Report: Backstage News On Why The WWE & Universal Titles Were Unified

Roman Reigns has been Undisputed WWE Universal Champion since he defeated Brock Lesnar in a Winner Take All Match at WrestleMania 38 back in April but The Tribal Chief has still yet to defend the gold. 

Instead, Reigns has largely been off WWE TV since The Showcase Of The Immortals as he signed a new WWE deal that allows him to work fewer dates.

This ultimately means WWE's reported plans for the title unification have not worked out. According to WrestleVotes, the decision was made to unify the WWE and Universal titles because it would have allowed Roman Reigns to appear on both Monday Night Raw and Friday Night SmackDown. 

"According to a source, the creative decision to unity the titles was with the understanding it would allow Roman Reigns to appear on BOTH shows more regularly. ...maybe that wasn't the best decision," they tweeted.

Even when Reigns has been on TV, he has spent much of his time on SmackDown. That isn't set to change either as Dave Meltzer reported on Wrestling Observer Radio that Reigns will only be on Raw for the SummerSlam go-home episode of the red brand on July 25 from Madison Square Garden. 

Reigns will be on WWE TV this week as he is scheduled to defend the Undisputed WWE Universal Title for the first time against Riddle. If Riddle loses, he will be banned from challenging for the title again while Reigns is champion.