As a father, what do you do when you see your sons being torn apart and manipulated by an older family member? If you ask Rikishi (whose real name is Solofa Fatu Jr.), he’s got no choice but to get his butt hands dirty.
A world-shattering shift occurred within the ranks of WWE’s The Bloodline, the wrestling faction compromised mostly of Anoa’i family members. This collective, headed by Roman Reigns, includes his real-life cousins, Jimmy and Jey Uso, who are collectively known as The Usos, and Solo Sikoa as well as The Wiseman, Paul Heyman, a long-time family friend.
Their relationships have been put under tremendous strain in recent months, most especially following the shocking events that transpired in the lead-up to and at the WWE Night of Champions.
At the crux of the turmoil is the ever-loyal Jimmy Uso. In an unexpected turn of events, Jimmy betrayed The Tribal Chief, costing him and Sikoa their opportunity to win the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships.
Jimmy’s actions are part of the latest string of incidents suggesting the imminent implosion of The Bloodline. The cracks have been building up all along but they weren’t as noticeable until Sami Zayn broke through and earned the group’s trust enough to become an Honorary Uso before leaving the faction to team up with his old friend, Kevin Owens. The two later usurped the Usos at WrestleMania 39 to claim the WWE Tag Team Championships.
Things got worse when the Usos failed to win their rematch, prompting Reigns to take matters himself. The absence of the Usos by Reigns’ side save for the last minutes of the match was the final blow to their crumbling relationship.
This turn of events has sparked speculation that Rikishi will join The Bloodline storyline soon.
The WWE Hall of Famer is the father to the Usos and Sikoa. He’s been expressing his concerns through cryptic messages on Twitter, insinuating a possible intervention.
And so it SHALL be DONE..
— RIKISHI FATU (@TheREALRIKISHI) May 27, 2023
Enough …
— RIKISHI FATU (@TheREALRIKISHI) May 28, 2023
— RIKISHI FATU (@TheREALRIKISHI) May 28, 2023
The Bloodline storyline has taken unpredictable twists and turns over the past three years, but Reigns’ run atop the WWE has been the one constant through it all.
The rumor has it that Reigns will defend his title at the upcoming premium live event, Money in the Bank (July 1) as well as at SummerSlam (August 5). But, with his cousins’ allegiance wavering and the potential involvement of an elder member of the Anoa’i family, Reigns might be the most vulnerable he’s been in years.
In the past, Reigns has relied heavily on the Bloodline’s assistance during his title matches. The rift has forced the Usos to draw their support. Sikoa could follow soon after. This could put The Head of the Table vulnerable during his upcoming title defenses.
Speculations are that Jimmy Uso, after his surprising actions at Night of Champions, could be the potential contender at Money in the Bank. But, there’s a theory that Solo Sikoa and Roman Reigns will team up against The Usos at the said event. However, it’s possible that this feud could extend all the way to SummerSlam.
At the very least, this would explain why Reigns won’t technically be defending his titles for the next few months. This will give the WWE a chance to close out the feud between Brock Lesnar and Cody Rhodes properly before The American Nightmare “resumes” his redemption tour en route to WrestleMania 40.
In any case, the involvement of Rikishi and the prospect of Reigns defending his title amidst internal turmoil promise very exciting times ahead for WWE fans.
