THE RETURN OF THE OTC! ROMAN REIGNS MAKES SHOCKING RETURN DURING WWE RAW
The wrestling world was set ablaze on the July 14, 2025, episode of WWE Monday Night Raw, as Roman Reigns, the self-proclaimed Original Tribal Chief (OTC), made a thunderous return to WWE television. The Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama, erupted as Reigns’ iconic entrance music hit, signaling the comeback of one of the most dominant figures in professional wrestling. This marked his first appearance since the Raw following WrestleMania 41, where he was brutally ambushed by Bron Breakker and Seth Rollins, following a shocking betrayal by his long-time ally, Paul Heyman. Reigns’ return was not just a moment of nostalgia but a bold statement, setting the stage for a dramatic buildup to SummerSlam 2025.
The night was already electric, with the fallout from WWE Evolution and a high-stakes Gauntlet match to determine the number one contender for Gunther’s World Heavyweight Championship. CM Punk emerged victorious, securing his title shot against The Ring General at SummerSlam. However, the celebration was short-lived as Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed, aligned with Heyman and Rollins, launched a vicious post-match assault on Punk and Jey Uso. As Reed prepared to deliver a devastating double Tsunami splash, the arena darkened, and Reigns’ music reverberated through the crowd. The former Undisputed WWE Universal Champion stormed the ring, unleashing a barrage of Superman Punches and Spears that left Breakker and Reed reeling. Standing tall alongside Punk and his cousin Jey Uso, Reigns sent a clear message: the OTC is back, and he’s out for retribution.
Reigns’ return was a masterstroke by WWE, capitalizing on the absence of Seth Rollins, who suffered a legitimate knee injury at Saturday Night’s Main Event. With Rollins’ status for SummerSlam uncertain, Reigns’ reappearance adds a significant layer of intrigue to the championship picture. His actions on Raw were a direct response to the events of WrestleMania 41, where Heyman’s betrayal cost him dearly in a triple-threat match against Rollins and Punk. Heyman, visibly stunned at ringside, watched as his former protege dismantled his new allies, hinting at a brewing feud that could reshape the WWE landscape. Social media posts from Reigns post-show amplified the anticipation, with the star ominously tweeting, “More receipts to come! Good to be back. #WWERaw,” suggesting his quest for vengeance is far from over.
The WWE Universe has been buzzing with speculation about what’s next for the Tribal Chief. Many anticipate a blockbuster tag team match at SummerSlam, pitting Reigns and Jey Uso against Breakker and Reed. This potential matchup has been fueled by comments from WWE analyst Sam Roberts on his Notsam Wrestling podcast, where he predicted a high-profile clash at the two-night event on August 2 and 3 at MetLife Stadium. Alternatively, some insiders suggest a singles match between Reigns and Breakker could be in the works, given their personal history stemming from the post-WrestleMania attack. The introduction of a new Tribal Chief Title on WWE Shop, reportedly planned since last December, further underscores WWE’s commitment to elevating Reigns’ return to monumental heights.
The emotional weight of Reigns’ comeback was palpable. Fans in Birmingham chanted “Roman, Roman Reigns!” as he stood in the ring, a testament to his enduring popularity despite his controversial past as a heel. His handshake with Jey Uso signaled a potential reconciliation within the Anoaʻi family, while his tense stare with CM Punk hinted at unresolved issues from their WrestleMania encounter. This dynamic sets up a compelling narrative, with Reigns navigating alliances and rivalries in a post-Bloodline era. Rikishi, a WWE Hall of Famer and Reigns’ father, expressed his excitement on social media, urging fans to “acknowledge” the OTC, further amplifying the family’s pride in his return.
WWE’s decision to bring back Reigns ahead of SummerSlam demonstrates Triple H’s visionary storytelling. The timing, just weeks before one of WWE’s biggest events, maximizes the impact of Reigns’ presence and sets the stage for a dramatic showdown. The introduction of new merchandise, including a custom title belt celebrating the OTC, reflects WWE’s confidence in Reigns as a marquee attraction. While some, like former WWE writer Vince Russo, expressed skepticism about the long-term direction of Reigns’ storyline, the overwhelming fan reaction suggests that the Tribal Chief’s return has reinvigorated the WWE Universe.
As SummerSlam approaches, all eyes are on Roman Reigns. His return has not only shifted the momentum on Raw but also raised the stakes for what promises to be a historic event. Whether he’s seeking revenge against Heyman’s new faction, forging new alliances, or reclaiming his throne, the OTC’s presence guarantees that the road to SummerSlam will be paved with chaos, drama, and unforgettable moments. The Tribal Chief is back, and the WWE Universe is ready to acknowledge him once again.
