Roman Reigns’ return to SmackDown delivers the perfect mix of satisfaction and suspense

For months, chants of “We Want Roman” filled arenas around the world as Roman Reigns took a hiatus from WWE after WrestleMania XL. Last Saturday at Summer Slamfans got what they wanted when Reigns returned and unleashed hell on the man who tried to steal his dynasty, Solo Sikoa.

So, to say that the anticipation of Reigns’ return to Smack down This last Friday was at its peak would be an understatement.

And when the time came, the original tribal leader did not disappoint.

Reigns closed the show in style, responding to Sikoa’s challenge to retrieve the Ula Fala, the sacred Samoan necklace tied to his power as a tribal leader. As thunderous drumbeats signaled his arrival, fans at the BOK Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, rose to their feet and raised theirs to the sky to welcome Reigns back.

With chants of “Roman” and “OTC” as the soundtrack, Reigns unloaded a series of Superman punches on Sikoa and his team, with the exception of Jacob Fatu. Amidst the chaos, Sikoa escaped with the Ula Fala.

But Reigns stood his ground. He punctuated the beatdown by punching Tama Tonga through a ringside barricade. And as was the case at Summer SlamReigns’ familiar roar before his spear was drowned out by the crowd echoing his primal “OOH-AAH.”

Aside from seeing him get his Ula Fala back, the audience got pretty much everything they wanted from Reigns’ return. But WWE has to be commended for managing to leave fans wanting more while still maintaining the suspense in The Bloodline saga.

Despite his two appearances, Reigns has yet to speak to the WWE Universe. So far, Reigns has let his actions speak for him. He defeated The Bloodline and, at Summer Slamhe looked at Cody Rhodes. Although he was caught saying that it was only a matter of time before he came for the undisputed WWE title, Reigns has yet to deliver a proper monologue declaring his intentions.

Paul Heyman, Reigns’ wise guy, is noticeably absent during his brief return. The WWE Hall of Famer was last seen heading to the hospital after being destroyed by Sikoa and his Bloodline in late June. While it’s disconcerting to see Reigns without the Undisputed Title, seeing him without Heyman is also unsettling, as the two have been inseparable for the past four years.

Regarding the undisputed WWE Championship, champion Cody Rhodes named his next challenger on this edition of Smack down.

After hinting at a third match with Reigns, The American Nightmare instead challenged Kevin Owens to a title match at Party in Berlin On August 31, Owens initially declined, saying that he had not earned his title match. But when SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis suggested giving the match to Reigns, Owens retorted that Reigns did not deserve it. Owens’ intensity proved that he was a worthy contender, leading him to accept Rhodes’ challenge.

The question now is how Reigns will react to this. Despite being the longest reigning world champion in WWE over the past 35 years, Reigns was passed over in favor of Owens, who Rhodes wanted to honor because of their friendship and KO’s loyalty.

Of course, the question of whether Sikoa still holds the Ula Fala and proclaims himself Chief of the tribe remains officially unresolved. And what will happen when Reigns comes face to face with Sikoa’s deadly henchman, Jacob Fatu?

Despite everything fans got on Friday, there’s still a lot to unwrap as Roman Reigns’ return quickly becomes the gift that keeps on giving. Luckily, the next round of gifts is just days away as Reigns returns to Smack down live next Friday in Florida.