Delaying Roman Reigns’ return could be best for WWE’s business

Since Roman Reigns stepped away and Solo Sikoa declared himself The Tribal Chief of The Bloodline, fans have anticipated a confrontation between them at SummerSlam. When Sikoa was named challenger for Cody Rhodes and his Undisputed WWE Championship at WWE’s signature summer classic, speculation arose that Reigns might return to cost Sikoa the match and title.

However, with reports stating that The Rock finished filming his latest Hollywood flick, there is now a possibility that he, not Reigns, could pop up at SummerSlam. If The Rock returns, the timing of Reigns’ comeback becomes uncertain. While that may not sit well with residents on the Island of Relevancy, the delayed gratification of Reigns’ return could lead to compelling storylines and significant business for WWE in the future.

After Cody Rhodes defeated Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania XL, WWE began grooming Solo Sikoa for a monumental moment at SummerSlam. With Reigns adrift in the Ocean of Obscurity, Sikoa assumed control of the Samoan Dynasty. Since April, he has formed a new Bloodline, ousted Jimmy Uso and Paul Heyman, and become the number one contender for WWE’s top prize.

As he prepares to face Rhodes at SummerSlam, Sikoa has also beefed up his taunts toward Roman Reigns. Last Friday on SmackDown, Sikoa said that if Reigns has a problem with what he’s doing, Reigns knows where to find him. All of this is classic wrestling storytelling, leading many to believe that an altercation between Reigns and Sikoa will happen at WWE’s biggest party of the summer.

While that’s possible, it’s worth noting that WWE, under Reigns’ influence, favors slow-burn storytelling over quick resolutions. Although the ongoing Bloodline saga seems ready to serve, extending the storyline could benefit WWE creatively and commercially.

First, there’s the rise of Solo Sikoa. In under six months, he’s gone from a brooding enforcer to a legitimate headliner. If Reigns returns to ruin his title ambitions at SummerSlam, it could undermine Sikoa’s momentum and make him seem inferior to Reigns.

However, winning the Undisputed Championship at SummerSlam, especially with help from The Rock, would elevate Sikoa’s status as a villain and add credibility to his character. Victories over challengers like Randy Orton and Kevin Owens would further enhance his appeal, making a future match against Reigns more compelling and its outcome less predictable. Additionally, a title run for Sikoa, regardless of length, would cement him as a top attraction moving forward.

With Sikoa and The Bloodline running roughshod on SmackDown, potentially aided by TKO Board member Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Reigns’ return could be delayed until Survivor Series. There, he could team up with Cody Rhodes and his original Bloodline mates, Jimmy and Jey Uso and Sami Zayn. If reports are true that the new Intuit Dome in Los Angeles will host the Survivor Series, a War Games match between these sides could guarantee a sell-out and an unprecedented Hollywood media blitz.

After the Survivor Series, WWE programming would be in an excellent position. Fans would be eager to hear Roman Reigns’ thoughts on everything that’s happened during his absence and to see his interactions with Rhodes, the Usos (especially Jey), and Zayn. Yet, the most intriguing aspect would be the buildup to a match between Reigns and Sikoa, which could headline the Royal Rumble in 2025 or mark the start of Monday Night Raw’s new era on Netflix beginning in January.

On top of that, there would likely be unresolved business between The Rock and Cody Rhodes, should Rock play a role in Rhodes’ defeat at SummerSlam. Although many expected their rivalry to center on the Undisputed WWE Championship, it could instead culminate in a classic grudge match and serve as the impetus for a clash between Reigns and The Rock at next year’s WrestleMania.

Regarding Rhodes, the question for WWE becomes which way to go with the American Nightmare after a successful run as WWE Champion. One possibility is a highly anticipated match with Randy Orton, potentially at WrestleMania, which could be initiated at the Royal Rumble. Orton eliminating his former protégé during the every-man-for-himself battle royal would reflect his promise to Rhodes, which was to watch Rhodes’ back while he was champion. But without the title, all bets are off.

Down the line, these developments could pave the way for a proven money-maker in sports and entertainment: the trilogy rematch between Reigns and Rhodes at WrestleMania in 2026.

But in the present, fans are eager to see Reigns return and punish Sikoa for his betrayal, with SummerSlam as the anticipated stage. While an immediate payoff might satisfy in the short term, allowing Reigns’ comeback to simmer in WWE’s creative oven will ultimately produce a rich, unforgettable feast, the hallmark of Chef Roman’s wrestling menu.