The Roman Empire kicked off this week on Monday Night RAW, and this time there was no one left to take Roman Reigns' moment from him.

The Superstar's title reign didn't come at WrestleMania. It didn't come at Survivor Series. No, his first real run with the richest prize in the WWE came on an episode of the company's flagship show at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia.

Triple H vs. Roman Reigns Makes Sense For WrestleMania

Reigns defeated Sheamus to capture the WWE World Heavyweight Championship and save his job in kayfabe. Now the question is who is next for the leader of the Roman Empire?

With his first two shots at the championship thwarted off to Money in the Bank cash-ins by Seth Rollins (WrestleMania 31) and Sheamus (Survivor Series 2015), there was no one standing in his way on Monday.

Projected Royal Rumble 2016 Card

Now that Reigns is the flag-bearer for the WWE, here are three possible opponents for him in his first major title defense at the Royal Rumble on Jan. 24 at the Amway Center in Orlando, Fla.

1) Sheamus

The "Celtic Warrior" clearly has reason to get a rematch, so he's the most obvious choice for an opponent, however with five episodes of RAW to go before the Royal Rumble, it could come sooner than that. With Vince McMahon and The Authority in his corner, it's unlikely that Sheamus' run in the main event is over just yet.

2) Triple H

There was no sign of "The Game" on RAW because he was selling his injuries from TLC this past Sunday, but rest assured he'll be back with a vengeance. After Reigns beat down Triple H to end Sunday's show, it led to rumors that the two may face-off in the squared circle. That match could very well come at WrestleMania, but it may also happen at the Royal Rumble. Triple H going for the gold at this stage is a bit unorthodox, but he was rumored to face Seth Rollins at the "Show of Shows" and he has reasons to try and stop Reigns from representing the WWE as its champion.

3) Brock Lesnar

"The Beast" never really had his storyline with Reigns come to a natural end last year as their WrestleMania 31 main event battle was cut short by Rollins cashing in his Money in the Bank briefcase, shifting the gears of the main angles. Lesnar is reportedly coming back to the squared circle in January and since he never really lost the title (Rollins pinned Reigns), he has a right to claim a rematch for the gold at the Royal Rumble.

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