Around this time last year, it was starting to feel like WWE's Bloodline saga was running on fumes.
The company's hottest storyline of this era produced many iconic segments and transformed Roman Reigns into the most compelling character in pro wrestling. It also acted as a launchpad for Sami Zayn, Jey Uso, and Solo Sikoa.
In 2023, the popular storyline grew repetitive. The Tribal Chief won most of his matches with outside interference, and Cody Rhodes' loss at WrestleMania 39 soured many fans hoping to see something new.
When Jimmy Uso turned on his brother and rejoined their tormenter, even some of the most patient viewers groaned in disbelief. Luckily, WWE stuck the landing with The American Nightmare and ended its top star's reign of terror with one of the best main events in WrestleMania history.
Then, Sikoa and his new stablemates proved that there was life after Reigns and more stories to tell. Suddenly, we're excited to see where this leads again and the successful stable is a highlight of SmackDown each week.
While we wait to see what Triple H and his creative team cook up, these are five predictions for what's next for The Bloodline for the rest of 2024.
Solo Sikoa Fails To Defeat Cody Rhodes
After Solo Sikoa pinned Cody Rhodes at Money in the Bank he became the number one contender for the Undisputed WWE Championship.
Jacob Fatu notably filled the same role the self-appointed Tribal Chief did for Roman Reigns, helping him secure a win over The American Nightmare. That plot point will likely come into play later. It may even become his undoing if the new enforcer eventually sees the opportunity to seize power.
Nevertheless, WWE made the title match official for SummerSlam following the July 12 episode of SmackDown. A win would cement Sikoa's claim as Reigns' successor, but Rhodes will retain to set up the return of the true Head of the Table.
Roman Reigns Will Return At SummerSlam
SummerSlam is a significant event for Reigns because it's where he returned to WWE as a heel and kickstarted the best run of his career as The Tribal Chief.
As such, it would be symbolic for the Samoan star to make his long-awaited return at The Biggest Party of the Summer as a face. Wherever he appears next, Reigns will receive a thunderous ovation, and WWE has successfully depicted Sikoa as a usurper to his throne.
As the new leader of The Bloodline, the 31-year-old hasn't shown much respect for what his cousin built and he has become more brazen in his absence. Casting Paul Heyman out and criticizing Reigns on the July 5 episode of Smackdown enraged the audience.
His heir even said, "If Roman Reigns wants [his mantle] back, he can try and take it from me." It's hardly a coincidence that WWE has mentioned him more on television when "We want Roman" chants are growing louder every week.
Don't be surprised if he enters the Cleveland Browns Stadium after Sikoa fails to unseat Rhodes and sends the crowd home happy.
Cody Rhodes vs. Roman Reigns 3 at Bash in Berlin
Bash in Berlin needs a marquee match and a WrestleMania 40 rematch would fit the bill.
Remember, The WWE Universal Championship initially gave Reigns a claim to power in his tribe. To reclaim his position as The Tribal Chief and force Sikoa to fall in line, he must challenge Rodes for the undisputed title.
However, it will be an even playing field this time because the second-generation star won't have the numbers advantage anymore. Instead, his former enforcer will ironically cost him the match this time, leaving the mantle in question.
This is essential because it will remind fans that Reigns often needed Sikoa to help him retain his title and give his new foe bragging rights. Honestly, his cousin can easily declare that he did just as much to keep him on top, but now it's his time.
Roman Reigns vs. Solo Sikoa at Bad Blood
Reigns' loss at Bash in Berlin would set up a match with Sikoa at Bad Blood and allow Rhodes to move on to a feud with Randy Orton.
To settle their dispute the two would face each other in Tribal Combat at the event, which forbids interference from family members. Yes, the last iteration of this stipulation match wasn't well received, but it perfectly fits this story.
It would be a great way to maximize the drama between them like Reigns' early matches as the Tribal Chief in 2020. Nonetheless, Sikoa will cheat and use the numbers game to win, prompting Jimmy Uso to return and attempt to save his cousin.
This finish would allow viewers to continue to disapprove of his right to lead, and he technically could get away with it because Tama Tonga and Tanga Loa aren't blood relatives. Even more, this aligns with his current penchant for ignoring tradition in his bid for control.
In the end, Uso's interference won't be enough to even the odds, forcing him to reconcile with his twin brother and get the band back together.
OG Bloodline vs. The New Bloodline at Survivor Series: WarGames
Survivor Series has been more story-driven for the last two years, and the WarGames match has been its centerpiece.
This has been a welcomed change of direction because the concept of brand warfare had grown stale. In 2022, The Bloodline was the biggest threat to the rest of the locker room and Team Brawling Brutes stood against them.
This year, Reigns would assemble a team to take down a dangerous iteration of the stable he created. Sikoa would lead Fatu, Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa, and their newest member Hikuleo against them.
In the weeks leading up to the matchup, Uso and Heyman would work to mend their relationship with Jey Uso and recruit Sami Zayn. Still, they would need one final member to join the cause, and there are a few options.
Rhodes would make sense because he has tagged with Main Event Jey and would likely do it as a favor to his former partner. However, adding Kevin Owens would bring everything full circle.
There is no one Reigns hates more than him besides Seth Rollins, who would also be a great choice. Still, Owens despises The Bloodline, and teaming up with Zayn again to help the original three members dismantle it would create a memorable moment.
After all, the reigning Intercontinental champion betrayed the group to side with him at Royal Rumble in 2023. The two also defeated The Usos to win the undisputed tag titles at WrestleMania 39.
This would be an excellent way to play off that continuity and produce an unforgettable WarGames match to conclude this feud.
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