For the last 1200+ days, the main question around wrestling circles has been: who will dethrone “The Tribal Chief” Roman Reigns? Many have assumed it would be Drew McIntyre at Clash at the Castle, Sami Zayn at Elimination Chamber in Montreal, Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania. But none of these beat Roman Reigns. And I’m afraid I have some bad news. None of them will.
For everyone wanting Cody Rhodes to “finish his story” this year at WrestleMania and beat Roman Reigns for the WWE Championship, I’m sorry. This was never the plan and it never will be.
Don’t be upset when Roman Reigns leaves WrestleMania 40 as WWE Champion because his predecessor is not ready yet. The next man up won’t be ready for a while, but he is getting there.
The man to eventually become the new “Tribal Chief” is in Roman’s family, but it isn’t The Rock with a pending dream match in Philadelphia. It’s not “Main Event” Jey Uso, who has had multiple chances at his cousin’s championship. It’s not Jimmy Uso, and let’s be honest, nobody understands Jimmy half the time.
The one who will defeat Roman Reigns is Solo Sikoa. Why? There’s a few reasons.
IT’S NOT CODY
Before I explain why it’s Solo Sikoa, I should explain why it’s NOT Cody Rhodes.
Everyone has been obsessed with the idea of Cody Rhodes finishing his story ever since he cut the promo about his father Dusty never winning the WWE Championship. From the triumphant return from AEW to WWE, to his presentation, to his work ethic (flashback to competing with a torn pectoral muscle against Seth Rollins inside Hell in a Cell), all the way to that promo, everyone believes Cody is the man to dethrone Roman. But listen carefully.
For Cody to finish his story, he needs to win the WWE Championship before his career is over. That’s it. The only way Roman fits into any equation is by being collateral damage. If Cody were to defeat anyone for the WWE Championship, the fairytale ending remains the same.
So continue with the mindset that it doesn’t NEED to be Cody Rhodes. You would like for it to be, sure. But Cody can finish his story against anyone at any time.
HOMEGROWN STAR
Roman Reigns was a homegrown WWE superstar, beginning his career in developmental back in 2010. After a very short 3-year stint on the independent scene, Solo Sikoa signed with WWE’s developmental team in 2021.
Sikoa was a major factor in the NXT 2.0 rebranding that featured Bron Breakker, Carmelo Hayes, and Grayson Waller. These were the four faces of the 2.0 Era. You knew right away Solo Sikoa would be a star.
On the one premium live event The Usos couldn’t travel to, WWE capitalized on their opportunity and brought Solo Sikoa up to the main roster to help Roman Reigns keep his Undisputed WWE Universal Championship against Drew McIntyre at Clash at the Castle. Not many people debut at the end of a major international PPV without big plans in store.
Some would argue Cody Rhodes is a “homegrown” star, but he’s not. “Dashing” Cody Rhodes and Stardust couldn’t cut it in WWE. “The American Nightmare” was a star born on the independent scene and significant in the foundation of All Elite Wrestling. Remember the throne incident? Cody wasn’t a homegrown WWE superstar, but he made his name elsewhere.
WWE has built Roman Reigns up to be the face of WWE. They have always built their stars from the inside. Solo Sikoa is no different.
ROMAN TOLD US SO
If anything is for sure, The Bloodline is the best written storyline in ages. It’s one of the best forms of long-term storytelling in the industry’s history and nobody can refute it. Roman Reigns and Paul Heyman have carefully written this story since Roman Reigns returned as the “Head of the Table” in 2020.
If we should trust anyone, it’s the Tribal Chief who appointed the “next in line” last month on SmackDown.
Roman Reigns appointed Solo Sikoa as the “Tribal Heir” and the one to carry the Bloodline after he’s done.
This makes sense why Solo Sikoa would pummel John Cena to death, a former foe of Roman Reigns at WWE’s Crown Jewel. Solo Sikoa has been escorted many times by Paul Heyman to the ring alone, while Jimmy and Jey Uso never received the same luxury.
Solo Sikoa has been the answer since he was signed in 2021. So how does this long-term Bloodline story end?
If The Rock’s schedule permits, “The Great One” and “The Tribal Chief” should go head-to-head for the rights to the Head of the Table. The Rock is the one legend standing in Roman’s way of cementing his legacy.
But after Roman Reigns defeats The Rock in a dream match, you can begin making your way to the inevitable turn leading to Solo Sikoa challenging Roman Reigns.
Acknowledge him now. Because at the end of the day, it won’t be Cody building his kingdom. It won’t be The Rock with one last run. Roman can’t carry the Bloodline on his shoulders forever.
It will be Solo Sikoa next in line. The Tribal Heir.
