As the wrestling world prepares for SummerSlam, a significant development has occurred. The WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi has expressed his anticipation for the tribal combat match between Roman Reigns and Jey Uso, scheduled for the SummerSlam event.
The Tribal War isn’t just any match; it’s a clash for the WWE Undisputed Universal Championship, and more importantly, to determine the Tribal Chief of the Anoa’i/Fatu Bloodline.
The shared bloodline, boasting notable wrestlers such as Rikishi himself, The Usos, Solo Sikoa, and Roman Reigns, has been a focal point of WWE storytelling. Rikishi, father to The Usos and Solo Sikoa, and cousin to Roman Reigns, offers a unique perspective on this critical family rivalry.
Rikishi posted this on his insta story. The New Tribal Chief 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/025ea5l7Uv
— Wrestlelamia.com (@wrestlelamia) July 30, 2023
Rikishi took to Instagram to tease his prediction for the match. The wrestling veteran shared an art piece depicting Jey Uso, his son, wearing the Tribal Chief lei necklace with Jimmy Uso, Solo Sikoa, Roman Reigns, and himself in the backdrop. Solofa Fatu Jr., seems to suggest that he believes one of his sons is walking away as the winner in the forthcoming duel. If nothing else, the piece, credited to kingraphics12, is a visual encapsulation of the rich and intertwined history of the Anoa’i/Fatu Bloodline.
The Tribal Chief lei, a symbolic object of power and leadership, got ample attention on the July 28th edition of SmackDown. Paul Heyman was seen carrying the lei, substituting the now-defunct WWE and Universal Championship title belts. The lei was awarded to Roman Reigns by Afa and Sika after his triumph over Jey Uso in the “I Quit” match at Hell in a Cell 2020, marking his ascension as the Tribal Chief.
Jey Uso had a significant presence on the latest SmackDown episode, confronting The Bloodline and asserting his intention to best Reigns, just as he did at the Money in the Bank Premium Live Event.
However, the world of WWE isn’t merely restricted to scripted confrontations. Backstage dynamics are just as important. Jey Uso’s encounter with Grayson Waller is a testament to that. Waller, attempting to give Jey the “rub,” only managed to incite a match, which Jey won, making a strong statement in front of Reigns.
As the wrestling world braces for SummerSlam, speculations are high about potential plot twists. There are whispers about Rikishi possibly interfering during the match. Moreover, rumors are also circulating about The Rock gracing us fans with his presence at SummerSlam to join The Bloodline storyline.
On the flipside, some fans suggest an intriguing possibility, one that pits actual blood against blood. Some theorize that a heel turn could be in the cards for Jimmy Uso, marking a dramatic twist in the ongoing Bloodline narrative. These theories suggest that his short absence from television might be a setup for a surprising heel turn in his return, setting up a Jimmy vs Jey match – both have expressed their desire to want to do this at a Premium Live Event, specifically, WrestleMania. But it’s too soon for this to happen.
The more ideal set-up if Solo Sikoa tries to interfere again in The Tribal War at SummerSlam with Jimmy coming to the aid of his brother to even the odds. Of course, we shouldn’t forget that the younger Uso, Solo Sikoa, was the one who sent Jimmy to the hospital.
As the WWE Universe waits for The Hottest Party of the Summer to start on August 5, the tension surrounding the match, the potential twists, and the speculated presence of wrestling legends only add fuel to the already electrifying atmosphere.
The only certainty in this saga is the promise of unforgettable moments that will leave an indelible impact on the legacy of the Anoa’i/Fatu Bloodline and the WWE Universe.
