The Wiseman returns; A huge challenge - 4 directions for The Bloodline after brutal attack of Roman Reigns on SmackDown

Roman Reigns may have had the last laugh over the new Bloodline at SummerSlam and last week's episode of SmackDown. This week's show, however, had a much different ending.

Solo Sikoa challenged Reigns to see if he could take the Ula Fala, the sacred necklace of The Tribal Chief, from him. He pledged that if Roman was successful, he and Tama Tonga would acknowledge Roman Reigns as The Tribal Chief.

While it initially appeared Sikoa would honor those words, things changed once Roman dispatched Tonga and Solo. After Roman put on the necklace, Jacob Fatu made his shock return by laying out The Head of the Table.

Did things go according to plan on SmackDown since Sikoa was able to put his rival through the announce table? What's next in The Bloodline saga? Any of the next four things could happen following the latest episode of SmackDown.

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#4. The mystery behind Tonga Loa's absence on SmackDown

Throughout the night, the absence of Tonga Loa was visibly obvious. Loa didn't appear throughout the night, neither in a backstage segment nor the closing segment of the night, so he wasn't being used for a blindside attack on Roman Reigns.

Since he couldn't help the Bloodline and his Tribal Chief against The Original Tribal Chief, Loa's whereabouts may be divulged next week. To stave off a blindside attack again, Reigns could have taken Loa out before SmackDown went on the air.

It would provide a storyline explanation as to why he missed an important showdown with the enemy. An attack by Roman would also show that he's operating both overtly and covertly.

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#3. An official challenge is made

The time has come for a true Tribal Chief to wear the sacred tribal necklace (Image Credit: WWE on X)

Solo Sikoa has done all of the talking since Roman returned at SummerSlam. It could finally be time for the former Undisputed WWE Universal Champion to address the situation.

He could verbalize his emotions and feelings about what happened while he was away from a WWE ring. The Bash in Berlin may not be the biggest stage for a showdown, but Roman Reigns could lay out a challenge for the show.

It could even extend to Bad Blood since their feud would fit perfectly with the theme for that premium live event. Solo has already challenged The Head of the Table to take his spot back, so Reigns may up the ante with an official match with official stakes.

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#2. Crashing The Bloodline's tag team title match next week

The Street Profits defeated DIY to earn a shot at The Bloodline and the WWE Tag Team Titles on next week's SmackDown. With Jacob Fatu's re-emergence to tip the scales in Solo Sikoa's favor, he'll likely represent the faction with Tama Tonga in next week's title defense.

While Reigns was focused more on obtaining the prized necklace, he pushed the championship belt aside as if it wasn't important. To him, that's true because he wanted to reclaim the title of Tribal Chief. Having the gold, however, is important for a group because those who hold the gold set forth the rules of the game.

The Head of the Table could have done that deliberately with the intent to interfere during the title match. He isn't being advertised for the show, but a shock return to cost The Bloodline the titles would be another shot fired by Roman Reigns.

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#1. Roman Reigns comes with his own backup next week

The Wiseman hasn't appeared on SmackDown since Solo Sikoa and his Bloodline put him through the announce table (Image Credit: WWE.com)

Roman Reigns got the upper hand on Solo Sikoa and Tama Tonga. He overcame the two-on-one numbers advantage this week and was able to get the upper hand on last week's SmackDown too.

While he initially overcame the odds again this week, Jacob Fatu returned to shatter the scales. His emergence changed the tides of the feud, leaving Roman in a heap on the mat to close the show.

The numbers game may prove to be too much for The Head of the Table, so he may have to bring backup the next time he appears. Roman could be flanked by Jimmy Uso and Paul Heyman the next time he goes face-to-face with the new-look Bloodline.