RETURN OF THE OG! ROMAN REIGNS RETURNS WITH MONSTROUS BLOODLINE ALLIES ON SMACKDOWN
The wrestling world was set ablaze on the July 11, 2025, episode of Friday Night SmackDown, as Roman Reigns, the Original Tribal Chief, made his long-awaited return to WWE television. After being absent since a brutal attack by Seth Rollins, Bron Breakker, and Bronson Reed following WrestleMania 41, Reigns stormed back into the spotlight with a vengeance, accompanied by a reformed and reinvigorated Bloodline. The PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, erupted as the iconic theme music hit, signaling the return of one of WWE’s biggest stars. This wasn’t just a comeback; it was a statement that the Tribal Chief is ready to reclaim his throne and dominate the road to SummerSlam 2025.
Reigns’ hiatus began after a shocking betrayal at WrestleMania 41, where his former advocate, Paul Heyman, aligned with Rollins, Breakker, and Reed, leaving Reigns vulnerable to a vicious assault. The attack wrote him off television, sparking months of speculation about when and how the former Undisputed WWE Universal Champion would return. Fans had been buzzing with anticipation, fueled by teases from WWE programming and social media hints from personalities like Rikishi, who suggested a Bloodline reunion was imminent. The July 11 SmackDown delivered on those expectations, as Reigns didn’t return alone—he brought with him a monstrous alliance that could reshape the WWE landscape.
The episode was already charged with high-stakes moments, including a tag team match featuring Jimmy Uso and LA Knight against United States Champion Solo Sikoa and JC Mateo. The match showcased the ongoing power struggle within the Bloodline, with Sikoa’s new faction asserting dominance. However, the post-match chaos stole the show. As Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed ambushed LA Knight, the arena darkened, and Reigns’ music hit, sending the crowd into a frenzy. Emerging with Jimmy Uso, Jey Uso, and a surprising new ally in the form of a returning Sami Zayn, Reigns led the charge to clear the ring, reasserting the OG Bloodline’s authority. The reunion of the original Bloodline members, combined with Zayn’s unexpected inclusion, marked a pivotal shift, hinting at a new chapter for the faction.
This return wasn’t just about nostalgia; it was a calculated move to counter the growing threats on SmackDown. Solo Sikoa’s new Bloodline, backed by Tonga Loa, Talla Tonga, and JC Mateo, has been a dominant force, with Sikoa holding the United States Championship. Meanwhile, Seth Rollins’ faction, including Breakker and Reed, has been wreaking havoc across both RAW and SmackDown. Reigns’ reappearance, flanked by his loyal allies, sets the stage for a blockbuster collision at SummerSlam 2025, which will be the first two-night event in the show’s history. Reports suggest WWE is planning a major match for Reigns, potentially against Rollins or even a returning megastar like The Rock, who has been rumored to resurface as “OTC2” to challenge Reigns for Bloodline supremacy.
The inclusion of Sami Zayn in the Bloodline is a particularly intriguing development. Zayn, who was once an honorary member of the faction, has a complex history with Reigns, marked by both loyalty and betrayal. His return to the fold suggests a redemption arc, possibly driven by a shared enemy in Rollins’ crew. Jey Uso’s presence also adds emotional depth, as his reconciliation with Reigns was highlighted by a heartfelt moment on a previous SmackDown, where Reigns uttered “Yeet” to a thunderous crowd reaction. This reunion signals that the OG Bloodline is ready to move past internal conflicts and focus on reclaiming their dominance.
WWE’s creative team, led by Triple H, has been building anticipation for Reigns’ return, with reports indicating a new moniker, “Tribal Chief One” or “OTC1,” to differentiate him from Sikoa’s self-proclaimed leadership. This subtle tweak underscores Reigns’ claim as the true head of the table, setting up a potential civil war within the Bloodline. The return also aligns with WWE’s strategy to stack SummerSlam with star power, especially after a creative slump in 2025 compared to previous years. Reigns’ presence, combined with his monstrous allies, promises to elevate the storyline, drawing parallels to his legendary 1,316-day reign as champion that elevated stars like Cody Rhodes and Jey Uso.
As SmackDown ended, the image of Reigns standing tall with Jimmy, Jey, and Zayn sent a clear message: the Original Tribal Chief is back, and he’s not alone. With SummerSlam looming, the WWE Universe is braced for an explosive showdown that could redefine the company’s hierarchy. Whether it’s a clash with Sikoa’s faction, a revenge match against Rollins, or a dream encounter with The Rock, Reigns’ return has reignited excitement, proving that the Bloodline saga remains the heart of WWE’s storytelling. The road to SummerSlam just got a lot more intense, and the Tribal Chief is ready to lead his family to war.
