During a heated confrontation with Jacob Fatu on Raw, World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns took exception to Fatu crediting Solo Sikoa for bringing him to WWE after accusing Reigns and the Usos of forgetting him.
“Solo, couldn’t get a cup of coffee delivered to the building if he wanted to,” Reigns said, adding he never forgot Fatu and was ultimately the one who approved his signing.
As tensions rose, Reigns was about to turn down Fatu’s challenge at Backlash before Fatu grabbed him by the throat
and choked him out with a Tongan Death Grip. Reigns recovered and accepted the match for May 9 in Tampa.
Last Friday on SmackDown, Sikoa interjected himself into the Reigns-Fatu storyline, reminding Fatu that he had brought him to WWE in 2024. Despite their falling out last year, Sikoa backed Fatu’s bid to beat Reigns but said he would need help, offering his and his MFT’s services.
“You’re going to need an army, Jacob,” Sikoa said. “I got an army.”
Any chances of a reconciliation went up in smoke, however, after Tama Tonga dismissed Fatu, saying he couldn’t beat Sikoa, let alone Reigns. Fatu responded by defeating Sikoa in the main event and single-handedly taking out his group.
Afterward, as Fatu exchanged words with the Usos, cameras caught Sikoa smiling and mouthing something as SmackDown went off the air.
Family Reunion Brewing?
Before things unraveled on SmackDown, Jimmy Uso pitched Fatu on joining the family, suggesting he target Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, who he said was vulnerable after WrestleMania 42.
On Monday, as Raw opened with Reigns meeting the Usos, Jimmy took a measured stance on Fatu, saying he understood his desire to “level up” his household but that it shouldn’t come at Reigns’ expense.
Jey, however, was more hesitant, calling Fatu unhinged while expressing concern that Fatu could take everything from Reigns, including the ula fala.
Then, as Fatu confronted Reigns, the Tribal Chief said he hoped Fatu had reconsidered his challenge and chose to unite the family rather than divide it. Fatu remained firm in his decision before growing tired of Reigns’ words and choking him out.
Despite their impending collision, a clean-cut winner isn’t guaranteed. With Reigns focused on reuniting the family and another world title still in play, Backlash could easily become a Samoan family reunion. If that happens, The Bloodline could make history as the first faction to dominate WWE under the brand split since 2002.
