3 Non-Bloodline main event WWE storylines influenced by Roman Reigns
The WWE RAW after Survivor Series 2024 was one of the most memorable episodes of the year. Not only did it feature the beginning of the Women's Intercontinental Title Tournament and Big E's highly emotional ejection from The New Day, but it also addressed the fallout from the Thanksgiving spectacle. Much of it revolved around The Bloodline, which headlined the Vancouver show.
Despite most members of the iconic faction (both the old and new versions) being on SmackDown, its influence extends to the flagship show. As a result of over four years' worth of storylines involving almost every main event star in the company, the effects of Roman Reigns and Co.'s actions have been felt widely. Taking a snapshot of the current main event scene, this still rings true.
Let's look at three top WWE storylines besides The Bloodline saga that are currently connected to Roman Reigns and his faction.
#3 Cody Rhodes vs. Kevin Owens for the Undisputed WWE Title revolves around both stars' relationships with Roman Reigns
During Roman Reigns' historic 1316-day run as Universal Champion, Kevin Owens and Cody Rhodes were arguably his two biggest rivals. Owens challenged Reigns more times than anyone not named Brock Lesnar, while Rhodes battled The Tribal Chief at two consecutive WrestleManias.
The duo even combined forces to take on Solo Sikoa's Bloodline, suffering multiple beatdowns at its hands. This shared suffering was the reason why The Prizefighter did not take it well when The American Nightmare teamed with Reigns at Bad Blood to take on Sikoa and Co. Owens proceeded to attack Rhodes after the Atlanta show, thus turning heel.
While the Undisputed WWE Champion had good reason to team with a perceived lesser evil, Owens' frustrations are justified by his various sufferings against The Bloodline. At the center of all this conflict? Roman Reigns.
#2 Drew McIntyre's current heel run came about due to his frustrations with Roman Reigns and The Bloodline
After a few years of treading water in WWE's main event scene, Drew McIntyre found an extra gear with his late 2023 heel turn. The Scottish Warrior was driven over the edge by his struggles against Roman Reigns and The Bloodline, refusing to accept Jey Uso's attempts at atoning for his family's wrongdoings. McIntyre resultantly set his sights on Uso and Sami Zayn before CM Punk's return.
The three-time World Champion then had arguably the best year of his career, headlined by a highly acclaimed feud with Punk and a World Heavyweight Title win at WrestleMania XL. After a short layoff, he has now returned and seems to have The Yeet Master and The Honorary Uce in his sights again.
McIntyre is arguably on the hottest run of his career, and none of it would be possible without The OTC and The Bloodline.
#1 Tensions between CM Punk and Seth Rollins have escalated due to Roman Reigns and The Bloodline
From the moment CM Punk's music hit at WWE Survivor Series 2023, it was clear from Seth Rollins' hostile reaction that they were on a collision course. The duo was reportedly set to clash at WrestleMania XL before Punk's injury sidelined him for six months and started his feud with Drew McIntyre. Hostilities have continually been teased between them, so it was only a matter of time until they locked horns.
Rollins already had enough bad blood with The Second City Saint, but the latter's decision to team up with Roman Reigns and The OG Bloodline has ignited new levels of disdain in him.
The Visionary confronted the Chicago native on RAW, and it didn't take long for them to come to blows. Jey Uso and Sami Zayn also got involved, making some wonder whether the OTC will also get physically involved soon.
Could CM Punk's infamous favor require Paul Heyman to convince the OTC to help him fight Rollins? Only time will tell.