# Dean Ambrose and Roman Reigns Shock WWE Universe with Shield Gear Return on SmackDown Live
In a moment that sent shockwaves through the WWE Universe, Dean Ambrose and Roman Reigns made a jaw-dropping return to SmackDown Live, donning their iconic Shield gear and reigniting the legacy of one of wrestling’s most dominant factions. The surprise appearance, which saw Seth Rollins symbolically “voted out” of the group, has sparked intense speculation about the future of The Shield and its impact on WWE’s landscape as WrestleMania 42 looms on the horizon.
The May 30, 2025, episode of SmackDown Live opened with Seth Rollins addressing the crowd, reflecting on his storied history with The Shield and his ongoing rivalries with Roman Reigns and CM Punk. As Rollins hyped his upcoming matches, the arena darkened, and the unmistakable sound of The Shield’s iconic theme music blared through the speakers. The crowd erupted as Roman Reigns emerged, followed by a figure fans hadn’t seen in WWE in years—Dean Ambrose, now known as Jon Moxley in AEW. The duo stormed the ring in their signature black tactical vests, a nostalgic nod to The Shield’s dominant run from 2012 to 2014.
Ambrose, who left WWE in 2019 to join AEW, had been the subject of rampant speculation about a potential return, especially after Seth Rollins repeatedly referenced him in promos leading up to WrestleMania 41. His appearance alongside Reigns, however, was an unprecedented twist, especially given his AEW contract, reportedly extending to 2027. The WWE Universe was left in disbelief as Ambrose and Reigns stood united, glaring at a stunned Rollins.
The segment took a dramatic turn when Reigns grabbed the microphone and declared that The Shield was “moving forward” without Rollins, accusing him of betraying the group’s legacy one too many times. Referencing Rollins’ infamous 2014 betrayal, when he attacked Ambrose and Reigns with a steel chair to join The Authority, Reigns announced that Rollins was “voted out” of The Shield. The crowd roared as Ambrose and Reigns cornered Rollins, forcing him to retreat through the audience.[
This shocking reunion has sparked debates about its implications. Some fans speculate that Ambrose’s return could be a one-off, facilitated by a special agreement with AEW, while others believe it signals a longer-term deal, potentially leading to a full Shield reunion or a blockbuster feud. The absence of any mention of Ambrose’s AEW persona, Jon Moxley, on WWE programming suggests careful navigation to respect his current commitments.
The WWE Universe is buzzing with questions: Will Ambrose stay beyond this appearance? Could this lead to a reformed Shield facing new challengers, or will Rollins seek revenge, reigniting his rivalry with Reigns? With WrestleMania 42 approaching, Triple H’s creative direction seems poised to capitalize on The Shield’s legacy, possibly introducing a “Shield 2.0” or setting the stage for a high-stakes triple-threat match.
As SmackDown Live concluded, Ambrose and Reigns stood tall, their fists raised in the iconic Shield pose, leaving fans chanting for more. The return of The Shield’s gear and the ousting of Rollins have set WWE on a collision course for chaos, promising an unforgettable chapter in the faction’s storied history.
