Heartbreaking Roman Reigns inference, Solo Sikoa a lamb to the slaughter - 5 things The Bloodline subtly told us on WWE SmackDown
The Bloodline saga entered its next phase on WWE SmackDown as Roman Reigns laid waste to Solo Sikoa's henchmen - Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa this week. This was The Original Tribal Chief's first appearance on the blue brand since March 22.
The crowd was red-hot for The OTC. Sikoa had fear in his eyes, and Bloodline 2.0, in the absence of Jacob Fatu, was no match for the former Undisputed WWE Universal Champion. However, these were the obvious takeaways from the well-received segment.
Here, we delve into the subtleties of the closing segment of SmackDown, with specific emphasis on The Bloodline.
#5. Roman Reigns was initially hesitant on the stage
When The OTC emerged on the stage, he took his time to collect himself and stare down Bloodline 2.0. It is worth noting that Roman Reigns didn't stop to pose as the fireworks went off in the background and the crowd screamed at the top of their lungs.
This may be due to character confusion. For nearly four years, the 39-year-old top SmackDown star was a monster villain who seldom played by the book. If Kevin Owens' tirade backstage was any indication, Reigns isn't beloved in the locker room either.
However, the live crowd's positive reaction and the deafening "OTC" chants may have convinced the Leader of The Roman Empire that he is indeed a babyface now, with the unwavering support of the WWE Universe.
#4. Tama Tonga could betray Solo Sikoa
Throughout its history, The Bloodline has undergone many transformations. The Usos have been in and out of the group, as has Paul Heyman. This was primarily before Solo Sikoa proclaimed himself The Tribal Chief.
Therefore, betrayals are commonplace within the tumultuous Anoa'i family, with Sikoa's hostile takeover being the latest instance of treachery. However, it seems as if the former NXT North American Champion may receive a taste of his own medicine of betrayal.
Tama Tonga was caught staring at the Ula Fala, reminiscent of how Sikoa did the same with Roman Reigns last year and Randy Orton with Cody Rhodes' WWE Championship.
Tonga may want the necklace for himself. If his loyalty is put to the test, he may turn his back on Sikoa, making The Street Champ a sacrificial lamb as he eyes a spot at The Head of The Table.
#3. Jimmy Uso was right about the corruption of the status of the Tribal Chief
At SummerSlam 2023, Jimmy Uso let down the entire WWE Universe when he betrayed his twin brother, Jey, in the main event and prevented his closest kin from becoming Tribal Chief.
As justification for his actions, Jimmy warned Jey that becoming The Tribal Chief would corrupt him, as the status corrupted Roman Reigns. Reigns had become obsessed and ruthless as The Head of The Table, demanding and forcing everyone to acknowledge him.
We received another taste of the same as Solo Sikoa demanded acknowledgment from the fans. First, Roman Reigns did it during the height of his run, and now Sikoa is following suit.
Therefore, there may be some truth to Jimmy Uso's concerns. The privileges of becoming Tribal Chief and Head of The Table could take a toll on the individual's soul.
#2. Roman Reigns still considers himself The Tribal Chief
Solo Sikoa has the Ula Fala and the support of The Anoa'i family in the form of Haku's sons and Jacob Fatu. Therefore, he has reason to believe that he is The Tribal Chief.
On SmackDown, Sikoa proclaimed (to Roman Reigns):
"If you call yourself Tribal Chief, and you want these (the Ula Fala) back, then come and get it from me."
Upon this challenge, The OTC immediately showed up, much to the delight of the WWE Universe, showing everyone that he still considers himself The Tribal Chief, despite his recent failures.
#1. The OTC wants The Ula Fala more than anything
Cody Rhodes was understandably taken aback when the returning Roman Reigns took down Solo Sikoa and helped Rhodes retain the Undisputed WWE Championship at SummerSlam.
Rhodes had ended Reigns' historic reign as champion, but The OTC decided to put his championship pursuits on hold only to seek revenge on Sikoa and regain the Ula Fala.
The OTC tried to pick up the necklace on Friday and was continuously eyeing it while it was in Sikoa's hands. It possibly means more to him now as his father, Sika Anoa'i, passed away during his hiatus following WrestleMania.
The Wild Samoans had enshrined Roman Reigns at Hell in a Cell 2020, acknowledging him as The Tribal Chief. That was a symbol of acknowledgment of his excellence. With his father gone, he surely wants to regain the Ula Fala to restore and commemorate its glory.