A declaration of intent; acknowledge the champ - 4 things Roman Reigns must do on his return to WWE SmackDown this week

The WWE Universe got its wish once Roman Reigns returned to action at SummerSlam. The former Undisputed WWE Champion attacked Solo Sikoa as he hit the ring.

His actions helped Cody Rhodes retain the Undisputed Title. Reigns' return to SmackDown was announced during the post-SummerSlam episode of RAW. Solo Sikoa has been in control of the Bloodline since WrestleMania.

After several challenges were sent to Roman Reigns, he answered in Cleveland. When he returns to SmackDown this week, The Head of The Table must do the following four things.

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#4. Roman Reigns must bring back Paul Heyman

With a huge return next in store for SmackDown, Reigns has a lot he must do. One thing he needs to do is confront the new Bloodline. The group looks completely different from how he left it at WrestleMania 40.

Jimmy Uso was kicked out for losing at the same show. A few weeks later, Paul Heyman was assaulted for refusing to acknowledge Sikoa as the new Tribal Chief.

Heyman was as integral to the success of the Bloodline as Roman Reigns. The act would not have transitioned so smoothly without his work. The Wiseman was a necessary part of the group whom Sikoa completely ignored.

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#3. Refuse to acknowledge Solo Sikoa as Tribal Chief

Roman Reigns probably won't be acknowledging Solo Sikoa any time soon. [Image Credit: WWE.com]

The main source of debate once Solo asserted his control over the Bloodline was who was truly in charge following WrestleMania 40. Sikoa felt it was his time after The Head of the Table and Jimmy Uso lost their respective matches at the show.

He claimed to be taking orders from Reigns for a few months. After adding his new members, Sikoa started referring to himself as the new Tribal Chief. Heyman refused to acknowledge Solo, so he was put through the announce table.

Much of the feud is based around a simple phrase. Saying it one way keeps someone safe. Refusing to say the words leads to violence. Roman Reigns must not acknowledge Solo Sikoa as the new Tribal Chief, especially since the attack at SummerSlam.

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#2. Acknowledge Cody Rhodes as a deserving champion

Cody Rhodes did what no one could do after nearly 1,500 days - beat Roman Reigns and win the Undisputed WWE Championship. He's battled the Bloodline for a year and a half and hasn't backed down.

As Reigns left WWE after his big loss this April, Rhodes has continued fighting against the new version of the group. As Solo has tried to follow in his cousin's footsteps, Cody has consistently refused to refer to Sikoa as the Tribal Chief.

That act alone shows respect for Roman Reigns and his accomplishments. The Head of the Table must acknowledge The American Nightmare for dethroning him and continuing to respect him as Tribal Chief in his absence.

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#1. Clearly state his intentions

Reigns' actions in Cleveland spoke for themselves. Solo Sikoa dared his cousin to return and try to reclaim the mantle of Tribal Chief. While no words were uttered, a Superman Punch and a Spear spoke volumes enough.

Now that he's returning to SmackDown, Roman Reigns must declare his intentions. What's more important to him now - revenge on Solo or regaining the title?

Since Sikoa has stacked the new Bloodline with stars loyal to him, Reigns won't be able to focus on both simultaneously. He'll have to fend off Tama Tonga and Jacob Fatu and possibly ally with his biggest rival of the last two years. Fighting two wars at the same time is an excellent way to lose both.

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