SummerSlam, Survivor Series or WrestleMania 41: When Will Roman Reigns Wrestle Again?

It has been over a month since Cody Rhodes dethroned Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40, leaving many fans to wonder when they will see the former undisputed WWE universal champion again.

The Tribal Chief presided over the roster as the face of the company and the biggest star in the industry for 1,316 days, making him the most dominant champion of the modern era. In addition, the rise and fall of The Bloodline became the most engaging storyline on weekly television.

Solo Sikoa has taken over in his cousin's absence, and exiled Jimmy Uso while recruiting Tama Tonga and Tanga Loa. To that end, the group continues to produce entertaining segments, but Reigns still looms heavily over every new development.

The palpable tension between Paul Heyman and Sikoa is a great way to build anticipation for Reigns to return and reclaim his spot. It's only a matter of time before this coup grows out of control and its de facto leader has to face The Head of the Table.

So, where is the 38-year-old, and what has he been up to since Night 2 of The Showcase of the Immortals? Following the Raw after 'Mania, he posted a clip in the gym with the caption, "Yesterday I mourned. Today is Day 1."

Nevertheless, the second-generation Superstar hasn't reemerged on Raw or SmackDown. Instead, he seemingly withdrew himself from the WWE draft, and Heyman later revealed he hasn't spoken to him since The Show of Shows. So, it was The Wise Man who pulled him out of this year's talent pool.

That revelation suggests the most valuable free agent on the roster will eventually return to the blue brand, but when will he wrestle again?

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Back To The Place Where It All Started

We've known for some time that Reigns would go on a sabbatical after he worked both nights of WrestleMania. This seems like a logical chance to reset his character and set up the best scenario for his return.

The prominent star is already on a part-time schedule, and his next appearance will generate a raucous reaction. So, it makes perfect sense for WWE to build up a new adversary to fill the power vacuum while he's away.

Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter also predicted that the former champion would take a break no matter what the outcome of his rematch with Rhodes turned out to be:

"I don't think anyone believes Reigns would retire with a loss, and WWE has taught fans not to believe it, but given his schedule, it's probable he'd take some time off. Given his limited schedule, one wouldn't even expect him on a show again until the as yet unannounced next Saudi Arabia show (last word being on 5/25) and the 8/3 SummerSlam show in Cleveland."

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There's little chance that The Tribal Chief will be back in time for King and Queen of the Ring, which will take place next weekend. However, a rumor surfaced that he was among the featured Superstars listed for the go-home episode of SmackDown before SummerSlam.

Although this listing doesn't appear on WWE's website, The Biggest Party of the Summer seems like the most plausible destination for his in-ring return. After all, Reigns returned at the event in 2020, set his sights on the universal title and kicked off his heel turn.

It would be poetic if he returned to the birthplace of his current character to reclaim his place at the head of the table.

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The Bloodline Civil War

If the end goal is to create a new threat that would force the original Bloodline to reunite, Survivor Series would be the ideal location for their showdown. In fact, that could be the premise for this year's men's WarGames match.

Reigns and The Usos vs. Sikoa, Tama Tonga and Tanga Lao must be the ideal matchup, right? It could even be an eight-man match amid rumors that Jacob Fatu has signed with WWE.

However, it will take some time to get all the pieces in play and create the proper motivations for the OG members to band together again. That's not a story WWE would likely tell as Reigns' first match back.

It would make much more sense for The Tribal Chief to fail to regain his title first, giving Sikoa the justification to try to claim his position. This would set up a face turn and the schism that would cause him to dismantle his own creation.

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The Verdict

SummerSlam is the best option for Reigns' in-ring return. The route would allow WWE to plan a marquee title match worthy of the event and plant seeds for Survivor Series.

WrestleMania 41 is also a possibility, but it's hard to believe the company's biggest star will remain absent for the rest of the year. That would be an epic way to position him as a surprise entrant in the 2025 men's Royal Rumble match or give Sikoa's coup time to stew.

It would even give fans enough time to start the annual tradition of speculating about his long-awaited dream match with The Rock. Nevertheless, a return later this year in time for The Biggest Party of the Summer seems more likely.