Wrestling veteran questions Roman Reigns' absence from WWE SmackDown (Exclusive)

Former Undisputed WWE Champion Roman Reigns didn't appear on the first episode og SmackDown in 2025. The show's main event saw The New Bloodline' Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga and Jacob Fatu pick up the win over The OG Bloodline's Sami Zayn and The Usos.

Speaking on the latest episode of BroDown on Backstage Pass, former WCW World Heavyweight Champion Vince Russo questioned Reigns' absence from the show, noting WWE could've used his star power to create more hype for RAW's Netflix debut.

"Don't you find it weird? Like, bro, there's so much Netflix, Netflix, Netflix, Netflix, Netflix. Wasn't it kind of weird that Roman Reigns wasn't on the show?"

He continued:

"I wish there was somebody I could ask these questions to. I really do. Now you got something. I mean, this (SmackDown) is an infomercial for Netflix. The biggest star that's going to be on that show doesn't make an appearance on this one." [From 35:20 onwards]

Check out the video below:

Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa will decide the fate of the Ula Fala and The Bloodline in a Tribal Combat Match when WWE RAW makes its debut on Netflix. It remains to be seen which of these two men will stand tall after the match as the one true Tribal Chief.

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