World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns stayed away from Monday’s episode of WWE Raw, but the company made clear he will not be missing for long.
WWE officials announced during the show that the champion, often called the OTC, plans to appear on next week’s Raw in Cleveland, Ohio. His presence coincides with the final of the World Heavyweight Championship No. 1 Contender’s Tournament.
The August 31 broadcast returns to its regular 8 p.m. Eastern start time. The program will stream live on Netflix for viewers in the United States and other countries.
According to Rick Ucchino of Sports Illustrated, WWE intends to tape that episode this Friday in Cleveland. The decision gives the roster a full week off afterward.
Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select reported that the break comes ahead of a demanding Latin America tour scheduled to begin after Sunday Night’s Main Event.
Reigns’ absence left other members of The Bloodline to carry the action. The Usos competed in the main event against LA Knight and Solo Sikoa.
Earlier in the night, the tournament semifinals produced a pair of decisive results. Rey Fenix defeated Dragon Lee in a fast-paced contest filled with aerial moves and stiff strikes. In the other match, Penta advanced by beating La Park.
That sets up a rare singles meeting between the Lucha Bros. next week. Penta and Rey Fenix have built strong reputations as a tag team, yet both have shown they can thrive on their own.
The winner of their bout earns a shot at Reigns’ title. That championship match is scheduled for the September 14 episode of Raw at Arena CDMX in Mexico City.
Having the champion ringside is expected to raise the intensity of the final. The stakes already are high, and the family connection between the competitors adds another layer.
Monday’s show opened with LA Knight and Solo Sikoa discussing recent Bloodline trouble. The Usos soon interrupted and issued a challenge for a tag team match later that night, which Knight and Sikoa accepted.
Backstage, Jey Uso and Jimmy Uso informed Jacob Fatu that they did not need his help in the upcoming contest. Fatu appeared frustrated but followed the order. Reigns had previously named the Usos as captains of the group.
The main event ended in chaos when Royce Keys made a surprise return alongside Bronco Nima and Lucien Price of Out The Mud. The trio attacked everyone involved in the match.
Keys and his allies put Jimmy Uso through the announce table. Keys then used the steel steps on Solo Sikoa, Jey Uso and LA Knight to close the program.
The appearance of Keys and Out The Mud complicates the existing rivalries. Solo Sikoa and LA Knight have been working as babyfaces while The Bloodline has taken on heel roles.
Observers noted that Jacob Fatu could soon become more active once Reigns gives the green light. The champion’s return next week may settle some of those internal questions.
Fans in Cleveland will get their first look at Reigns since his latest stretch of time away from weekly television. The tournament final and the champion’s presence should make for a busy night of programming.
