A major change has been made to WWE Day 1.
Fightful's Sean Ross Sapp reports that Roman Reigns will not be at WWE Day 1 due to COVID protocol. Ariel Helwani of BT Sport reports Reigns tested positive for COVID 19.
Reigns was scheduled to defend the WWE Universal Championship against Brock Lesnar at the event.
As a result of Reigns' absence, Lesnar will be added to the WWE Championship bout, making it a fatal five-way featuring Lesnar, Seth Rollins, Bobby Lashley, Kevin Owens, and WWE Champion Big E.
WWE has confirmed the news of Reigns' positive test and Lesnar being the replacement.
WWE today announced that Brock Lesnar will challenge for the WWE Championship tonight at Day 1 against Big E, Seth Rollins, Kevin Owens and Bobby Lashley in what will now be a Fatal 5-Way Championship match.
The first man to score a pinfall against any of the other four men will win the WWE Championship, in what’s expected to be one of the most exciting main events in WWE history.
Earlier today, Roman Reigns tested positive for COVID-19. As we’ve seen with many superstar athletes, this result has left Reigns unable to compete in the originally scheduled defense of his WWE Universal Championship against Lesnar. WWE wishes him well in his recovery.
Live from State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Day 1 will begin streaming tonight at 8 pm ET exclusively on Peacock in the United Sates and WWE Network everywhere else.
Reigns posted the following comment:
I yearn to perform tonight at #WWEDay1 to defend my Universal Championship. However, unfortunately, earlier today I tested positive for COVID-19. Due to the proper protocols I am unable to compete as originally scheduled. I look forward to returning to action as soon as possible.
— Roman Reigns (@WWERomanReigns) January 1, 2022
Fightful will have live coverage of WWE Day 1 beginning at 7 p.m. ET with the kick-off show.
