Popular wrestling guru Allan, aka @allan_cheapshot on X, recently shared some eye-opening stats about WWE’s Bloodline storyline.
Closing in on 1,800 days and counting, the Bloodline has outlasted the Attitude Era, World War I, the mainstream career of Nirvana, and the nWo’s entire WCW run, among many other notable moments in wrestling, world, and pop culture history.
For further context, WWE’s Samoan saga has lasted longer than John Cena’s record 17 world title reigns combined. But unlike Cena, it doesn’t show signs of tapping out any time soon, if ever.
Based on the reactions where it matters most, the arena, Roman Reigns’ return to prominence and the resurgence of his Bloodline have been a hit. Last Monday on Raw, fans serenaded the World Heavyweight Champion for several minutes before letting him speak.
But online, others are singing a different tune.
In his summary of Clash In Italy, where Reigns defeated Jacob Fatu in Tribal Combat, Andreas Hale of ESPN said that Reigns’ storyline felt too familiar.
“The Bloodline was one of the best-executed stories in WWE history, but running back a rehash of it might not be a great idea,” Hale warned.
Rehash.
Give or take some snark and an expletive, that’s the word that best sums up what most are calling the latest chapter of the Bloodline. But what critics are mistaking for a rehash is the consequence of who the characters used to be, not what they presently are.
Roman Reigns has been winning matches on his own, beginning last August at Clash In Paris, when he defeated Bronson Reed. After the Usos tried backing him up in the rematch, the OTC was adamant about them letting him fight his own battles.
From there, he won the Royal Rumble, defeated CM Punk at WrestleMania 42 for the World Heavyweight Championship, and beat Jacob Fatu in two physical encounters. All without outside interference, though some will say Reigns used questionable tactics to win.
Still, he did it by himself.
Meanwhile, Jimmy and Jey Uso have taken on unique roles as Reigns’ tribal council, supporting the Tribal Chief with their advice, not their muscle. During Reigns’ feud with Jacob Fatu, Jimmy sought a peaceful resolution while inviting Fatu into the fold.
Jey, on the other hand, declared war on their cousin. He’s been the most volatile of the three since before WrestleMania 42, when he loudly instructed Reigns to “get” CM Punk after Punk disrespected their family one too many times.
And then there’s Jacob Fatu.
After losing to Reigns for a second time, he has since acknowledged Reigns as his Tribal Chief and is now with the Bloodline — albeit begrudgingly. Unlike past Bloodline members like Solo Sikoa and Sami Zayn, Fatu is a wildcard whose role is to be determined.
Something to watch for is how he gets along with Jey, whom Reigns has assigned to assist with Fatu’s onboarding process, citing Jey’s previous experience in the family stable as a reluctant recruit. Notably, it was in serving as Reigns’ “right-hand man” that Jey eventually broke out on his own and won the World Heavyweight Championship.
Speaking of Jey winning world titles, Reigns has encouraged him to win this year’s King of the Ring tournament and claim the Undisputed WWE Championship. For once, Reigns wants someone else to join him at the other end of the table as a world champion.
The catch, if there is one, is that Jey will have to do it on his own, just like Reigns. While the goal is dominance through a united effort, unlike before, this Bloodline is committed to doing things the right way. As Reigns said immediately after Clash, “I’m trying to shine a light on my legacy in a positive manner…”
However, he ended his statement with an ominous warning: “…but y’all are forcing my hand. Keep on trying me.”
That might suggest that the Bloodline could be up to its old tricks if provoked. But will it be a one-off family mugging prompted by unusual circumstances or a simple case of the leopard unable to change its spots?
There’s also the question of where Solo Sikoa and his MFT fit into this new chapter of the Samoan dynasty following the fallout from Tribal Combat.
The only thing that reeks of rehash is how we got here. After Reigns won the Universal Championship in 2020, Jey challenged him for the gold. Like Fatu, he failed after Reigns outsmarted him twice before ultimately falling in line.
Though the 2026 version shares similarities with its 2020 origin, everything else about this Bloodline is different from the first. It’s a reason to sit up and take notice rather than cry, “Been there, done that. Next.”
