As the real world teeters on the brink, order has been restored to the WWE Universe.
Roman Reigns is back.
Monday night on Raw, the most preeminent performer in sports entertainment history returned with a vengeance.
The OTC is BACK! ☝️ pic.twitter.com/AmbKTWdYQo
— WWE (@WWE) July 15, 2025
The Tribal Chief didn’t miss a step, dropping Bron Breakker with a Superman Punch that would make David Corenswet blush. Then, in true Man of Steel fashion, he hoisted the 400-pound Bronson Reed onto his shoulders and delivered a thunderous
Samoan Drop.
It was dominance. It was aura. It was vintage Reigns.
Yet, instead of celebrating pro wrestling’s one true superhero, fans were quick to make pharmaceutical jokes about Reigns’ new nickname: OTC1.
Once we get past the wisecracks, which admittedly, even I enjoyed, the meaning seems obvious. OTC, once shorthand for “Original Tribal Chief,” has evolved into a clever twist, pointing to the only fitting title for someone of Reigns’ stature:
Only The Chosen 1.
As in...
Only The Chosen 1 commands the ring like a king among mortals.
Only The Chosen 1 takes time off and still runs the show.
Only The Chosen 1 can lead WWE.
At least that’s what I’m led to believe after visiting WWE Shop. The product descriptions for Reigns’ newest T-shirts and Tribal Chief Championship Replica Title Belt, which comes with OTC side plates, still refer to him as the Original Tribal Chief.
Thus, my guess is that OTC1 will ultimately come to stand for something with weight and purpose. Something that will set him on a collision course with a certain king — a man who calls himself the starting quarterback, or QB1 — in WWE.
Of course, I could be gravely wrong, and OTC1 might just be an overly redundant moniker in the Roman Reigns nickname hall of fame. And even if it were, I’d still pledge allegiance to the undisputed GOAT.
Or is GOAT1?
Whatever.
Welcome back, my Tribal Chief.
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