Rikishi reveals shock over CM Punk’s Bloodline role ahead of Survivor Series

WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi opened up about recent developments in The Bloodline storyline, expressing surprise over CM Punk joining Roman Reigns’ team at Survivor Series: WarGames.

After weeks of searching for their fifth member, the OG Bloodline struggled to fill the final spot. Despite approaches to Seth Rollins, Bron Breakker, and LA Knight by Sami Zayn and The Usos, all declined. Paul Heyman’s return to SmackDown after a five-month absence led to CM Punk’s unexpected addition to Roman Reigns’ team.

On his Rikishi Fatu Off The Top podcast, the WWE Hall of Famer admitted he anticipated Brock Lesnar would complete the team. “I would have probably thought that it would have been somebody like Brock Lesnar,” Rikishi said. He noted that while Punk brings value in drawing audiences, he envisioned the veteran operating independently.

The former Intercontinental Champion expressed further surprise at Heyman’s role in introducing Punk. “It just fits if in case, you know, where was Paul at? And then out comes Brock Lesnar. So, this caught me off guard with CM Punk,” he explained, speaking from a promoter’s perspective about maximizing audience appeal.

Solo Sikoa could counter Heyman with Rikishi as new Bloodline advisor

Following Paul Heyman’s alignment with Roman Reigns and CM Punk, Solo Sikoa might introduce his own advisor at Survivor Series: WarGames. Speculation points to Rikishi potentially joining his son’s faction.

The WWE Hall of Famer addressed these rumors during his Off The Top podcast. While content with his current role at Knox Pro training new talent, he left possibilities open. “Would you guys please stop trying to drag me in there? I’m having fun shooting the podcast, I’m having fun living the second part of life,” Rikishi stated, adding, “But in this game, you never say never.”

Rikishi’s last WWE appearance occurred at Survivor Series 2020 during The Undertaker’s farewell ceremony. With Survivor Series: WarGames approaching on November 30, timing could align for his involvement in Solo’s group.