Roman Reigns has built a dominant legacy as The Tribal Chief in WWE, but some rivals still seek closure with him. While Cody Rhodes remains the only wrestler to have decisively defeated Reigns, many others have been left overshadowed due to the overwhelming support Reigns receives from The Bloodline faction. Finn Balor is among those who feel their rivalry with Reigns remains incomplete, especially considering a key match from 2021 that ended in unexpected chaos.
During a 2021 showdown at Extreme Rules, Roman Reigns faced Balor’s demon persona. However, a top rope accident, where the rope snapped, gave Reigns a critical advantage, ultimately costing Balor the victory. In an interview with Adrian Hernandez ahead of the 2026 Elimination Chamber event, Balor expressed lingering thoughts about how different the outcome might have been if not for that malfunction. Moreover, with Roman Reigns currently feuding with CM Punk, Balor’s unresolved issues with Reigns have recently resurfaced in his mind.
“As a professional? He’s one of the greatest of all time. I remember the first time I locked up with Roman was my first night on Raw. And when I locked up with him, it was just like a different feeling. I was like, ‘Oh, this is how they do it here.’ And it was a real eye-opening moment for me. I had one very similar in Japan when I wrestled with Justin Liger. But I — you know, with Roman he’s just at another level. And it’s someone who I admire and respect. There’s still that little bit of bitterness that like, that top rope malfunction of — that’s another ‘What if?,’ right? What if the top rope didn’t break? Roman was laying in the middle of the ring and I was about to hit the foot stomp. So you know, that’s something that I’d not really forgotten about, but maybe moved on from. But with what’s been going on with Punk and Roman, I felt like, ‘Oh.’ It kind of like reminded me, ‘Oh, I still got an issue with him, too.”
?Finn Balor, WWE Wrestler
The Impact of The Bloodline on Roman Reigns’ Dominance
Roman Reigns’ reign as The Tribal Chief has been marked by near-unstoppable momentum, largely due to the support from The Bloodline, which regularly tips the scales in his favor. This faction backing has left numerous opponents unable to fully settle their score with Reigns, cementing his position atop WWE’s hierarchy. Only Cody Rhodes has famously broken through to claim victory, ending Reigns’ undefeated streak within the faction’s era. For wrestlers like Balor, however, the question of what could have happened in their encounters with Reigns remains unresolved.
Upcoming High-Stakes Match at Elimination Chamber Involves Finn Balor
The Elimination Chamber 2026 event will feature a high-profile bout between Finn Balor and CM Punk, with the World Heavyweight Championship at stake. Balor’s comments about his unfinished rivalry with Roman Reigns come at a pivotal moment, as tensions between Reigns and Punk escalate, indirectly reigniting Balor’s competitive fire. This match is poised to be significant for Balor, who continues to chase decisive victories that have eluded him, including settling his past with Reigns.
Randy Orton Addresses Changes in WWE’s Kayfabe Culture
Meanwhile, WWE veteran Randy Orton has publicly discussed the decline of traditional kayfabe, the practice of maintaining in-ring storylines as reality. Orton expressed frustration with how the industry’s shift affects the authenticity and intensity of wrestling narratives, signaling broader tensions within WWE’s creative direction.
Darby Allin Supports Former AEW Champion on Dynamite
On AEW Dynamite, Darby Allin made a notable intervention to assist a former AEW Champion. This altercation highlights the ongoing alliances and rivalries shaping AEW’s current storylines, reflecting the vibrant competitive atmosphere within wrestling beyond WWE.
TKO Reports Record WWE Revenue Despite Mixed Fan Reactions
TKO, WWE’s parent company, revealed astonishing revenue of $1.7 billion in 2025, despite some fans’ dissatisfaction with the on-screen product. The financial success underscores WWE’s strong market presence and the business acumen of its leadership, even amid creative challenges.
Triple H Faces Criticism Over Brock Lesnar Booking Decisions
There have been calls for WWE to dismiss Triple H due to controversial booking decisions involving Brock Lesnar. These demands reflect simmering discontent among fans and insiders about management’s approach to some of WWE’s top talents and storylines.
Bronson Reed’s Injury May Sideline Him for Months
Bronson Reed recently suffered a bicep tear on Monday Night RAW, forcing him into a potential seven-month absence from WWE programming. His injury highlights the physical toll wrestling takes and the uncertainties surrounding roster continuity.
Liv Morgan Speaks Out on Future WWE Romantic Storylines
Liv Morgan, linked on-screen with Dominik Mysterio, made a bold statement regarding potential romantic storylines in WWE, hinting at evolving dynamics and character developments that fans may expect moving forward.
Paul Heyman Weighs In on Speculated Logan Paul WrestleMania Match
Speculation has surrounded a possible blockbuster WrestleMania match between Logan Paul and top WWE stars, but Paul Heyman recently commented on the rumors. His remarks add intrigue to the wrestling world’s anticipation of high-profile spectacles.
Cody Rhodes Directed to Abandon New Look in WWE
In other developments, WWE has instructed Cody Rhodes to drop his recent new look, signaling potential shifts in his character arc or creative direction. This order reflects the company’s hands-on approach to managing its top talent’s presentation and storylines.
