The world of professional wrestling saw a significant transformation on the historic premiere of WWE Monday Night Raw on Netflix. The longtime cable show transitioned to streaming for the first time during its 32-year legacy, broadcasting live from the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, California, this past Monday. Central to the event was the dramatic and chaotic Tribal Combat match between Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa, which crowned one man as the true Tribal Chief of the Bloodline.
The night kicked off with the electrifying presence of Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, who set the tone for the epic battles to come. Addressing the crowd, The Rock heralded Reigns as the Original Tribal Chief and promised the WWE Universe he would be watching the Tribal Combat bout eagerly. The promise of glory came with the coveted Ula Fala, the symbol of leadership among the Samoan heritage, on the line for the victor.
Tribal Combat is unique within the WWE as it incorporates no disqualifications, which allowed for creative mayhem. From the outset, both competitors displayed their ferocity, employing various weapons such as chairs, kendo sticks, and even the steel ring steps. The match quickly transformed the ring and surrounding area, with Sikoa slamming Reigns through the broadcast table and unleashing splintering attacks.
Reigns and Sikoa engaged fiercely, with both men demonstrating true resilience. At one point, Reigns caught Sikoa with the Last Ride, putting him through a table, only to be thwarted by interference from Tama Tonga, who yanked referee Chad Patton out of the ring just as Reigns had the pinfall secured. This breakdown of order opened the doors for havoc, as Jacob Fatu swiftly entered, targeting Reigns and laying him low with powerful kicks and moonsaults.
Despite multiple attempts to dominate, Solo Sikoa aimed for the kill with the Samoan Spike. Even then, Reigns astonished the audience by kicking out just before the three count, solidifying his reputation as one unyielding competitor. Patton, the referee, became collateral damage himself, thanks to Sikoa’s frustration as he struck the official, leaving the match without any oversight momentarily.
The tides began to change with the arrival of Reigns' allies, Sami Zayn and Jimmy Uso, who rushed to his aid to fend off Sikoa’s allies. This clash led to even more tension, as the combatants began spilling out of the ring, blurring the lines of friend and foe. Following the chaos, Kevin Owens capitalized on the opportunity to target Reigns, delivering his signature Stunner. The action was intense, exacerbated by the involvement of Cody Rhodes, the Undisputed WWE Champion, who entered to fend off Owens, foreshadowing their upcoming clash at the Royal Rumble.
With the crowd on the edge of their seats, the match returned to its core participants. Reigns and Sikoa found themselves back within the squared circle. Reigns, fueled by the stakes of the Tribal Combat, rallied hard, using the momentum to land two devastating spears. He followed this up with the pinfall on Sikoa, sealing his fate as the reigning Tribal Chief once again.
After the climactic victory, Paul Heyman, Reigns' longtime spokesperson, presented him with the Ula Fala, signifying the completion of his triumphant quest. Yet, the surprise of the night didn’t end there. The Rock, who had been watching closely, made his way to the ring yet again, taking the Ula Fala directly from Heyman to place it on Reigns himself.
The moment was charged with emotion as The Rock embraced his cousin, acknowledging him as the rightful leader of the Bloodline. The hug shared between the two iconic Samoan figures left fans astounded and elated, marking one of professional wrestling’s unforgettable moments. This reunion between The Rock and Reigns was not only momentous for the characters they portray but also for fans who have hoped for such interaction for years.
Roman Reigns' victory and The Rock’s return signify not just personal triumph for both stars but hints at forthcoming storylines and feuds within the WWE Universe. The engagement of several superstars throughout the match allowed for the continuance of rivalries and tension, assuring fans of thrilling narratives to come.
With the historic WWE Raw now launched on Netflix, the stage is set for more riveting action. The fan’s expectations are set high as they anticipate how the saga of Reigns as Tribal Chief will unravel and how former champions like The Rock will interact with current ones. The wrestling world remains on fire with enthusiastic speculation, illustrating just how powerful the WWE's storytelling can be.