Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins: WWE Money in the Bank 2016 Preview and Pick

Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins are finally set to collide in a main event of epic proportions.

Sunday marks WWE Money in the Bank, where Reigns puts his WWE world heavyweight title on the line against Rollins. Both men have shown their dominance when the richest prize in WWE is on the line.

Reigns conquered Triple H at WrestleMania 32 and went on to stop AJ Styles’ bid to take his title from him on two separate occasions. Reigns defended his championship at Payback and Extreme Rules to arrive at this point.

Rollins is the champion who never lost. He pinned Reigns at WrestleMania 31 to win the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. He had a stranglehold on the belt for nearly seven months. Dean Ambrose, Randy Orton, Reigns, John Cena, Sting and Kane all failed to dethrone Rollins. He would’ve faced Reigns at last year’s Survivor Series had it not been for a torn ACL, MCL and meniscus.

Now the stage is set. The opportunity has arrived for Rollins to become champion again, while Reigns seeks to claim his version of justice against his former friend. With that being said, let’s break down this world heavyweight title bout between Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins.

Firstly, history will play a big part in this match. Rollins and Reigns journeyed and owned WWE as two of The Shield’s three members. They were tag team champions while serving as part of The Hounds of Justice.

They each know the other’s moves, strategies and abilities. Expect several counters from both men as they try to gain the advantage.

Second, styles make fights; this one is no different. Reigns plays the power game and is explosive on the mat. He hits his Spear with ferocity—a move with which he has put away many WWE Superstars.

Reigns is also quick and agile on his feet, and at any given moment, he can hit a Superman Punch.

Granted, Reigns cannot outmaneuver Rollins. However, the champion can at least keep up with him to utilize his brute strength and brawling ability.

Rollins is the quicker of the two and more of a tactician. His tendency is to take advantage of every opportunity. Rollins loves being ruthless in the ring. Just ask Dean Ambrose, who fought Rollins in a ladder match at last year’s Money in the Bank event.

Rollins can also fly around the ring if needed, diving over or through the ropes. He’ll have to use that in his favor to keep Reigns flustered and discombobulated.

Third, ring rust is the biggest question mark. This will be Seth Rollins’ first televised match since his injury. He’s been getting ready at house shows, most recently battling Styles and Reigns in a series of Triple Threat matches, per CageMatch.net.

However, the ring rust could work against Reigns. We know Rollins still uses the Pedigree to finish off his opponents. But what else does the former WWE champion have in store for Reigns? Maybe Rollins has a few moves in his arsenal we haven’t seen yet.

On the flip side, Reigns could have the same idea. We could witness both men use moves we’re not accustomed to seeing them perform, which would only add to the unpredictability of their much-anticipated encounter.

Lastly, who will win this bout between former friends? It is Money in the Bank, after all. There will be a ladder match for the MITB briefcase prior to the main event. Whoever becomes Mr. Money in the Bank might have his eyes set on this title bout.

Will Dean Ambrose cash in on his former friends? Will another opponent take that briefcase and attempt to take Reigns’ championship? Will it be Chris Jericho, Kevin Owens, Alberto Del Rio or Sami Zayn? Or is it Cesaro who uses that opportunity to make this title bout a Triple Threat match?

Then again, maybe the winner will wait until the match ends to cash in his title shot.

Despite the possible scenarios, this match should be straightforward and uncomplicated. It might not end cleanly, and what's more, there could be interference from the future Mr. Money in the Bank.

If that’s the case, expect Seth Rollins to use that to his advantage and regain the title he never lost: the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.