In a return that was as inevitable as it was earth-shaking, Roman Reigns, the “OTC” (Original Tribal Chief), made his triumphant and devastating return to “WWE SmackDown” this Friday. The Big Dog had been laying low since WrestleMania 40, perhaps meditating in his lair of solitude, plotting the perfect moment to remind everyone why he’s the head of the table. And remind them, he did.
It all started backstage, where Solo Sikoa, Roman’s cousin and the new leader of the Bloodline, was feeling the pressure. His newly formed alliance with the Guerrillas of Destiny, Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa, was about to be tested as Sikoa awaited Roman’s arrival. Like any good family drama, tensions were high, and Solo, clearly channeling his inner mob boss, told Tonga not to sweat it—Reigns would show up. And show up he did, like a storm cloud on the horizon.
Sikoa, never one to shy away from a confrontation, called Roman out in the ring. He demanded that if Roman still fancied himself the “Tribal Chief,” he should come take the ulafala—a symbol of leadership—from him. What followed was a masterclass in destruction, Roman Reigns style.
As soon as Reigns’ music hit, the crowd knew they were in for something big. Sikoa, confident in his new muscle, sent Tonga and Loa outside the ring to greet Roman. Big mistake. Reigns, armed with nothing but rage and some ring steps, unleashed a beatdown that sent the Guerrillas of Destiny into an early retirement party. Or at least it looked that way. He then turned his attention to Sikoa, delivering a bone-crushing Superman Punch that sent his cousin reeling.
Just when it seemed Reigns would take back his title as the undisputed head of the table, Tonga and Loa, showing more guts than brains, blindsided him. But Roman, ever the gladiator, shrugged off their attack like they were a couple of kids trying to take his lunch money. After another devastating series of Superman Punches and Spears, Reigns stood tall, leaving bodies and egos shattered all over the ring.
But this wasn’t just about brute force. No, this was a family matter. With the ulafala still firmly in his grasp, Solo Sikoa watched from the stage, telling Roman through icy stares and a few choice words that he was the chief now. The show ended with the two locked in a stare-down that could freeze over a volcano. The ulafala may have stayed in Sikoa’s hands for now, but with Roman Reigns back in the picture, it’s clear that this family feud is far from over.
The message was clear: Roman Reigns is back, and he’s ready to wreck anything—and anyone—who stands in his way.