A dramatic shift in WWE SmackDown’s landscape unfolded as The Bloodline turned on their long-time advisor, Paul Heyman. The faction’s enforcer, Solo Sikoa, initiated the violent coup, culminating in Heyman being brutally attacked and left incapacitated. This shocking event has elicited a reaction from within the revered Anoa’i family, a dynasty deeply entwined with the wrestling world.
During Friday’s WWE SmackDown, tensions that had been simmering for weeks finally reached their boiling point. Paul Heyman, who has long been the “Wiseman” and confidant to Roman Reigns, refused to acknowledge Sikoa’s authority, leading to a swift and brutal response. Solo Sikoa, without hesitation, delivered a devastating Samoan Spike to Heyman, and in a decisive act, orchestrated Jacob Fatu to put Heyman through the announcer’s table. The once-unified Bloodline now stands fractured, with internal power struggles at the forefront.
Reacting to this tumultuous turn of events, Sikoa’s father, WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi, appeared to show his approval. Via his social media account on X, Rikishi succinctly expressed his support for his son’s decisive actions, stating, “ITS DONE!” This reaction is consistent with Rikishi’s previous stance when he backed his youngest son over his eldest, Jimmy Uso, during his ejection from The Bloodline.
ITS DONE !
— RIKISHI FATU (@TheREALRIKISHI) June 29, 2024
The attack on Heyman marks a significant development following Solo Sikoa’s attempts to steer The Bloodline in Roman Reigns’ absence. Since Reigns’ defeat to Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 40, Sikoa has been making unilateral decisions, bringing in allies such as Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa, and most recently, Jacob Fatu, much to Heyman’s chagrin. Heyman had consistently cautioned Sikoa against these moves, indicating they were beyond his authority.
Last week’s WWE SmackDown saw Heyman expressing his desire to leave with CM Punk, signaling his discomfort with the splinter group’s direction. This forewarning manifested in Heyman’s brutal ousting this week, underscoring the growing divide within The Bloodline.
The absence of Roman Reigns has left a leadership vacuum, with Sikoa’s aggressive tactics highlighting his bid to assert control. The situation remains fluid, with no definitive word on when Reigns or Jimmy Uso will return to address the faction’s turmoil. However, their reactions to Sikoa’s new faction and his decisive moves will undoubtedly be pivotal in the unfolding saga of The Bloodline.
As WWE fans and the wrestling community at large digest these dramatic developments, it’s clear that the Anoa’i dynasty remains a central force in the narrative, both on and off the screen. The internal struggles within The Bloodline promise to deliver more intrigue and high-stakes drama in the weeks to come.
