Why The Fiend Will Be A Good Universal Champion (& Why He Won't)
Mia Lopez
Published Mar 28, 2026
The Fiend became the new Universal Champion beating Braun Strowman in the main event of 2020 SummerSlam. The alter ego of Bray Wyatt became a two-time Universal Champion in his career. However, his celebration was cut short when a returning Roman Reigns assaulted the new champion.
RELATED: Bray Wyatt: 5 Former Rivals The Fiend Should Attack (& 5 Fresh Feuds He Should Start)
The second title reign of The Fiend could be a good one, as his first one wasn't that bad. However, the former Universal Champion Braun Strowman and Roman Reigns have become two major obstacles for him in this title reign. Without further ado, let's see why The Fiend will be a good champion and why he won't.
10 Will Be A Good Champion: Last Run Was Entertaining
The Fiend captured his first Universal Champion at 2019 Crown Jewel, where he beat Seth Rollins in a Falls Count Anywhere match. He had an outstanding run, and he held the belt for more than three months. While remaining champion, he had interesting feuds with The Miz and Daniel Bryan. Unfortunately, the glorious reign came to an abrupt end against Goldberg at Super ShowDown this year.
9 Won't Be A Good Champion: Not A Regular Performer
Even though Bray Wyatt isn't a part-timer, his alter-ego can claim the tag. Similar to Brock Lesnar, The Fiend shows up sporadically and he only wrestles in big events. As a matter of fact, he has also skipped some pay-per-views.
After beating John Cena at WrestleMania 36, The Fiend wouldn't wrestle until SummerSlam. Before the Biggest Party of the Summer, Wyatt wrestled as himself twice. The Fiend's irregular appearances might not make him a great champion.
8 Will Be A Good Champion: The Mystery
An enigmatic champion certainly makes an incredible champion, and history is proof of it. WWE has had many mysterious champions, who have done well. For instance, The Undertaker's dark and mysterious gimmick has made him a seven-time world champion.
The Fiend is full of mystery. The opponents never guess what could be the next move of the monster and hence, he should be an outstanding Universal Champion because the product lacks such characters nowadays.
7 Won't Be A Good Champion: Too Early To Give The Belt After The First WWE Loss
The Fiend was the hottest commodity in sports entertainment when he made his debut and became champion. But his momentum halted significantly when he suffered a shocking loss against Goldberg. Furthermore, the way he lost within two minutes was damaging to his character.
The Fiend has wrestled in just two matches since the infamous loss. WWE should have waited a little longer and given him more matches before handing him the most converted prize of SmackDown.
6 Will Be A Good Champion: Firefly House Segments
The Fiend is not the host of Firefly Fun House, but Bray Wyatt is. There is no doubt that Firefly Fun House segments have helped to develop Wyatt's new persona. While these segments never fail to impress the audience, Wyatt takes it to the next level when he is a champion.
Wyatt gets obsessed with his challengers even more whenever he is a champion, and he goes to any extent to get in the head of his opponent.
5 Won't Be Good: Bray Wyatt's Other Personalities Might Get In The Way Of The Fiend
Bray Wyatt's multiple personalities are fun, but they may get in the way of The Fiend's success.
As the Universal Champion, he might wrestle as Bray Wyatt, the host of Firefly Fun House, or even as the Eater of World. If he loses the belt while wrestling as his other personality, a myriad of fans will be disappointed.
4 Will Be Good: The Fiend Changes Everyone
Whoever encounters The Fiend, he or she changes in some ways. Finn Balor, The Fiend's first opponent, went back to NXT and turned heel. Likewise, Seth Rollins also unleashed his evil side, and Braun Strowman found the hidden monster in himself.
Since The Fiend is the Universal Champion, he will face the top guys of SmackDown. As a result, the elite names could go through major character development after locking horns with The Fiend.
3 Won't Be Good: Average Matches
The Fiend might be the best character the company has created in the past few years, but the same can't be said about his dexterity in the ring. Bray Wyatt, in general, has never been an exceptional performer in the ring. His matches are usually slow, and after the emergence of The Fiend, the matches have become shorter.
RELATED: Bray Wyatt: The 5 Best Firefly Fun House Moments (& The 5 Worst)
The Universal Champion, The Fiend, may main event several shows and pay-per-views as the holder of the belt. However, he might not be able to deliver astounding bouts as the champion.
2 Will Be Good: Might Elevate Alexa Bliss
The bizarre chemistry between Alexa Bliss and The Fiend has created a buzz in the wrestling world. First, The Goddess made a cameo in the Swamp match at Extreme Rules, where she appeared to be like Sister Abigail. The Fiend attacked Bliss on SmackDown and then the latter showed affection for the former.
Bliss's entry in this storyline could be a career-altering move for her. If she turns heel with The Fiend, she might rejuvenate herself and become the SmackDown Women's Champion.
1 Won't Be Good: The Return Of Roman Reigns
Roman Reigns made a shocking return at SummerSlam, where he delivered two devastating Spears to The Fiend after the main event. By assaulting The Fiend and Braun Strowman, The Big Dog automatically entered the Universal Championship picture.
Reigns' sudden emergence in the title picture might not be good news for the alter ego of Bray Wyatt, considering the former could be a major threat to dethrone the current champion. If Reigns wins the Universal Title, it will be another disappointing end of The Fiend's title reign.
