Fans of professional wrestling were treated to a monumental episode of WWE Raw, which premiered on Netflix on January 6, 2025. The event unfolded at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, California, and it proved to be one for the history books.
At the center of the stunning night was Roman Reigns, who faced Solo Sikoa in a highly anticipated Tribal Combat match for the title of Tribal Chief and the coveted Ula Fala necklace. The match was the culmination of rising tensions within The Bloodline, with Sikoa challenging Reigns' authority. This showdown not only sparked intense competition but also showcased the deep familial stakes underlying the story.
The night kicked off with the expected adrenaline rush, but it quickly escalated as the action-packed match between Reigns and Sikoa unfolded. Reigns, now fully reclaiming his identity as The Tribal Chief, faced relentless challenges from Sikoa. The brutality of the contest saw each competitor using the environment and weapons to their advantage, with chairs and tables becoming tools of warfare.
Despite Sikoa's fierce offense, including slamming Reigns onto the broadcast table and employing sneaky tactics aided by distractions from The Bloodline, Reigns managed to stay focused. After several dramatic sequences, including surprise run-ins from allies and rivals alike, Reigns clinched the victory with his patented Spear. Following the match, Paul Heyman presented Reigns with the Ula Fala, signifying his status as The Tribal Chief yet again.
The atmosphere thickened when The Rock made his return to the squared circle after Reigns’ hard-fought victory. Though initially met with cheers, fans held their breath as The Rock took center stage. To everyone's surprise, he acknowledged Reigns by draping the Ula Fala around his cousin’s shoulders. This symbolic gesture stirred excitement among the WWE Universe, even as there was palpable tension hinting at unresolved storylines between the two legends.
Throughout the evening, WWE maintained the high stakes with powerful promos and appearances from wrestling icons, including legends like John Cena, who began his retirement tour, and the ever-charismatic CM Punk. The anticipation for each segment was palpable, highlighting the depth of storylines and rivalries continuously enjoyed by fans.
After the match, at the press conference, Paul Heyman made headlines by claiming, "There is no excuse anymore for Roman Reigns not to be nominated for and win an Emmy this year. It has to happen... That answer is, and I’m biased, but...Roman Reigns." His comments emphasized the unique narrative woven around Reigns during the pandemic era, maintaining consistent performances when many shows were shut down.
Reigns himself dropped hints about his future during a backstage exchange with Heyman, stating, "January 27," likely teasing his prominent role on the cover of WWE 2K25. This announcement excited many fans, who see him as the face of WWE.
The premiere event proved not only to be entertainment-packed but also filled with significant moments, teasing future clashes and storylines. The return of The Rock and the enduring presence of Reigns set the stage for what could be one of the most thrilling roads to WrestleMania 41. The entire wrestling universe is abuzz with excitement about potential matchups, particularly the one involving Reigns and The Rock, which fans have long awaited.
This episode of WWE Raw on Netflix signals the beginning of several captivating storylines as WrestleMania approaches, ensuring fans remain engaged with the twists and turns of their favorite wrestlers. It highlights how WWE continues to innovate its storytelling and maintain fan interest, ensuring WWE remains at the forefront of sports entertainment.