WWE analyst explains major reasons why Roman Reigns returned without Paul Heyman
Former Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns made his shocking return to television at SummerSlam 2024. While fans anticipated a reunion with Paul Heyman, Roman appeared solo. Recently, WWE analyst Sam Roberts offered a potential explanation for the Original Tribal Chief's return without the legendary manager.
On the June 28, 2024, edition of SmackDown, Heyman refused to acknowledge Solo Sikoa as his Tribal Chief. The WWE Hall of Famer was brutally attacked by Solo's Bloodline and was written off television.
Later, in August 2024, Reigns returned to TV at The Biggest Party of The Summer during the Bloodline Rules Match between Cody Rhodes and Solo Sikoa. Weeks have passed, and the storyline has evolved to a point where The OTC and The American Nightmare have joined forces for a tag team match against The Bloodline's Fatu and Sikoa at the upcoming Bad Blood Premium Live Event on October 5, 2024.
In a recent episode of his Notsam Wrestling EMERGENCY podcast, Sam Roberts explained that Roman Reigns returned without his Wiseman so that WWE could primarily showcase his vulnerability.
According to the analyst, Paul Heyman's absence allowed for a fresh narrative, with The OTC forced to face the challenges on his own. Additionally, Roberts suggested that the 59-year-old legend's return would hinder this storyline, making it an undesirable option for the time being.
"Well, number one, it was because we needed to showcase Roman as being vulnerable for the first time. For the first time in four years, Roman Reigns was completely on his own, and secondly, because part of the battle that Roman is fighting right now is that, You [Solo Sikoa] took The Wiseman away from me!''' he said.
Roberts added:
"That's why Roman doesn't have the mic put into his hand exactly the way he wants it. That's why Roman looks to his left as he's getting in the ring and realizes there is nobody there with him. And if Paul Heyman returns with Roman Reigns, that's a story element we can't use." [From 06:33 to 07:09]
Check out the full episode below:
Roman Reigns makes a promise to Cody Rhodes on WWE SmackDown
On the September 20, 2024, installment of WWE SmackDown, the two long-time rivals came face-to-face on the football field at Georgia Tech University.
Roman Reigns addressed his conflict with Solo Sikoa, who had taken away his Bloodline family, including Jimmy Uso and Paul Heyman. The American Nightmare pointed out that the 39-year-old star could no longer claim the Undisputed WWE Universal Title as ''his!''
Cody Rhodes asked the Original Tribal Chief to have his back at Bad Blood, and the latter agreed. Reigns, however, claimed that once he was done with The Bloodline business, he would ultimately be aiming for the championship.
It will be interesting to see how the dynamics between the two evolve in the coming weeks.
Please credit Notsam Wrestling and give a H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for the transcription.