Next Opponent Is Key to Roman Reigns' Progression as Main Event Star

There is nothing more important to a Superstar's progression as a main event star than the fans' perception of the performer. That perception is built on the back of strong stories, stronger victories and high-profile matches against the biggest stars in the industry.

At SummerSlam, Roman Reigns defeated Randy Orton in a huge singles bout. He withstood an offensive onslaught by The Viper to mount a comeback, deliver the Spear and emerge from Los Angeles' Staples Center victorious.

The win was the latest in a string of huge victories for the second-generation star as he ascends to the top of the industry.

But in a post-summertime-spectacular WWE, fans are left with a multitude of questions surrounding his next course of action.

Does he meet Orton in a rematch at Night of Champions or direct his attention elsewhere? Perhaps Seth Rollins? How about Kane? Regardless, the answer will be absolutely key to determining Reigns' continued development as a top-flight competitor in World Wrestling Entertainment.

The continuation of his feud with Orton would keep Reigns in the main event scene while also ensuring another very good match on September 21. The performers demonstrated solid chemistry with each other at SummerSlam, and a second chance to the steal the show awaits them at Night of Champions.

A match with Rollins would be infinitely more interesting and fresh, but at the same time, would be considered a step down for Reigns.

Sure, Mr. Money in the Bank has been white-hot of late thanks to strong booking during his feud with Dean Ambrose, but he is nowhere near a star of Orton's level.

Thus, Reigns partaking in a substantial feud with Rollins would be a step down in terms of competition. At a time when every single step of Reigns' push to the top of the business must be meticulously planned in order to prevent a step back and any detrimental booking, it may not be in his—or WWE Creative's—best interest to go there.

That leaves Kane who, himself, is an interesting case.

His longevity and the connection he has with fans have ensured that he has remained a high-profile star for as long as he has.

At the same time, his booking over the last two years has been so bad—and apathy for his Corporate Kane character has risen to such heights—that it is difficult for anyone to take him seriously as a threat to someone as dominant as Reign has been over the last six months.

Booking indicates that these are the three options available to Reigns heading into the company's annual September pay-per-view event.

There are both positives and negatives that exist with all three, with some far outweighing the others.

Credit: WWE.com

With nothing of any real importance for Orton to do elsewhere, The Viper appears to be the best opponent for Reigns at this point. A special stipulation for their match would enhance its importance while also serving to mask Reigns' deficiencies in what would surely be a lengthier bout.

Every breath Reigns takes, every move he makes, fans will be watching him. Yes, that was a Police reference. No, I am not ashamed, mostly because it is true.

The Superstar with the unnaturally wet hair, the one the ladies swoon over, is the next face of professional wrestling in the United States.

A booking misstep would slow his progression, which is something WWE could not stand right now given the injury history of franchise player John Cena and the lack of legitimate stars behind him on the depth chart.