A definitive answer of dominance? 4 possible stipulations for Roman Reigns vs. Solo Sikoa after warning on WWE SmackDown
Solo Sikoa made a bold statement to close out the latest episode of SmackDown. With Roman Reigns away from WWE, Sikoa claimed that he is the new Tribal Chief of the Bloodline.
His actions since WrestleMania 40 have only backed up that statement. From kicking out one member (Jimmy Uso) to adding his own allies (Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, Jacob Fatu), Sikoa has rebuilt the faction in his image.
Two of the biggest statements have been made over the last two weeks on SmackDown. The first was brutally assaulting a non-competitor like The Wiseman, Paul Heyman, after he refused to acknowledge Sikoa.
The second was a pre-taped declaration that he was the new Tribal Chief. When Roman Reigns returns to defend his spot and those that Sikoa has tossed aside, the two could square off with any of the next four stipulations attached to the match.
#4. Roman Reigns faces Solo Sikoa in regular singles action
If a feud is supposed to extend beyond one premium live event, then the first contest is usually a straight-up one-on-one bout.
This happened in the first meeting between Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes. It later led to a "Bloodline Rules" match this year, which was a "No DQ" match. A standard match usually sets the stage for the next meeting.
The heel may lose clean or via roll-up and brutally attack the face after the victory. Outside interference could also extend to another showdown. Due to the heated nature of this feud without Reigns even being present, the stakes should be immediately raised.
#3. An "I Quit" Match forces the loser to verbalize submission
The Tribal Chief has faced off against family in an "I Quit" contest. Jey Uso squared off with Roman Reigns in such a match in the early stages of the group's creation.
Forcing an opponent to quit can be achieved in many ways. The obvious way is to inflict so much damage that the rival refuses to continue. This recently happened between Rhodes and AJ Styles at Clash at the Castle. Styles didn't want to suffer any more damage and uttered the phrase.
The second would be to threaten an innocent ally of one's opponent. Finn Balor did so against Edge when threatening Beth Phoenix. Winning in such a match would also allow the winner to say he or she forced the opponent to submit verbally.
#2. Hell in a Cell often settles the score
Roman Reigns isn't a stranger to Hell in a Cell matches. He's faced several opponents inside the sadistic structure, including Jey Uso, Rey Mysterio, and Braun Strowman.
A Hell in a Cell match has traditionally been the end of ongoing feuds. Due to the emotional and personal nature of the Bloodline saga, it would make a lot of sense to settle the drama inside a huge cage.
The structure is supposed to keep other people out, but the lock can be broken and the door can be opened. With so many other performers involved, it would be a way to present the showdown as a one-on-one affair.
#1. The Bloodline's fate should be decided in Tribal Combat
After a few years of tension, Jey Uso challenged Roman Reigns to Tribal Combat at last year's SummerSlam. The match was billed as one where anything was allowed, but others were not allowed to interfere until after a decision.
Despite the latter caveat, both Solo and Jimmy Uso interfered on Roman's behalf. Since most of the Bloodline story has been based around Samoan culture and family, the best way to decide the future of the group would be in Tribal Combat.
It's a match specifically for members of the Bloodline and when leadership has been challenged by an unhappy member.