Roman Reigns was supposed to be the WWE Universal Champion leading into the Royal Rumble event and on to WrestleMania. His leukemia announcement caused a huge change in plans.
Brock Lesnar won the Universal Title once again at WWE Crown Jewel in a match that was supposed to be a triple threat match. Unfortunately, he ended up defeating Braun Strowman in a singles match in Saudi Arabia.
Strowman wanted another match against Lensar and Stephanie McMahon dangled a carrot for him. If he could beat Baron Corbin at WWE TLC, then he would get his match.
Even though Strowman had an arm in a sling, the babyfaces on WWE RAW joined together and defeated the heel Baron Corbin. Kurt Angle even returned in the process. With one foot on Corbin, referee Heath Slater counted to three meaning that Strowman has his match in Phoenix.
Therefore, Brock Lesnar will defend the WWE Universal Title against Braun Strowman on January 27th in Phoenix, Arizona at the Royal Rumble.