5 reasons why The Fiend didn't attack Roman Reigns on WWE SmackDown (31-Jan-2020)

SmackDown put up a pretty good show last week - if you missed it, the Best and Worst Of SmackDown will help you get the information you seek. While a lot happened on the show, The Fiend didn't make an appearance, and we didn't see the Bray Wyatt's Firefly Funhouse either. That seemed strange as one or the other (sometimes both) have become regular fixtures on the show.

There could be various reasons why WWE decided to keep the Universal Champion off of TV on the first episode of SmackDown after Royal Rumble, which officially started the Road to WrestleMania.

There have been rumors that the company had decided on a match between Roman Reigns and Bray Wyatt a year ago, and Sportskeeda's own Korey Gunz and Tom Colohue discussed it on the latest episode of Dropkick DiSKussions, which can be heard below.

If this is a fact, then why did the company decide to not have Bray Wyatt appear in any shape or form just five days after his most recent Universal Championship defense?

Here are 5 reasons why The Fiend didn't appear on SmackDown. As always, we welcome your thoughts in the comments section below.

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#5 To sell the effects of the Strap Match

The strap match between The Fiend and Daniel Bryan was indeed brutal, and if the video of the attack by The Fiend is any indication, one can only expect that the company wanted to sell the fact that the effects of the strap match have led to both wrestlers missing SmackDown this week.

Having Superstars miss a show, or multiple shows, in order to sell the brutality or viciousness of a match they had to withstand, is a great idea. It makes the match, in this case, a strap match, seem more important as makes it the booking a much bigger deal while also giving both men some time to rest after a particularly stressful contest.

#4 To avoid any hype before WWE Super ShowDown

Super ShowDown

WWE Super ShowDown is in three weeks, and the company doesn't want to start a storyline that will have an impact on the show in Saudi Arabia. It could be a great idea to have this storyline remain under wraps before Super ShowDown and let it build in the weeks that follow until WrestleMania.

The fact that Roman Reigns and The Fiend can hype their storyline instantly and can keep everyone involved is a huge advantage for the company. SmackDown happens a day after WWE Super ShowDown, and that is when the company can start this storyline which can get more intense in the following months, and finally culminate at The Grandest Stage Of Them All.

A match between these two phenomenal performers will make for a good encounter at WrestleMania. With The Fiend's mind games going toe to toe with Roman Reigns promos, one can only expect amazing things after Super ShowDown.

Goldberg is returning to SmackDown this week, and that leads to a lot of speculation. One of the most important question, one that was raised by Sportskeeda's own Riju Dasgupta, makes a lot of sense, as Goldberg would want to challenge The Fiend for a match at WWE Super ShowDown. These are two powerhouses where The Fiend can play his mind games to perfection, and Goldberg can showcase his power to anyone that decides to interrupt him during the build-up event in Saudi Arabia.

It would be a great way to entice the fans for the event in Saudi Arabia, and that is one of the most important reasons why The Fiend would not attack Roman Reigns until that show is over.

#3 To hype Daniel Bryan's return this week

Also, @WWEBrayWyatt's #RoyalRumble opponent, @WWEDanielBryan, will make his return to the blue brand to discuss his in-ring future. #SmackDown https://t.co/Ks66kzBAqu

— WWE (@WWE) February 1, 2020

Daniel Bryan will make his return to Friday Night SmackDown this week, and the company wouldn't want to ruin this return by doing something that would divert the fans' attention from the reaction towards the leader of the 'Yes' Movement upon his return.

While he isn't the only one making a return, his arrival will have a lot of implications as the former WWE Champion wants to discuss his in-ring future. The wrestler is going to be a father soon. Hence, he could address that and take time off to attend to his duties as a father and husband.

He has the support of his legion of fans, and his decision would have a lasting impression on everyone, as well as his opportunity to be a part of WrestleMania. Is there an ultimate swerve planned for the WWE Universe, or the former WWE Champion has some other thoughts on his mind? Could this be one of the reasons why The Fiend didn't show up on SmackDown last week?

#2 To give the right closure to the feud between Roman Reigns and King Corbin

Family bonding at its finest, and messiest. 🤙 #SmackDown @WWERomanReigns @WWEUsos @BaronCorbinWWE pic.twitter.com/7X0ZOtHNJP

— WWE (@WWE) February 2, 2020

King Corbin and Roman Reigns fought in a six-man tag team match where the loser had to eat dog food. The match was quick yet effective, and that is one of the major reasons why it made fans happy. The result was the highlight of this match as Roman and his cousins The Usos were able to secure a victory. They cuffed King Corbin to the ring post, which was similar to what the King had done in the past.

They pour dog food on Corbin and then added insult to it by clicking a photograph with him in that condition. It was a moment wherein any intervention by The Fiend would have spoiled the mood of the WWE Universe. It may have done the opposite too, but the feud had been going on for long, and it needed the perfect closure without any interference.

The company was able to decide on it, and that made way for a better segment overall.

#1 To start the storyline with Roman Reigns in a different style

Unexpected, but true

A surprise appears best when the other person least expects it. This is exactly what The Fiend would try to do in order to entice the fans as well as instill Roman Reigns with the desire to step inside the squared circle against the Universal Champion. The Fiend is known for his entrance style, which includes a sound, and then the arena goes black, which leads to him showing up out of nowhere. What if the current Universal Champion takes a different route this time?

We could see The Usos being attended to by the medical staff, which would keep the fans confused about who caused this attack. The first names that would come to mind would be that of Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode, who have the motive to avenge the loss that they suffered last week on SmackDown.

When Roman Reigns asks for Dolph and Robert to show up, the Firefly Funhouse segment would start on the Titantron. This would leave Roman Reigns perplexed, however, by the end of the segment The Fiend would show up from under the ring. This would be the perfect way to commence this storyline.