A new strategy; battling for supremacy? - 4 Directions for The Bloodline after Roman Reigns' brutal attack on SmackDown
Roman Reigns made his highly-anticipated WWE return at SummerSlam Premium Live Event after a four-month hiatus. He attacked Solo Sikoa during the Bloodline Rules match for Cody Rhodes' Undisputed WWE Championship.
Rhodes retained the title while Sikoa sulked in the entrance area. The Head of the Table also appeared on SmackDown following SummerSlam but didn't say anything. Instead, he answered Sikoa's call to the ring.
The Bloodline and Solo Sikoa tried to overtake Reigns but instead received a brutal beatdown with steel steps from The Tribal Chief. After having to tuck their tales between their legs, what's next for the Bloodline?
The next four things could play out as Sikoa's allies try to regroup after a shocking beatdown at the hand of the Original Tribal Chief.
#4. Continue to bolster the numbers by adding Hikuleo
Hikuleo would join the new Bloodline at some point, but Jacob Fatu's injury could hasten the need for his debut. The Samoan Werewolf seemingly hurt his knee after diving onto the announce table at SummerSlam.
Roman Reigns easily dispatched Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, and Sikoa, but Solo could double down and add another big body to throw at his cousin. Fatu's presence would have likely shifted the scales in the Bloodline's favor.
His potential injury will delay that showdown. Adding yet another member would also show that Sikoa's only strategy is to get the advantage through the numbers game.
#3. Solo Sikoa runs away to re-group
The Bloodline drama has continued to dominate SmackDown so much that it nearly engulfed the Undisputed Championship once again. Rhodes luckily retained his title, depriving the faction of WWE's top prize.
Solo Sikoa has acted tough by abusing everyone he can. However, once the main target of his insults answered his challenge, Solo had to face the music. It's easy to disparage someone who isn't around to defend themselves.
After witnessing that he may have bitten off more than he could chew, Solo Sikoa could pull The Bloodline back to lick their wounds and regroup. This would show his growth as a leader and that he truly understands the gravity of the situation now that Roman Reigns is back.
#2. They call him out again and try to blindside him
If at first you don't succeed, try it again. The numbers game has worked for the new-look faction in the past, so the stubborn Sikoa might try the same thing with his cousin.
He may call him out for another confrontation or words, but then try another full-blown attack. Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa had Roman Reigns down for a few seconds, but focus on the necklace (lei) prevented the job from being completed.
Fatu could be better before another potential call-out. If he is healthy, he'll again prove he's the true X-Factor of the new-look Bloodline.
#1. Solo Sikoa challenges Roman Reigns to a match
Instead of enduring another embarrassing beatdown from one person, Sikoa may cut through the unnecessary blindside attacks and challenge Roman Reigns to a match.
A one-on-one fight was always the end game for the rivalry, but when that fight happens has always been a hot topic. Would WWE save it for a big show like the Royal Rumble or WrestleMania?
Could it headline a secondary Premium Live Event or main-event WarGames? Due to the amount of time invested in the storyline, the rivalry will need more than one match. The final fight should be a definitive Tribal Combat match. The first match has to happen at some point and may be on Sikoa's agenda after SmackDown.