Since his 2020 transformation into the Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns has called on fans and Superstars alike to acknowledge him with many doing exactly that. On this week’s SmackDown, it was Reigns’ turn to acknowledge somebody else, though things didn’t go well for the Original Tribal Chief.
During the October 18, edition of SmackDown, Reigns and Jimmy Uso shared a backstage segment. Jimmy mentioned that Paul Heyman would likely suggest talking to Jey Uso. Roman, however, promised he would “fix things tonight.” When Jimmy asked how he planned to do that, Roman replied, “I’m going to acknowledge Solo.”
In the show’s closing segment, Reigns came out alone, declaring that the fans would acknowledge him “for the last time.” Solo Sikoa then arrived with The Bloodline and Sikoa demanded that Reigns acknowledge him. Roman, in a rare moment, complied: “I acknowledge you, does that make you feel better?” But Solo wasn’t satisfied. He wanted Roman to acknowledge him as the Tribal Chief.
Solo pressed Reigns to acknowledge him as Tribal Chief, telling him to do it “or else.” As the fans changed “no,” Reigns fired back, stating “or else, what?” Solo laughed, saying neither man has truly changed, before the Bloodline brought out a beaten, limping Jimmy Uso, clearly the victim of a backstage attack.
A brawl broke out and while Reigns tried to fight the Bloodline by himself, the numbers proved to be too much. As SmackDown went off the air, fans chanted “Solo sucks” while Solo Sikoa stood tall, declaring that the ring now belonged to him.