Any fans hoping for Roman Reigns’ return will have to wait longer. According to Fightful Select, The Tribal Chief is not expected on this week’s WWE SmackDown, even as his Hollywood obligations come to an end.
Reigns has been absent since SummerSlam, spending several weeks in Australia filming his role as Akuma in the upcoming Street Fighter movie. PWInsider reports his work on the project wraps September 25. An early glimpse of Reigns in full Akuma gear already set the wrestling internet buzzing, generating major hype for the film produced by Paramount Pictures and Legendary.
The movie, which also features Cody Rhodes as Guile, is scheduled for release on October 16, 2026, marking a significant crossover for two of WWE’s top stars. For now, though, the end of filming does not mean an immediate return to SmackDown. Fightful Select emphasized: “He’s not expected to be on SmackDown this week.”
Reigns’ extended absence highlights his part-time schedule, which led to his controversial omission from the PWI 500 for 2025. Released September 23, the list disqualified him for failing to meet its activity criteria—he wrestled only eight matches between August 1, 2024, and July 31, 2025, with just two being singles contests.
His storyline exit followed a brutal post-match ambush by Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed at SummerSlam, shortly after Reigns attacked Paul Heyman. While his comeback isn’t immediate, WWE has already advertised The Head of the Table for Crown Jewel in Perth on October 11 and Survivor Series WarGames in San Diego on November 29.
For now, Reigns’ hiatus continues, with his return being reserved for a bigger stage than weekly television. WWE appears to be aligning his comeback with its premium live event calendar, beginning with Crown Jewel. Fans must remain patient, as this strategy ensures The Tribal Chief’s return will be nothing less than monumental.