Roman Reigns, the Universal Champion and the six-time World Champion, marked a much-awaited return on the 15th December episode of the Friday night WWE Smackdown, where he also got face-to-face with The Legend Killer, Randy Orton.
Reigns initiated his return address by requesting recognition from the Green Bay audience. He discussed the season, delved into Christmas and the promotional seasons, and subsequently shifted the focus to Solo Sikoa, whom he anointed as the “Tribal Prince,” highlighting his contributions to the family. Commending Sikoa for his achievements, Reigns extended an invitation to Jimmy Uso to join them in the ring for a collective celebration of Sikoa.
Randy Orton’s entrance music plays, signaling his arrival in the ring. Orton proceeds to delve into the thoughts that occupied his mind during the past year and a half of recovery. He directly informs Roman Reigns that he is eyeing the championship title.
In response, Reigns dismisses Orton’s claim, stating that he hasn’t considered him at all, and instructs him to step to the back of the line. Reigns warned Orton that if they were to have a match, it would mark the last one in Orton’s career. Without hesitation, Orton executes a simulated RKO, causing Reigns to react defensively. Later in the evening, Orton faced Jimmy Uso in a match, with Solo Sikoa at ringside. Orton secured victory over Jimmy with an RKO, earning a pinfall. Following the match, Reigns, along with Sikoa, attacked Orton, leading to an intense face-off and an ensuing full-blown brawl. AJ Styles and LA Knight came to rescue Randy Orton.
Roman Reigns Set to Part Ways
Roman Reigns, who made his professional debut in 2010 after 13 years of dominance, story, and legacy, is rumored to have parted ways with the WWE. Roman Reigns currently holds the Universal Champion title, which has been with him for over 1200 days, and as the WWE plans a grand finale for “The Big Dog,” it seems that he will further establish his legacy and leave the WWE arena in style.
The decision for Reigns to take a break comes as a strategic move, aligning with the trajectories of many esteemed WWE superstars who have transitioned to Hollywood. Beyond the squared circle, the allure of the silver screen beckons, and Reigns, like his peers, is considering a movie career. Prinze Jr. predicted the same on Wrestling with Freddie. While the wrestling community may bid a temporary farewell to “The Tribal Chief,” the anticipation of Reigns’ cinematic journey adds an intriguing layer to the narrative of his departure from the WWE.
Roman Reigns’ Potential Opponents at the WrestleMania 40
As WWE plans a grand finale, several names appear as potential opponents for Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40.
Roman Reigns vs. Randy Orton
The last Friday Night Smackdown opened the door for a potential clash between Roman Reigns and Randy Orton at WrestleMania 40. However, remember that there are several other big events before the ultimate finale. Several names come to mind as potential challengers for ‘The Tribal Chief’ at WrestleMania. Nonetheless, if the Orton vs. Reigns face-off happens at WrestleMania, one thing is for sure: we’ll get one hell of a match, as the Legend Killer might dismantle another legacy while Reigns aims to finish on a high note.
Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes
Roman Reigns secured victory against Cody Rhodes in last year’s main event at WrestleMania 39, successfully defending his Universal Championship title. Despite widespread expectations for a new World Championship titleholder, WWE stuck with Reigns. This time around, it promises to be truly exciting to witness the unfolding events and how WWE crafts the grand finale for the ultimate champion.
Roman Reigns vs. CM Punk
After nearly a decade-long hiatus, CM Punk made a remarkable and highly acclaimed comeback in WWE. Interestingly, Roman Reigns shares a bit of history with CM Punk. Let’s go back to 2012 when the “Big Dog,” alongside his Shield brothers, made his inaugural main roster appearance during the main event featuring CM Punk, Ryback, and John Cena for the WWE Championship.
This strategic move enabled CM Punk to retain his title, and it was subsequently disclosed that Punk had enlisted the trio’s assistance to secure his victories. A showdown between Reigns and CM Punk could indeed be a dream match for fans, and I won’t deny that if there’s one opponent Reigns would prefer to face in his final game before the break, it would likely be someone of Punk’s caliber.
Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins
Reigns and Rollins, the former Shield partners, have had a storied history over the years. From friends to enemies, Reigns vs. Rollins could prove to be a perfect send-off for the Universal Champion. Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins have faced each other 30 times, with Reigns emerging victorious on 19 occasions and Rollins on 11 occasions.
As Roman Reigns prepares to take an indefinite break from WWE, the speculation surrounding his potential opponents at WrestleMania 40 adds an extra layer of excitement to the grand finale planned for “The Big Dog.” Whether facing longtime rivals like Randy Orton and Seth Rollins or revisiting history with opponents like Cody Rhodes and CM Punk, Reigns’ departure promises to be a momentous event in the world of professional wrestling. As the WWE universe eagerly awaits the unfolding chapters, one thing is certain – Roman Reigns will leave an indelible mark on the legacy he has built over 13 years in the ring.