Roman Reigns off Day 1, Brock Lesnar added to WWE title match

COVID-19 has forced tonight’s WWE Day 1 pay-per-view to undergo a significant shakeup.

Universal Champion Roman Reigns, who was scheduled to defend his title against Brock Lesnar tonight, is off Day 1 due to testing positive for COVID-19. Lesnar has instead been added to the WWE Championship match at Day 1, making it a fatal five-way with Big E defending against Seth Rollins, Kevin Owens, Bobby Lashley, and Lesnar.

“I yearn to perform tonight at #WWEDay1 to defend my Universal Championship. However, unfortunately, earlier today I tested positive for COVID-19,” Reigns tweeted. “Due to the proper protocols I am unable to compete as originally scheduled. I look forward to returning to action as soon as possible.”

Reigns, who is a leukemia survivor, had been held off of WWE’s holiday tour house shows ahead of Day 1. Dave Meltzer reported in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that WWE was taking every precaution possible with Reigns, Lesnar, and Paul Heyman:

In particular we were told that due to its effect in some form on WrestleMania plans and because it is considered a very big main event, that every precaution possible would be taken for Reigns, Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman to perform at Day 1. It was also noted that in a weird way they considered it fortunate for that match that there were no Smackdown tapings on 12/24 or 12/31, lessening the need for the three to go on the road for television.

Day 1 is taking place at State Farm Arena in Atlanta tonight. Here’s the updated card for the show:

  • WWE Champion Big E defends against Seth Rollins, Kevin Owens, Bobby Lashley, and Brock Lesnar in a fatal five-way match
  • Raw Women’s Champion Becky Lynch defends against Liv Morgan
  • SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos (Jimmy & Jey Uso) defend against The New Day (Xavier Woods & Kofi Kingston)
  • Edge vs. The Miz
  • Raw Tag Team Champions RK-Bro (Randy Orton & Riddle) defend against The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins & Montez Ford)
  • Drew McIntyre vs. Madcap Moss
  • Hip-hop group Migos will make a special appearance
  • Cesaro & Ricochet vs. Sheamus & Ridge Holland (pre-show)