Roman Reigns vs. Penta: No Rematch Yet, WWE Plans Future Showdowns

Roman Reigns defended his WWE World Heavyweight Championship against Penta, with WWE officials praising the Mexican wrestler but shelving a rematch for now. Meanwhile, Ilja Dragunov has signed with AEW and is set to debut soon, while Kelani Jordan is being positioned for a main‑roster call‑up after…

By Felo News Desk · Published Fri, 18 Sep 2026 22:48:22 GMT

On Monday night, Roman Reigns successfully defended the WWE World Heavyweight Championship against Mexico‑born Penta, a match that left many fans eager for a rematch. However, WWE officials have indicated that a second encounter is not scheduled at this time, though they remain open to revisiting the storyline for a future pay‑per‑view, potentially even a WrestleMania main event.

Reigns Holds the Title, Penta Earns Respect

During the Raw broadcast from Mexico City, Reigns retained the belt in a hard‑fought contest that showcased his signature power and resilience. WWE’s reaction to Penta’s performance was overwhelmingly positive. Sources close to the company noted that Penta has “deserved the opportunity to remain towards the top of the card” and has “established himself as a legitimate main‑event player.” These comments came from a WrestleVotes Radio interview on Fightful Select, highlighting the growing respect for the luchador within WWE’s creative ranks.

Despite the praise, WWE’s decision to keep the title on Reigns was driven by strategic booking. According to Mike Johnson of PWInsider, WWE is preparing a Reigns versus Oba Femi title match for WrestleMania, and maintaining Reigns’ championship status is essential to keep the storyline strong. This move also preserves Reigns’ record of being the most protected superstar in the company, with his only pinfall or submission losses occurring in high‑profile matches against Cody Rhodes, Seth Rollins, and Bronson Reed.

Penta’s Path Forward in WWE

Since joining WWE in 2025, Penta has been positioned primarily as a mid‑card talent, with his biggest televised victories coming against Dominik Mysterio and Finn Bálor. The recent match against Reigns, however, has elevated his status, signaling that WWE may consider placing him in more prominent storylines in the future. While a rematch is off the table for now, the door remains open for a future showdown that could headline a major event such as Pay‑Per‑View or WrestleMania.

Ilja Dragunov’s AEW Debut Looms

In a separate development, AEW has finalized a contract with Ilja Dragunov, the former WWE superstar who became a free agent last month. According to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dragunov has signed and is expected to debut “very soon.” The announcement follows a series of subtle hints from AEW, including a post on X by Kyle Fletcher and comments from AEW president Tony Khan praising Dragunov’s athleticism and high‑level competition.

Dragunov’s arrival is poised to add depth to AEW’s already talent‑rich roster. With the next major event, All Out, scheduled for September 26 in Chicago, Dragunov’s debut could coincide with or follow the event, offering fans a fresh face in the promotion’s lineup. The timing also places AEW in direct competition with WWE’s Worlds Collide show, potentially drawing attention from fans of both companies.

Kelani Jordan Set for Main‑Roster Call‑Up

Kelani Jordan, who captured the NXT Women’s Championship on August 30, is already being considered for a main‑roster promotion. WWE incorporated her into the Money in the Bank qualifying match on Raw, introducing her to a broader audience. After her title reign concludes, plans are reportedly in place to elevate Jordan to either Raw or SmackDown, where the women’s division has expanded with new talent such as Lola Vice, Blake Monroe, and Jacy Jayne.

Jordan’s inclusion in the 2026 Royal Rumble and her previous NXT North American Championship win demonstrate WWE’s confidence in her abilities. A main‑roster debut would not only reward her achievements but also strengthen WWE’s women’s roster depth.

What’s Next for the WWE and AEW Landscape?

While WWE continues to build Reigns’ legacy and explore future matchups with Penta and Oba Femi, AEW’s acquisition of Dragunov signals a strategic move to diversify its in‑ring talent. Fans can anticipate a dynamic shift in both promotions as these developments unfold. The wrestling world remains on the edge of new rivalries and storylines that could reshape the industry’s competitive landscape.

Key facts

Reigns retained title vs. Penta, no rematch yet
WWE praises Penta’s performance, may revisit storyline
Dragunov signs with AEW, debut soon
Jordan’s NXT reign leads to main‑roster call‑up
AEW’s roster expansion with Dragunov’s addition

Why it matters

The outcomes of these storylines influence the trajectory of top wrestling promotions, affecting fan engagement, event attendance, and the future of key performers.