The Tribal Chief’s Upcoming SmackDown Appearances
World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) fans are in for a treat as the company has announced that Roman Reigns, the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion, will be making special appearances on three episodes of SmackDown. Known as “The Tribal Chief,” Reigns will be gracing the WWE Universe with his presence on December 15 in Green Bay, Wisconsin, January 5 in Vancouver, British Columbia, and January 19 in Atlanta, Georgia. This news has sparked excitement among fans, eager to see the champion in action.
Awaiting Confirmation for January 26
While Reigns’ appearances in December and January are set, there is still speculation about whether he will appear on the January 26 episode of SmackDown. This episode is particularly significant as it serves as the go-home show for the Royal Rumble premium live event, scheduled for the following day.
Royal Rumble: The Stage for Reigns’ Next Title Defense
Royal Rumble, one of WWE’s most anticipated events, is expected to showcase Roman Reigns’ next title defense. His most recent match saw him triumph over LA Knight at Crown Jewel on November 4. With Royal Rumble just around the corner, speculation is rife about who will challenge the champion next.
Behind-the-Scenes: The Debate Over Reigns’ Challenger
There has been internal debate within WWE about Reigns’ opponent for the Royal Rumble. While some in the company pushed for LA Knight to have a rematch, Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque, WWE’s Chief Content Officer, reportedly has a different contender in mind for the 38-year-old champion.
Reigns’ Absence from Survivor Series and 2023 Matches
Roman Reigns’ absence from the recent Survivor Series event was noted by fans and commentators alike. In 2023, Reigns has participated in a total of 11 matches, with nine of them taking place at Premium Live Events (PLEs) and two at non-televised live events. This selective approach to his appearances has made each of his matches a must-watch event for wrestling enthusiasts.
The Reign of Roman Continues
As WWE moves towards the end of the year and into 2023, Roman Reigns’ presence on SmackDown and his forthcoming title defense at Royal Rumble are generating buzz and anticipation. His selective appearances have kept fans eagerly awaiting each of his matches, reinforcing his status as a top-tier superstar in the world of professional wrestling.