Just eight days before a historic match with social media juggernaut Logan Paul at Crown Jewel in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, undisputed WWE Universal champion Roman Reigns made his return to television on Friday night's SmackDown.
What did The Tribal Chief have to say about his impending defence and how did he respond to the current conflict between Jey Uso and "Honorary Uce" Sami Zayn within The Bloodline?
Check out the summary of the programme, which also included an open challenge from Ronda Rousey, the SmackDown Women's champion.
Pairing Card
Open Challenge: Ronda Rousey's SmackDown Women's Championship Defense
Roman Reigns's comeback
Sami Zayn and Solo Sikoa go up against Holland and Butch.
Legado del Fantasma versus Hit Row and a Mystery Partner
Brawling Brutes versus Sami Zayn and Solo Sikoa
Prior to Roman Reigns' entrance tonight, Sami Zayn emphasised the significance of Reigns witnessing The Bloodline's arms lifted in victory. He said that it all began when he and Solo Sikoa defeated Butch and Ridge Holland of The Brawling Brute.
Sikoa gave Butch a uranage on the ring apron to take control just before the commercial break as The Usos, the undisputed WWE Tag Team champions, watched from ringside.
The division within The Bloodline proved expensive, as it has in recent weeks, as a fight between Zayn and Jey Uso at ringside caused a distraction and allowed Butch and Holland to earn a respectable victory.
After the game, the arguments persisted, and Jimmy seemed especially agitated by everything going on around him. Reigns was summoned as a result, and he entered the ring before the next break.
The match itself was excellent, but nobody who has been paying even the tiniest attention should be surprised by that. While Zayn and Sikoa's connection is still developing, Butch and Holland have become a solid partnership.
The match's focus on outside circumstances and rich narrative elements may have detracted from its overall calibre. Having said that, nothing in this was meant to be a classic. Instead, it was the most recent instalment of a much bigger, more comprehensive plot that will, ideally, make everyone involved famous.
Result
Sikoa and Zayn were defeated by Butch and Holland.
Grade
C+
High points
It will always be funny to see Zayn rally the troops just to have the real uces around him react with various facial expressions.
It was excellent character development to see Jey Uso jump onto the apron and prepare to step in while still having doubts about Zayn's ability to successfully represent The Bloodline and win the match. It was just one of the many tiny things he has been really good at over the past two years.
After saving Zayn from harm, Jey got into another confrontation with the Honorary Uce.
The Bloodline Was Discussed By Roman Reigns
Reigns entered the ring with The Bloodline, clearly angry and prepared to deal with the recent petty disputes that had characterised the group.
In response to Reigns' desire for a solution to the problems plaguing the group, Zayn extended his hand to Jey in an act of unity, only for the tag team champion to vent his wrath on his partner after weeks of holding it in.
The audience cheered, and Uso stared in shock as Reigns threatened to rename the Honorary Uce "Sami Uso" if his opposition to Zayn persisted.
Never one to keep quiet, Paul Heyman threw it to the commercial break.
This was a great piece of theatre that brought out the personality of everyone involved and had more than one man cracking up. The latest chapter in a tale that has been ongoing was provided by the amazing face expressions, body language, and promotional work.
Grade
A+
High points
"I need this issue resolved immediately!" Regarding the problems between Zayn and Jey, Reigns noted.
Zayn apologised and extended his hand to Jey. "I don't know what I did to anger you, but I'm sorry," he added.
"If you don't have blood, how do you think you belong to the Bloodline? Nobody in this room is like you, I just found the courage to speak it aloud "said Jey.
"I couldn' care less what the Tribal Chief said," Before Jey finished speaking, Reigns' head snapped up and a look of contempt appeared on his face.
Zayn remarked, "What Jey just said was very screwed up, but he didn't mean it."
In a humorous exchange that involved both men and Zayn, Reigns punched Jey.
Zayn remarked, "What Jey just said was very screwed up, but he didn't mean it."
Reigns made a unique move as he punched Jey, making both men and Zayn laugh out loud.
The Tribal Chief issued a warning, saying that if Jey doesn't locate his "ucey," he will remove the "honorary" prefix from Zayn's moniker.
If you can't figure this out, y'all, we'll just call him Sami Uso! Jey and Sami's emotions were astonishing to see on their faces.
Male Models Maximum vs. New Day
Next, New Day and Maximum Male Models engaged in tag team combat.
In the battle of the aimless tandems, Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods prevailed in the match, which was adequate for what it was.
The largest criticism of Triple H's creative approach to date may be that neither team is currently doing much that is intriguing. New Day seems stuck in some way, and their creativity—or lack thereof—is unmotivated.
Given the huge personalities involved, that is a little perplexing.
After Sonya Deville interviewed Liv Morgan backstage, a fight between the two of them broke out before officials and referees could separate them.
This has all turned out to be a good quarrel that puts Morgan in the spotlight and offers Deville something to do.
Result
Maximum Male Models lost to New Day.
Grade
C-
High points
Even if nothing else, the fight between Morgan and Deville in the backstage area was hilarious.
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