Last night saw a gauntlet match to determine a new contender for WWE Universal Champion, Roman Reigns. It was originally Rey Mysterio vs. Sami Zayn vs. Shinsuke Nakamura vs. King Corbin vs. Daniel Bryan, but acting GM of RAW & Smackdown Adam Pearce found himself mixed up in it. Following an attack on Shinsuke Nakamura by Reigns & Jey Uso, Pearce would actually win the match.
Now, Pearce has a few weeks to prepare to face Roman Reigns for the Universal Championship. He might try to get out of this match and have someone like Kevin Owens or Shinsuke Nakamura his place. But, he might also lace up his boots and remind everyone that he is a five time world champion.
Adam Pearce Has Big Match Experience
It might have been six years since Pearce last wrestled a big match, or a match at all, but don’t underestimate him at all. Having wrestled since 1996, Pearce is the definition of a modern wrestling veteran. While he never made it huge, he would pop up in WWF as a jobber, before finding his stride in companies like New Japan Pro Wrestling, Ring Of Honor, and most importantly the National Wrestling Alliance.
In the NWA, he held the NWA World Heavyweight Championship five times, reigning for a combined 1,078 days! This makes him the eighth longest reigning champion, lagging behind legends like Dan Severn, Ric Flair, Harley Race & Lou Thesz. Current NWA World Heavyweight Champion Nick Aldis will soon overtake him as well, but even still. Being in the top ten longest reigning champions for one wrestling’s most storied belts means something.
Not Even The Oldest Man On The Smackdown Roster
While ring rust might be an issue, age won’t be. Once upon a time in WWE, 42 years old would be considered quite old, but not these days. On the same night that Pearce became number one contender, 43 year old Bobby Roode became Smackdown Tag Team Champion with Dolph Ziggler. Elsewhere, the 54 year old Goldberg is ready to challenge for the WWE championship, 39 year old Finn Balor is NXT Champion, and more. Age is just a number in WWE, and Pearce could have one last run left in him.
Will Roman Reigns get more than he bargained for at Royal Rumble from Adam Pearce? Let us know what you think in the comment section down below.
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