Cinema. That is the only singular word that can describe not only the return of Roman Reigns to WWE at Summerslam 2024, but also the fashion in which he’s done it. It’s not the once-familiar mouthy and braggadocious Reigns that once owned the Universal Championship for approximately 79 years, but rather a silent, feral and animalistic version.
Reigns made his return to WWE SmackDown on Friday for the first time since prior to Wrestlemania 40 and, for the second time, he said nothing on a microphone, nor did he have to.
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He’d simply beat Solo Sikoa and the Bloodline to a pulp (chairs, spears and Superman Punches all around), Sikoa narrowly escaping with his life, before quietly leaving.
But not before he threw up a familiar gesture, twice.
EXCLUSIVE: Check out this bonus footage moments after @WWERomanReigns made a statement against #TheBloodline. #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/f8t9yJuQT9
— WWE (@WWE) August 10, 2024
That’s right, “The One” is back with its rightful owner, the Original (and Only) Tribal Chief.
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Even the method of delivery for the second gesture was strategically mapped out, because Reigns did it as he walked into the dark of the backstage area as opposed to standing and waiting for the crowd to acknowledge it on that occasion, normally basking in their reverence every single time.
But this version of Reigns doesn’t need reverence.
He doesn’t crave acknowledgement.
What he wants is his respect, his throne, and the heads of those who dared to try and take it from him while he was at his most vulnerable.
So, to Solo and the Bloodline go the immortal words of the late Bray Wyatt…
Run.
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