Penta Expected to Challenge Roman Reigns for WWE Title in Mexico City

Penta is reportedly positioned to win the ongoing WWE and AAA tournament and challenge Roman Reigns for the World Heavyweight Championship at Arena CDMX in Mexico City on September 14, 2026, according to a report by WrestleVotes Radio on Fightful Select.

The upcoming September 14, 2026, episode of WWE RAW marks the promotion’s return to Arena CDMX for the first time in 15 years, as announced by AAA General Manager Rey Mysterio. To mark the historic occasion in Mexico City, WWE organized a special No. 1 contender’s tournament featuring luchadores from RAW, SmackDown, and AAA. According to Wrestlezone, the tournament winner earns a direct title match against reigning champion Roman Reigns.

Tournament Progress and Backstage Expectations

Penta advanced to the next round of the tournament on the August 10, 2026, episode of WWE RAW after defeating AAA’s Laredo Kid. Following that victory, @WrestleVotes Radio reported on Fightful Select that backstage sources believe Penta will ultimately win the bracket and secure the championship match against Reigns.

Based on a conversation with a talent, @WrestleVotes Radio via @FightfulSelect gathered that backstage morale points to Penta emerging victorious in the current luchadores tournament to decide Reigns’ challenger for WWE Raw in Mexico City.

WrestleVotes Radio / Fightful Select

Sportskeeda noted that one backstage source believes Penta provides an ideal fit to capitalize on the unique dynamics of the Mexican market during the televised event. The remaining first-round matchups in the bracket include Psycho Clown facing La Parka in Torreon, Coahuila, Mexico, along with Dragon Lee taking on El Hijo de Dr. Wagner Jr., and Rey Fenix meeting El Fiscal on the August 17, 2026, episode of WWE RAW in Buffalo, New York.

Character Direction and Past Encounters

Penta addressed his current role in WWE during an appearance on The Battleground podcast, noting that he feels comfortable operating under what he views as his authentic style. He also distanced himself from comparisons to WWE legend Rey Mysterio.

I feel special there because, as I mentioned before years ago, I don’t want to be the next Rey Mysterio. I want to be the first Penta. What it means is Penta is very different. Penta is special because Penta has different things. I don’t want to be the Rey Mysterio copy.

Penta / The Battleground podcast

Penta and Roman Reigns have never squared off in a one-on-one singles match inside a WWE ring. Their only shared television moment occurred briefly as teammates during portions of the 2025 men’s Royal Rumble match. The September 14 match in Mexico City depends on Penta navigating the remainder of the tournament bracket.