Bloodline members sidelined; Roman Reigns' huge change - 3 things we learned from The OG Tribal Chief challenging Solo Sikoa to Tribal Combat
The latest episode of WWE SmackDown featured a major development in the Bloodline saga when Roman Reigns challenged Solo Sikoa to a Tribal Combat match. This was revealed during a video package featuring The OTC and Paul Heyman, which aired during the show.
In the video, Reigns expressed how everything had been taken from him and ultimately challenged Solo for the Ula Fala. Roman claimed that the family’s prestige was earned through his efforts, asserting that he alone held the true power. This now sets the stage for a high-stakes match, with The OTC seeking to reclaim the Ula Fala on the RAW Netflix premiere show, scheduled for January 6, 2024.
In this article, we will discuss three key takeaways from Reigns’ challenge to Solo on the latest SmackDown episode.
#3. It's a Tribal Combat match
The match between Reigns and Solo will not be a standard contest but will instead feature the Tribal Combat stipulation. This won’t be the first time the WWE Universe has witnessed a match under such rules.
At SummerSlam 2023, the former Undisputed WWE Universal Champion faced Jey Uso in a title bout contested under Tribal Combat rules. This stipulation will be familiar to The OTC, potentially giving him an advantage over the self-proclaimed Tribal Chief.
Normally, a Tribal Combat match means that no distractions or interruptions are allowed until the match reaches its definitive conclusion.
#2. A big change in Roman Reigns character
While challenging Solo Sikoa for the Ula Fala match, a significant change emerged in the character of The OTC. Roman Reigns declared that he was the true holder of the Ula Fala because he not only loves the power it represents but also loves his family. He explained that this was why the family leaders entrusted him with the Ula Fala, and now he is determined to reclaim it.
The character shift here is notable. Roman Reigns no longer appears driven solely by his thirst for power but also by a renewed sense of family loyalty. Previously, The OTC was consumed by power, leading to the OG Bloodline’s abandoning him.
This subtle change hints at a possible babyface turn for Reigns, showing a more complex and emotionally driven side to his character.
#1. Bloodline members will be spectators only
One of the most crucial aspects of this match is that the Bloodline members will serve as spectators only. This means that both the new Bloodline and OG Bloodline members will be sidelined from the match, with no distractions or interruptions allowed during the contest.
This stipulation adds an intriguing layer to the upcoming showdown between Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa on the RAW Netflix debut show.