Based on multiple reports from late June, the return of former Undisputed WWE Champion Roman Reigns to company programming appears to be imminent. His name has reportedly surfaced in internal WWE discussions in recent weeks, an event that typically signals the creative process for a superstar’s return is underway.
The timing of these developments points toward a comeback ahead of the two-night SummerSlam premium live event, which is scheduled for August 2 and 3.
Reigns has been absent from WWE television since the episode of WWE RAW that followed WrestleMania 41 in April. He was written out of storylines following a vicious assault orchestrated by his former special counsel, Paul Heyman, and carried out by Seth Rollins and Bron Breakker. The segment concluded after Breakker speared Reigns through the ringside barricade before Rollins delivered a stomp.
Upon his return, Reigns is expected to enter a “redemption arc” storyline centered on gaining revenge against Rollins and his faction. While a singles match between Reigns and Rollins at SummerSlam is considered a logical direction, it has not been officially confirmed.
Further speculation surrounds potential alterations to Reigns’ on-screen character. One report suggests the possibility of Reigns reviving his classic “Shield” persona as a psychological tactic against Rollins, mirroring a strategy Rollins himself has used in the past. Additionally, it has been reported that WWE is considering new nicknames for Reigns that would be distinct from his long-running “Tribal Chief” moniker.