If you believe the online wrestling commentators, the rumor is that Finn Balor was in line for a shot at Brock Lesnar's Universal Championship at Royal Rumble; however, that idea has been dumped, apparently because Vince McMahon thinks Balor is not over enough.
So let's look at the likely opponents for Lesnar at the next pay-per-view (PPV):
Braun Strowman
Braun has been a name that has already been floated to try an wrestle the title from Brock for a second time in a 4 month period. On one hand, with the contest we got between the two at No Mercy being about as interesting as a wet fart, the possibility of these two going head-to-head in a more violent contest could be interesting. However, the enticement for Brock vs. Braun is all but gone and having the monster among men losing twice to Brock in 4 months would be a killer for his momentum.
AJ Styles
Let's face it, Brock vs. AJ at Survivor Series was awesome -- the psychology worked great, both Brock and AJ sold like crazy, and it was the best outing we have seen from Lesnar since WrestleMania 31 (A highly underrated main event). The idea of Brock vs. AJ II may be the easy way out, however it will be another PPV where the main title isn't defended in a year where it pretty much is non existent.
Seth Rollins
With the Big Dog as Intercontinental champ, I feel the disruption in The Shield is coming. The Hounds of Justice reunion won't last long and Seth getting a shot at Brock would be a way to build tension in the group. We know Seth and Brock could put together a good match and Seth wouldn't be too hurt by taking a loss to Brock in a strong outing, plus the idea of Seth not being able to beat Brock is a cool story for when Roman tries to take the belt of the beast at Mania.
Finn Balor
What? But Finn isn't getting his shot? Well everything we here online isn't ever 100% official and with a long road to the rumble, the opinion on Finn could change. Remember these are the same people that said Baron Corbin was being buried and he is the US champion right now, which doesn't feel like a burial.
Jason Jordan
Yeah it wouldn't be great but with multiple segments involving HHH in the last couple of weeks, plus a hyped match with Braun from last week, the higher ups still seem keen to make JJ take off. What better way to prove he is a big deal than by putting him in the ring with the biggest deal in the WWE right now.
Bray Wyatt
Where is Bray right now? He has been seen once since his run in with meningitis and that's a damn outrage. Bray may not be the most inspired choice for the big match at Royal Rumble, but the fact is we know whoever faces Brock isn't winning, so why not let Heyman and Wyatt go head to head on the mics and let Brock and Bray hoss it out in a physical bout?
Sami Zayn/Kevin Owens
These two have teased heading to Raw for some time now, so although it's unlikely, why not have one if not both have a crack at the champ? They are both definitely over.