During the latest episode of SmackDown, Roman Reigns continued his quest against the new-look Bloodline following his blockbuster return at the SummerSlam 2024 Premium Live Event. The former Undisputed WWE Universal Champion made his intentions clear by attacking Solo Sikoa and his stablemates. While Reigns came out on top in the first two encounters, things did not go so well in the third meeting.
Roman answered a challenge from Sikoa to reclaim the Ula Fala, the sacred necklace given to The Tribal Chief. The 39-year-old star was initially able to reclaim the necklace, but Jacob Fatu returned to help Sikoa get the upper hand in the brawl.
After turning the tables on The Head of the Table, Sikoa, Tama Tonga, and Fatu hit the former Undisputed WWE Universal Champion with a Triple Powerbomb through the announce table.
Let's take a look at four reasons why The Bloodline destroyed Roman Reigns on the latest episode of SmackDown.
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#4. It evens the odds after the last two encounters
After several challenges to come back and reclaim the title of The Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns finally showed up at SummerSlam 2024. His actions helped Cody Rhodes retain his Undisputed WWE Championship over Solo Sikoa.
In his first appearance on SmackDown in three months, Reigns once again came out on top of the new-look Bloodline. Having one side completely dominate a feud would cause some fans to lose interest.
Having Sikoa's side dominate Roman in the latest encounter paints the feud as equal. The Original Tribal Chief may have decimated two or three people, but he was the one left lying at the end of the show.
#3. An attack writes him off until after Bash in Berlin 2024
When a WWE Superstar is attacked backstage or in the ring, it is usually a way to write that particular performer off TV for a specified amount of time. It could be for one week, two weeks, a few months, or to protect a legitimate injury.
Roman Reigns returned to WWE at SummerSlam 2024, so he is not injured. The attack was done to sell how brutal it was just like what was done to Jimmy Uso and Paul Heyman.
If the former Undisputed WWE Universal Champion is not booked for Bash in Berlin 2024 or the shows leading up to it, the destruction could have been done to keep him off TV until after the next premium live event.
#2. Selling Solo Sikoa's faction as even more formidable than ever
When The Bloodline attacked DIY or the Street Profits, it was a foregone conclusion that they would come out on top of the popular tag teams. Going after Kevin Owens and Randy Orton is a bigger challenge as both are tough competitors.
Solo Sikoa was nearly successful in ending Cody Rhodes' title reign at SummerSlam 2024. The American Nightmare captured the top spot after defeating Roman Reigns at WrestleMania XL. Taking him out at The Biggest Party of The Summer would have been a massive statement.
Since he finally got the upper hand on The Original Tribal Chief, it seems that Solo's group can even overcome Roman's challenge.
#1. Falling to the new-look Bloodline proves that Roman Reigns may need help
Throughout his iconic 1,316-day reign as the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion, Roman Reigns was presented as dominant and unbeatable. That was a facade as Solo Sikoa and The Usos regularly interfered in his matches, helping The Head of the Table retain his title. Reigns was still booked as the biggest star in the industry, but even that person needed help from time to time.
Roman may have dominated the new-look Bloodline in the first two encounters following his return, but the third time was a different story.
Jacob Fatu was the deciding factor, proving that the numbers game can sometimes negate huge star power. Reigns may have to find allies to combat the new-look Bloodline. He may call upon Jimmy Uso, Jey Uso, or even Cody Rhodes to help him fight the heels.