WWE Must Save Roman Reigns-Seth Rollins-Dean Ambrose Feud for WrestleMania

The brewing Triple Threat match between Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose is too huge and too singular for any stage smaller than WWE WrestleMania.

A collision between the men who once made up The Shield is a money match in the making—and an inevitability—but there is no need to rush it. A work of theater so rich with history and electricity needs a fitting stage.

It's a bout that is in the making. WWE overtly planted seeds for Reigns vs. Rollins vs. Ambrose on Monday's Raw in New Orleans.

To hype Reigns defending the WWE World Heavyweight Championship against Rollins at Sunday's Money in the Bank pay-per-view, the two foes stood across from each other in the ring on Raw. Ambrose, the third member of their successful crew, hosted them, playing the part of interviewer.

Before this reunion of The Shield even happened, WWE aired several clips looking back at the faction's career highlights. 

The Hounds of Justice's debut in 2012, their brawl with The Authority and eventual implosion in 2014 popped up on Raw, stirring up memories in the process.

It was a reminder of just how well WWE crafted the story of The Shield. The wrecking crew compelled from its first appearance on. The chemistry between the three allies allowed them to connect with the crowd in a powerful way.

It's no surprise, then, how much the audience wants this narrative to continue in some fashion. That was made clear when the fans in New Orleans chanted "This is awesome!" as Reigns, Rollins and Ambrose eyed each other in the ring:

During the segment, WWE built toward Rollins vs. Reigns while also hinting at a future three-way clash. 

Ambrose was not just the mediator and host here; he was also an antagonist. He bickered with Rollins, still seething about The Architect's betrayal two years ago. And the scene eventually turned chaotic, a situation Ambrose took advantage of.

The Lunatic Fringe drove Reigns' head into the mat with Dirty Deeds.

Those two are supposed to be fellow babyfaces, brothers in arms. Tension between them, though, has always bubbled under the surface. 

After Sunday's PPV, Ambrose could have the means to exploit that tension and make room for himself in the Rollins vs. Reigns feud. PWMania writer Jason Solomon laid out the scenario that could be on its way:

The matchup would be tremendous. The path there is obvious. 

Reigns vs. Rollins vs. Ambrose would be the culmination of one of WWE's best-told stories. The Triple Threat bout could be the defining contest in the company's transition to the New Era. 

We have seen Reigns battle Rollins and Ambrose war with The Architect, and the rivals have met in the Royal Rumble and a Fatal 4-Way match, but we have never seen all three of them lock horns on a battlefield all their own.  

That has many wondering aloud whether WWE should save it for its biggest show of the year, including Sean Ross Sapp of Wrestling Inc.: 

Even as big as SummerSlam is, WrestleMania trumps it. The Showcase of the Immortals is where WWE goes all out, bringing in celebrities, welcoming part-time Superstars and doing everything it can to have the spectacular top the previous year's event. 

The advantage of waiting is that not only would Reigns vs. Rollins vs. Ambrose be given all the additional hype that comes with The Grandest Stage of Them All, but WWE would also be able to create a surplus of anticipation.

There are only nine weeks between Money in the Bank and SummerSlam. WrestleMania 33, meanwhile, is still 10 months away. Having Ambrose win the Money in the Bank briefcase on Sunday and then steal the WWE title from Reigns afterward would give WWE ample space to sell this match as a monumental meeting.

Credit: WWE.com

Some of WrestleMania's most massive meetings had the advantage of a slow-burn build.

The road to Shawn Michaels vs. Undertaker at WrestleMania XXVI first began at the previous edition of the event, when The Deadman fended off Michaels in a classic bout. The Heartbreak Kid never got over that loss, and his frustration lingered for months. 

He challenged Undertaker to a rematch at the 2009 Slammy Awards in December. Undertaker refused; Michaels grew obsessed. 

And so one of the more compelling stories unfolded.

That patient setup elevated the match. It added suspense beforehand and made the bout feel even more special than it already was.

WWE went a similar route for Randy Savage vs. Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania V and The Rock vs. John Cena at WrestleMania XXVIII. 

Each time out, the company built on past history—and did it slowly—until the audience could not wait to see the climax. The Triple Threat showdown between The Shield deserves that same treatment. 

This is a meeting of three of WWE's top stars—three men likely to be the pillars of the company moving forward. It's a bout that could easily join Savage vs. Hogan and Michaels vs. Undertaker as one of the biggest matches dotting the WWE timeline.

SummerSlam can find another main event. Only WrestleMania can house Reigns vs. Rollins vs. Ambrose properly.