the WWE Raw episode following Wrestlemania 33, the “Monster Among Men” will have to dispose of Reigns first to prove he deserves a shot at the Universal title.

Braun Strowman’s wrath

So far, Strowman has been on a rampage and decimating whoever gets in his way. The brute strength was emphasized when he tipped an ambulance over, allegedly with Reigns inside. Both are set to cross paths again this Sunday at WWE Payback in what promises to be a brutal encounter.

Looking beyond that, Reigns should still be the favorite and the only way Strowman can get a title shot is if the “Big Dog” goes down to injury. Also, Strowman will have to dispose of other popular stars like Finn Balor, Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose to draw Paul Heyman and Brock Lesnar’s attention.

Two months to prepare

After WWE Payback, Braun Strowman will have two more months to try and get a Universal title shot. Brock Lesnar is booked for July 9 in the WWE Raw episode titled "Great Balls of Fire" according to Wrestling Inc.

The event happens at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas highlight Brock Lesnar and his Universal title. A title defense is reportedly happening though it wasn’t mentioned who he would be facing. Check out the video below for that show.

Right now, only two names come to mind – Reigns and Strowman. But all that could change in the following months, depending on the creative team. Anyone from among Balor, Rollins or even Ambrose could step up against the "Beast Incarnate" on that day.

The advantage of Roman Reigns and Braun Strowman above the rest is their size, meaning they have the ability to stand toe-to-toe with Lesnar. Reigns is a popular favorite but Strowman can use the preceding months to build on that. The show of brute strength is impressive but apparently lacking in spunk.

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