Solo Sikoa, Triple H's protege & more - 4 potential opponents for Roman Reigns at WWE SummerSlam 2024
Roman Reigns has not been seen in WWE for over 70 days. The Tribal Chief has taken a hiatus after spearheading an incredibly successful WrestleMania season, one thoroughly earned via an iconic 1,316-day world title reign. The landscape of the company, not to mention his Bloodline, has changed considerably in his absence, making fans yearn for his return.
The changing landscape of the Stamford-based promotion has also brought up the question of how Reigns will fit in when he eventually returns. Whether he continues as a heel or turns babyface, The Head of the Table will not be short of opponents. With SummerSlam, traditionally WWE's second-biggest PLE, just weeks away, his first opponent since 'Mania could be revealed soon.
If he returns, here are four potential opponents for him at The Biggest Party of The Summer.
#4. Roman Reigns could have a long-awaited WWE SummerSlam singles rematch with Randy Orton
![The duo's only singles match took place at SummerSlam 2014 [Image from WWE.com]](https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/06/14dcd-17189622328581-1920.jpg?w=500)
Despite both being top stars on WWE's main roster for an overlapping 12 years, Roman Reigns and Randy Orton have only ever had one singles match. This clash came at SummerSlam 2014, with The Big Dog emerging victorious in a 16-minute masterclass in smoothness and fluidity. It was Reigns' first big singles PLE match after The Shield's implosion, and it helped establish him as a headliner.
Fast forward a decade to SummerSlam 2024, and the dynamic between the duo has significantly changed. The Viper, then a heel main eventer in his prime, is a beloved legend while The Tribal Chief has gone from fresh babyface to seasoned marquee villain. Seeing these versions of the two icons clash after 10 years would be incredibly appealing to the audience, especially if Reigns returns as a heel.
#3. Roman Reigns could be Jacob Fatu's first WWE opponent at SummerSlam
The Bloodline is currently in a state of flux on WWE SmackDown as Solo Sikoa reshapes it to his liking. In the two months since WrestleMania XL, Roman Reigns and The Rock have taken hiatus, Jimmy Uso has been kicked out and Sikoa has brought in Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa. The changes are seemingly far from done, with Jacob Fatu reportedly signed and NJPW's Hikuleo rumored to join.
Fatu, in particular, is an addition that has got the audience extremely excited due to his stellar work in MLW. The Samoan Werewolf is touted by many as the most talented member of the family and could debut at the very top: as a main eventer. Who better to introduce him to the WWE Universe than Roman Reigns, who has elevated multiple superstars over the past four years?
Win or lose, facing Reigns on a stage like SummerSlam in his first match would be a great way to introduce the 32-year-old as a force to be reckoned with.
#2. Roman Reigns could settle unfinished business with Seth Rollins at WWE SummerSlam 2024
Seth Rollins is arguably Roman Reigns' biggest career rival in WWE. The Visionary shares a long history with The Tribal Chief, dating back to his betrayal of The Shield to ally with Triple H. They faced off in tag team action on WrestleMania Saturday this year, with Reigns' inability to let go of his grudge against Rollins at a crucial moment costing him the title against Cody Rhodes the next night.
The Visionary is now back and challenging Damian Priest for the World Heavyweight Title at Money in the Bank. The timing of his return is head-scratching considering that if he wins in Toronto, he will most likely lose the title to Gunther at SummerSlam just a month later. This has led some to believe that another superstar may cost him at MITB, setting up a clash in Cleveland.
Rollins has no shortage of rivals, having had major conflicts with not only Reigns but also The Rock and CM Punk in just 2024. Given that The Great One is currently filming and Punk has his hands full with Drew McIntyre, The Tribal Chief is the most obvious candidate. Setting up a SummerSlam bout would give the Bloodline leader a chance to finally get a big singles win over his nemesis.
#1. Solo Sikoa is Roman Reigns' most likely WWE SummerSlam 2024 opponent
Nobody in WWE has taken advantage of Roman Reigns' post-WrestleMania absence like Solo Sikoa. With The Bloodline's two biggest stars gone, The Street Champ has stepped into the void, enforcing his own vision for the family. By kicking out Jimmy Uso and enlisting the ferocious brotherly duo of Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa, Sikoa has mutated the faction into a more ruthless version.
This has made the audience yearn for The Tribal Chief's return, with "We Want Roman!" chants ringing louder by the week. Calls have been made for The Head of the Table to return as a babyface, put a stop to his former enforcer's brutal methods, and save Paul Heyman from the latter's grip.
SummerSlam looks like the likeliest stage for this monumental match, so one can only wait and see if and how it will be executed.