Much to the delight of the WWE Universe, Roman Reigns returned as a babyface in the main event of SummerSlam 2024, setting the wrestling world ablaze. The Head of the Table aided Rhodes to successfully defend his title against Solo Sikoa.
The Original Tribal Chief is set to resume his position in top storylines again, but WWE would have to go the extra mile with his opponent for WrestleMania 41 because the dynamics have drastically changed.
Reigns is now a babyface without a World Championship, and he lost his "invincibility" at WrestleMania XL Night Two. Consequently, Triple H has to be extra cautious with the 39-year-old star's presentation and future rivals.
On that note, let's look at four possible opponents for The Tribal Chief at WrestleMania 41.
#4. Roman Reigns vs Solo Sikoa could be held off till WrestleMania 41
The Original Tribal Chief returned with one goal: to take down his former Enforcer, Solo Sikoa, who took his "Ula Fala" and proclaimed himself The Head of The Table.
The natural direction is Roman Reigns vs. Solo Sikoa with Tribal Chiefdom on the line. However, Hunter is a fan of long-term storytelling, and he could prolong the inevitable blow-off to this engaging feud till The Show of Shows.
WWE could delay the eventual one-on-one match till WrestleMania, as suggested by Dave Meltzer, by placing both men in various Tag Team Matches and multi-man bouts, like the Men's WarGames.
A second option would see a few initial encounters marred by interference and distractions. A couple of betrayals could be added into the fray, and WWE could proceed with the program as they did with the Reigns-Lesnar saga in 2021-22.
#3. The Original Tribal Chief meets The Samaon Werewolf
While Solo Sikoa may be the Tribal Chief of The Bloodline 2.0, as the promotion reportedly once feared, the WWE Universe has been more intrigued and mesmerized by his Enforcer, Jacob Fatu.
The Samaon Werewolf is built differently, and his inclusion into Bloodline 2.0 has taken the faction to another level. His freakish athleticism combined with his natural aura has made him interesting to the WWE Universe.
Having said that, Hunther could opt to jump the gun on Reigns vs. Sikoa, and then book The Original Tribal Chief against The Samaon Werewolf, a colossal showdown that would have the fans on the edge of their seats.
Fatu could break away from Sikoa and pursue a singles run or The Street Champion could enlist the Samoan Werewolf to take down Roman Reigns. Either way, WWE should consider Reigns vs. Fatu as a money-making blockbuster for a big occasion.
#2. Roman Reigns vs Cody Rhodes III
Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes's iconic rivalry could become the Paul Levesque Era's equivalent of The Rock vs. Steve Austin in the Attitude Era. While many may have thought that this storied feud had concluded with Rhodes finishing his story at WrestleMania 40, WWE could book another sequel.
The Original Tribal Chief took down Solo Sikoa at SummerSlam 2024 and helped The American Nightmare retain the Undisputed WWE Championship. Although they may have developed respect for each other, Reigns' looks suggested that he wanted a rematch.
Reigns vs. Rhodes III could be equally intriguing and enthralling as the previous two encounters. The Tribal Chief can now be presented as the honorable and respectable king coming back for his crown. Cody Rhodes doesn't need to turn heel, but the suggested change could add new layers of intrigue.
Regardless, The Tribal Chief vs. The American Nightmare still has business potential, making it a prime candidate for a marquee spot at WrestleMania 41.
#1. The Tribal Chief vs The Final Boss is yet to happen
If it weren't for Cody Rhodes' story and the fans' desire to see him finish his goal, WWE would have gone ahead with Roman Reigns vs. The Rock, a blockbuster spectacle the wrestling world has wanted for years.
However, the fan opposition resulted in the genesis of The Final Boss, a character that the WWE Universe thoroughly enjoyed. While recent events and rumors suggest that Rocky might face Rhodes at Mania, Triple H may decide to finally book Reigns vs. Rock.
The Final Boss could be the mastermind behind The Bloodline 2.0, plotting to remove Roman Reigns from The Head of The Table through Solo Sikoa. When the time is right, the most electrifying man in sports entertainment can return for a colossal feud with The Original Tribal Chief.