In the latest installment of WWE SmackDown, the pervasive dominance of The Bloodline, masterminded by Roman Reigns and further enhanced by the inclusion of The Rock, once again seized the spotlight, relegating other storylines and wrestlers to the periphery. This episode underscored the formidable grip The Bloodline narrative has over WWE programming and the consequential impact on the allocation of screen time for certain performers, notably Naomi.
The recent amalgamation of The Rock with The Bloodline has injected an unprecedented level of star power into the faction, reshaping the landscape of WWE. This was palpable in a protracted segment on SmackDown, where The Rock and Reigns engaged in an intense verbal altercation with their WrestleMania Night 1 adversaries, Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins. The segment, extending over 10 minutes, surpassed the customary duration, signaling the paramount importance accorded to The Bloodline’s storyline.
As a consequence of the elongated segment, Naomi, who recently made her return to WWE, found her entrance for a match against Tiffany Stratton omitted from the broadcast. Furthermore, the women’s match itself was condensed into a single segment, curtailing the amount of time allotted to the in-ring action. This adjustment underscored the extent to which The Bloodline’s narrative monopolizes WWE programming, often overshadowing other storylines and performers in the process.
Looking ahead, there are inklings of potential twists within The Bloodline storyline, with speculation swirling about a possible rift or betrayal between The Rock and Roman Reigns. This speculation stemmed from a segment in which Reigns interjected during The Rock’s promo, prompting him to acknowledge Reigns as the Chief, igniting anticipation among fans for subsequent developments within the faction.
The Rock & Roman Reigns’ segment from last nights #SmackDown went over by over 10 minutes & thus Naomi’s entrance & some other things were cut from the broadcast as a result.
— @FightfulSelect pic.twitter.com/wzGB3HG68o
— Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) March 2, 2024
The omnipresence of The Bloodline has been a central motif in WWE programming in recent months, with Reigns’ stranglehold on the Universal Championship and The Rock’s triumphant return adding layers of intrigue to the narrative tapestry. However, the overwhelming emphasis on The Bloodline’s saga has raised concerns among fans regarding the sidelining of other wrestlers and plotlines, exemplified by Naomi’s diminished screen time on the recent episode of SmackDown.
Despite the undeniable allure of The Bloodline’s storyline, it is imperative for WWE to strike a delicate balance between showcasing the faction’s dominance and affording opportunities for other wrestlers to shine. As the road to WrestleMania unfurls, the trajectory of The Bloodline’s narrative and its implications for the broader WWE landscape remain tantalizingly uncertain.
The Bloodline’s hegemony injects a palpable excitement into WWE programming, it is incumbent upon the company to ensure that other wrestlers and storylines receive equitable attention. The recent incident involving Naomi’s truncated screen time serves as a poignant reminder of the precarious equilibrium WWE must navigate to appease its diverse audience and sustain engagement with the product.