Paul Heyman kicked off this week’s episode of WWE SmackDown with an announcement that will have major ramifications going forward. Now that Roman Reigns has reaffirmed himself as The Tribal Chief by beating Solo Sikoa in Tribal Combat on the Netflix premiere of WWE Monday Night RAW, he’s looking to accompany that ula fala with getting back the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship.
As such, Heyman announced on The OTC’s behalf that Roman Reigns has declared himself as another entry for the men’s 2025 Royal Rumble match with full intentions to not only win, but to challenge Cody Rhodes and regain the title he lost at WrestleMania XL.
Reigns joins a field of just now five announced participants: LA Knight, John Cena, CM Punk and Jey Uso.
Before Rhodes was able to respond to this threat and challenge, Kevin Owens interrupted with a promo from the crowd that led to a brawl, which eventually also turned into Jacob Fatu and Tama Tonga about to attack Heyman until Jimmy Uso ran out to try to make the save. The numbers game was too much for him until Rhodes returned to the fray, all while the commentary team made note of how Solo Sikoa hasn’t been seen and has been AWOL since losing on Monday night.
LA Knight ushered Fatu and Tonga out of the arena along with SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis and some security officials, which may also be a noteworthy plot point to track going forward.
You can check out some highlights from the segment below:
.@HeymanHustle is here and he’s getting us started on #SmackDown tonight! 🎤 pic.twitter.com/yArWS7uwwA
— WWE (@WWE) January 11, 2025
What news does @HeymanHustle have for @CodyRhodes? 👀#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/YCMRMlCh4M
— WWE (@WWE) January 11, 2025
"You've earned the respect of Roman Reigns."@WWERomanReigns may respect @CodyRhodes, BUT he’s after the Undisputed WWE Championship. His first stop? #RoyalRumble. 👊 #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/PMA2XGqTB9
— WWE (@WWE) January 11, 2025
ENOUGH is ENOUGH! @CodyRhodes can't stand @FightOwensFight 😳 #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/Jzw2Wh1X5t
— WWE (@WWE) January 11, 2025
Tama Tonga and Jacob Fatu just tried to ambush @HeymanHustle 😱
Have no fear, BIG JIM is here 👊 #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/cxZ72lJsUN
— WWE (@WWE) January 11, 2025
.@CodyRhodes is back to take care of business! 😤#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/tunLEXA97f
— WWE (@WWE) January 11, 2025
.@RealLAKnight, that was BOLD! 😂#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/ObRM8IAIOi
— WWE (@WWE) January 11, 2025
Do you think Roman Reigns will win the 2025 Royal Rumble? Drop your predictions in the comments below!
