In a move that sent ripples through the WWE Universe, former Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns made his highly anticipated return to WWE Raw on July 14, 2025. The comeback, following several months of absence, immediately injected a new layer of intrigue into the red brand’s ongoing storylines, particularly given Reigns’ recent foray into Hollywood.
Reigns’ hiatus from WWE programming was largely attributed to his burgeoning acting career. He was recently cast as Akuma in the live-action Street Fighter movie, slated for a 2026 release. This star-studded adaptation features Jason Momoa as Blanka, Andrew Koji as Ryu, Noah Centineo as Ken, Callina Liang as Chun-Li, and fellow wrestlers Hirooki Goto as E.Honda and Cody Rhodes as Guile. Additionally, Reigns is set to appear in Prime Video’s The Pickup, releasing in August, alongside Keke Palmer, Pete Davidson, Eddie Murphy, and Eva Longoria. (Source: Vice)
Reports suggest that Reigns’ return was a strategic decision by WWE, described as a “break glass in case of emergency” scenario. This urgency stems from an injury to Seth Rollins, which could keep him out of action for the foreseeable future. While WWE has not provided an official update on Rollins’ status, his manager, Paul Heyman, noted on Raw that Rollins has until next June to cash in his Money in the Bank briefcase. Rollins’ last appearance was at WrestleMania 41 in April, where he competed in a triple threat match against Reigns and CM Punk. (Source: Vice)
The “Tribal Chief’s” return on Raw saw him intervene in a critical moment. CM Punk, who had just won a #1 Contender’s Gauntlet against prominent Raw stars like LA Knight, Penta, and Jey Uso, found himself cornered and attacked by Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed. Reigns emerged to even the odds, aiding Punk in a surprising turn of events. This unexpected alliance, despite their past one-time team-up at Survivor Series, hints at a shared adversary. Notably, Paul Heyman, who had shockingly aligned with Rollins after betraying Reigns at WrestleMania 41, appeared visibly petrified by Reigns’ presence. (Source: Vice)
Reigns, whose real name is Leati Joseph Anoaʻi, has had a storied career since signing with WWE in 2010. A member of the renowned Anoaʻi wrestling family, he debuted on the main roster in November 2012 as part of The Shield. His most dominant period was arguably his 1,316-day reign as Universal Champion from August 2020 to April 2024, a run that saw him portray a villainous “Tribal Chief” character and become the longest-reigning world champion in WWE since 1988. This historic reign concluded at WrestleMania XL in April 2024, where he lost the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship to Cody Rhodes. The Universal Championship was subsequently retired, with Reigns recognized as its final holder. (Source: Wikipedia)
Following his title loss, Reigns took time off, during which Solo Sikoa assumed leadership of The Bloodline, eventually ousting Reigns from the group. Reigns made a significant return at SummerSlam on August 3, 2024, adopting the moniker “The O.T.C.” (The Only Tribal Chief or The Original Tribal Chief) and turning face by assisting Cody Rhodes against Solo Sikoa. His recent history includes a victory over Sikoa in Tribal Combat at the Raw premiere on Netflix on January 6, 2025, where he reclaimed his Ula Fala and Tribal Chief title, presented by The Rock. (Source: Wikipedia)
The current landscape for Reigns is fraught with complex rivalries. After being eliminated from the Royal Rumble on February 1, 2025, by both CM Punk and Seth Rollins, Rollins further attacked Reigns. Reigns retaliated by attacking both Rollins and Punk during their steel cage match on March 10, 2025, leading to a triple threat main event at WrestleMania 41 Night 1. There, Paul Heyman’s double betrayal saw him align with Rollins, who ultimately won the match. The following night on Raw, Bron Breakker joined Rollins and Heyman in a brutal assault on Reigns. Reigns’ latest return to aid Punk and Jey Uso against Breakker and Reed suggests a new, evolving dynamic, potentially setting the stage for multi-faceted conflicts involving former allies and new threats. His current “tweener” status adds an unpredictable element to his character, leaving fans eager to see how the “Big Dog” navigates this new chapter in his illustrious career. (Source: Wikipedia)
