Quick reading
- Roman Reigns has been absent from WWE programming since his loss at Crown Jewel 2025, fueling speculation.
- His absence is likely a strategic decision to build anticipation for Survivor Series: WarGames.
- The tension within The Bloodline, especially with Jey Uso, hints at possible future feuds or alliances.
- Several potential WarGames matchups could see Reigns teaming up with or facing major WWE stars.
- Reigns could be booked for high-profile matches, such as a rumored showdown with John Cena in December.
Absence of Roman Reigns: a calculated move by WWE?
Roman Reigns, one of WWE’s biggest stars, has always commanded attention whether he was in the ring or out of it. His recent no-show at the WWE RAW Battle Royal, following the dramatic events at Crown Jewel, got the rumor mill spinning. Fans and insiders dissect every move, every silence, trying to decode what’s next for the so-called “tribe leader.”
Reigns last competed at the Crown Jewel Premium Live Event on October 11, 2025, where he faced Bronson Reed in an Australian Street Fight. The match ended in controversy when The Usos interfered, inadvertently costing Reigns the victory. The fallout was immediate and personal; Reigns has made it clear that he is frustrated with his cousins, and the resulting tension has not gone unnoticed in the WWE Universe.
Since then, Reigns has been noticeably absent from RAW, fueling speculation about the reasons for his withdrawal. With Seth Rollins vacating the World Heavyweight Championship due to injury, many fans expected Reigns to be in the spotlight. Yet when a Battle Royal was announced to determine CM Punk’s next opponent, Reigns was nowhere in sight. This absence was not random: it seems to be part of a much larger WWE strategy.
Strategic Timing: Setting the Stage for Survivor Series WarGames
Why would WWE keep one of its biggest television draws heading into a major event? According to El BaladThere are three plausible reasons for Reigns’ absence. First, WWE may be planning a dramatic return for Reigns at Saturday Night Main Event (SNME), where he could sabotage Jey Uso’s championship hopes. Given recent friction, this would be a high-impact way to reignite their rivalry and keep fans invested.
Second, timing is crucial. Survivor Series: WarGames is scheduled for November 29, 2025, and WWE is known for saving its biggest surprises for marquee events. By retaining Reigns, they build anticipation and set the stage for a possible alliance with The Usos and CM Punk, potentially forming a super team that could dominate the WarGames format. This approach maximizes the drama and ensures that Reigns’ return will have the biggest impact possible.
Third, there is talk of a blockbuster match between Roman Reigns and John Cena, scheduled for December at the Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. If WWE is indeed saving Reigns for this showdown, it makes sense to limit his appearances and keep him fresh for headline bouts. His selective schedule indicates that WWE views him as more than just a competitor; it is a special attraction, reserved for the greatest moments.
Bloodline Drama: Fallout and future feuds
The history between Roman Reigns and The Usos has always been marked by family drama and shifting allegiances. The recent incident at Crown Jewel, where Bron Breakker’s interference led to Reigns’ defeat, only added fuel to the fire. The Usos’ attempt at help backfired, leading to a heated argument that left their relationship in tatters. Reigns’ frustration was palpable and OTC quickly distanced himself from The Usos.
Jey Uso, in particular, has teased a heel turn. After attacking LA Knight and expressing to Jimmy Uso that he intends to take care of himself, Jey seems to be following in the footsteps of a young Roman Reigns. This change in character has fans and insiders wondering if a future Reigns vs. Jey Uso match is inevitable. Former WWE writer Freddie Prinze Jr., however, doubts the star – or the audience – wants this matchup right now, suggesting their storyline might need more time to develop.
Survivor Series WarGames: Speculation Intensifies
With Survivor Series WarGames just weeks away, speculation about possible matchups is at an all-time high. According to Sportskeedaseveral scenarios could play out, with Roman Reigns at the center of the action. One possibility sees The Vision, led by Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker, take on a coalition of babyfaces: CM Punk, Roman Reigns, Jey Uso, Jimmy Uso and LA Knight. The Vision could recruit Judgment Day or New Day allies to even the odds.
Another intriguing idea is a Triple Threat WarGames match, something not seen on the main roster since NXT Takeover WarGames 2017. In this scenario, The Vision, The Bloodline (with The Usos and Roman Reigns) and a third team including CM Punk, LA Knight and possibly a returning Rey Mysterio would fight inside the cage. With Survivor Series set to take place in San Diego, a surprise return from Mysterio could electrify the crowd and add another layer of unpredictability.
For Roman Reigns, these potential storylines offer multiple possibilities to reassert his dominance. Whether he’s seeking revenge, forming alliances, or reclaiming his position as the face of WWE, his presence (or lack thereof) shapes the narrative.
What’s next for Roman Reigns?
Despite his limited appearances, Roman Reigns remains the axis around which much of WWE’s narrative revolves. His absence is not a sign of a decline in his influence; If anything, it highlights how valuable he is to the company’s biggest events and rivalries. The strategic timing of his return, the changing dynamics within The Bloodline, and the looming possibility of chaos in WarGames all point to a high-stakes future for Reigns.
As Jey Uso continues to forge his own path – perhaps echoing the ruthless ambition that once defined Reigns – the stage is set for new alliances and betrayals. Whether Reigns chooses to fight alongside his family or against them, his choices will have ripple effects throughout the WWE Universe.
One thing is clear: Roman Reigns’ next move will not only impact Survivor Series, but could redefine WWE’s power structure by 2026. Fans can expect drama, surprises, and perhaps the kind of high-octane spectacle that only Reigns can deliver.
WWE’s decision to keep Roman Reigns off RAW is far from arbitrary: it’s a calculated gamble designed to maximize excitement and narrative depth. By blending family drama, strategic alliances and anticipation of major events, WWE is ensuring that Reigns’ eventual return will be nothing short of seismic. As the road to Survivor Series heats up, all eyes remain on the “tribe leader” – and the question is not if he will shake up the status quo, but when.
