Scrapped Plans for Roman Reigns & Bray Wyatt Feud Revealed

Many wrestling fans believe that WWE missed a significant opportunity by keeping Roman Reigns and Bray Wyatt apart following Reigns’ transition to “The Tribal Chief” persona. The potential for a high-profile feud between Reigns and Wyatt for the Universal Championship, particularly after Payback 2020, seemed promising, yet the storyline never materialized.

The Tribal Chief’s era began when Roman Reigns defeated ‘The Fiend’ Bray Wyatt to capture the Universal Championship during WWE’s Pandemic Era, specifically at Payback 2020. Instead of continuing the feud with Wyatt, Reigns embarked on a storyline with Jey Uso, which ultimately laid the foundation for The Bloodline’s saga on Friday Night SmackDown.

The feud with Jey Uso marked a pivotal shift in Reigns’ career, showcasing his new ruthless heel persona. The compelling storyline between Reigns and Uso explored family dynamics and loyalty, setting the stage for The Bloodline’s dominance.

Speaking on Gorilla Position, Jey Uso discussed the impact of working with Roman Reigns during the Pandemic and Thunderdome Era. He shared that teaming and feuding with Reigns helped him reach new heights in WWE, highlighting how the intense and personal storyline with his cousin played a significant role in his career growth.

“I definitely leveled up during the pandemic. In 2020, there was no one there, right? It was literally Paul [Heyman], Hunter [Triple H], me, and Roman [Reigns]. That’s the most interaction I’ve ever had with them, it was more intimate than ever (…) Actually, we all learned together on how to elevate [each other]; we ain’t got no people here. Now, we got to bleed through these cameras.” 

Jey Uso then revealed that the original plan for Roman Reigns’ Tribal Chief character was to feud with The Fiend. However, the direction shifted, and Reigns’ first significant angle instead became his storyline with Jey Uso, which greatly contributed to the evolution and elevation of The Tribal Chief character.

“At first, I think the first angle that Roman was supposed to have was with The Fiend, but I don’t think The Fiend would have elevated The Tribal Chief the way it came through me. It was just leveling up every single week.”

It is certainly a shame that The Fiend and Roman Reigns never feuded and that will never happen following Bray Wyatt’s passing last year. Nevertheless, Wyatt’s legacy will forever be remembered no matter what and that is all that matters.

Are you sad that Roman Reigns and The Fiend never feuded in WWE? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!