SUMMARY
- Roman Reigns has taken a leave from WWE after WrestleMania 40.
- However, in his absence, The Bloodline storyline seems to have gotten stale.
The Bloodline story has entered a new phase in the last few weeks. Following Roman Reigns’ historic loss at WrestleMania 40, Solo Sikoa has taken over the lead as the supposedly new Tribal Chief. The Enforcer has also joined forces with the newly-signed WWE Superstar, Tama Tonga.
After losing his Undisputed WWE title after 1316 days, it seems Roman Reigns will opt to stay away from WWE for a while. Till Reigns returns from his hiatus, the responsibility of keeping The Bloodline story entertaining will lie upon the shoulders of Solo Sikoa.
From “Go Away” to “We Want Roman” A full circle moment.#ThankYouRoman pic.twitter.com/TiHREDyXnw
— Nav (@Navtreaks) April 20, 2024
Unfortunately, certain signs show that The Bloodline saga might lose its heat if The Big Dog doesn’t show up soon.
#1. Solo Sikoa is not believable as the Tribal Chief
While it’s still unclear if Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson is involved with the new Bloodline, it is difficult for the fans to accept Solo Sikoa as the Tribal Chief in Roman Reigns’ absence. Since his 2022 main-roster debut, Sikoa has remained in a bodyguard role for The Bloodline without much character development.
His ongoing losing streak further diminishes Solo’s credibility as a potential main-eventer. His promos and character work are also not as well developed to carry forward the hight-profile storyline either.
A we want Roman chant.
Solo’s reaction lol #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/QGZN0ToUBu
— Fightful Wrestling (@Fightful) April 20, 2024
Considering Roman Reigns’ legendary performance as the Samoan leader, it would be unfair to expect Solo Sikoa to recreate that same magic with the Tribal Chief gimmick.
#2. New Bloodline is not as popular as The Original Bloodline
Aside from Tama Tonga, another talented Samoan is expected to join forces with the new Bloodline. Jacob Fatu, who dominated the Indy circuit for years, recently signed with WWE. It is expected that the company will also add Fatu to Solo Sikoa’s side.
While the new Bloodline looks intimidating, it is nowhere near the popularity of the OG faction. The trio of Roman Reigns and The Usos is wildly popular among the WWE Universe, and it is highly unlikely that the Solo Sikoa-led Bloodline will ever surpass the original faction.
Has @HeymanHustle lost control of the NEW Bloodline?#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/ULErIJxESn
— WWE on FOX (@WWEonFOX) April 20, 2024
If the two opposing stables are not on the same level, how can the WWE Universe be fully invested in the story?
#3. Roman Reigns is essential to The Bloodline story
Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Jacob Fatu, and The Usos are all very talented superstars. However, they find themselves embroiled in a storyline that will desperately need some star power to stay relevant. Aside from Jey Uso, none of these characters are developed enough to carry such an intriguing storyline.
With The Rock possibly being away from WWE till the next WrestleMania season, the Samoan saga needs its original Tribal Chief more than ever.
#4. Paul Heyman doesn’t fit well in The Bloodline story in the absence of Roman Reigns
Paul Heyman has looked very out of place ever since Solo Sikoa took over as The Tribal Chief. Known for his cunning tactics, it is unusual why Heyman has not pulled any strings to put Solo in his place.
Without Roman Reigns, Paul Heyman does not have much to offer to The Bloodline story.
#5. The WWE Universe is vocal about a Roman Reigns return
Solo Sikoa was showered with deafening boos in the April 19 episode of WWE Smackdown. The WWE Universe seemed repulsive towards Sikoa throughout his segment, with “We want Roman” chants echoing all across the arena. While the heel heat on Sikoa seems like a positive sign, it won’t take long before it turns into go-away heat.
Now that Reigns is no longer the champion, fans are eager to see what he does next. The audience may not be as passionate about The Bloodline right now as they are about the return of Roman Reigns.
Yesterday I mourned.
Today is Day 1. pic.twitter.com/YzWOVn3JDK— Roman Reigns (@WWERomanReigns) April 9, 2024
If WWE keeps on dragging The Bloodline saga without The Tribal Chief, it might drive away the fans. If fans are already chanting “We Want Roman,” how disappointed will they be if Reigns doesn’t show up for the next few months?
Not only will it decrease fan engagement in The Bloodline saga, but it will also bring Solo Sikoa in a negative light.
