During the September 10, 2015 episode of WWE SmackDown, taped in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, Bray Wyatt and his faction, The Wyatt Family, delivered a chilling promo targeting Roman Reigns. Wyatt accused Reigns of being “infected” with the overwhelming desire to be “the one,” suggesting this longing drove him away from genuine connections with fans. This declaration set the stage for escalating tensions ahead of the Night of Champions event, promising a confrontational showdown between these rival factions.
The Wyatt Family’s Ominous Message to Reigns and Allies
Wyatt began by declaring that Roman Reigns is cursed, overwhelmed by his wish to become the singular dominant force in WWE, regardless of how fans perceive him. He insisted that Reigns sought obedience, expecting crowds to
“bow to him like good little sheep.”
Braun Strowman emerged, replacing Erick Rowan as Wyatt’s imposing enforcer, wearing a mask and intoning ominously, “they all fall down. Run.”
Wyatt shifted attention to Dean Ambrose, labeling him flighty and easily manipulated by Reigns, describing him as a rag doll being led to disaster. The rivalry between the Wyatt Family and Reigns’ alliances was likened to the infamous Hatfields and McCoys feud, emphasizing the intensity and deep-rooted nature of their conflict. Wyatt warned of “doomsday” awaiting them at Night of Champions, suggesting the Wyatts had unstoppable momentum.
He further confronted Jimmy Uso directly, cautioning him to consider his choices carefully under threat of severe consequences. Wyatt concluded by echoing Roman Reigns’ famed catchphrase before Strowman removed his mask, intensifying the menace hanging over Reigns and his allies.
“Bray Wyatt said Roman Reigns is cursed, infected with the desire to become the one.”
—Greg Parks, PWTorch Columnist
Supporting Matches Highlight Building Storylines on SmackDown
The episode featured several important matches that advanced various rivalries. In a rematch from Raw, Paige faced Sasha Banks in a physically intense bout marked by interference and emotional outbursts from members of their respective teams, Team PCB and Team BAD. The match ended in a no-contest, underscoring the growing friction within the Divas Revolution.
Cesaro, despite taped ribs, secured a solid victory over The Miz with a submission hold in their rematch, though the win’s long-term impact remained uncertain given the show‘s storytelling context.
Tensions Rise Among Reigns, Ambrose, and Jimmy Uso
Backstage, an interview with Dean Ambrose and Roman Reigns revealed their trust in each other and in Jimmy Uso as familiarity and family ties bind them tightly ahead of the coming conflict with The Wyatt Family. Jimmy expressed enthusiasm for facing off against Wyatt’s group, underscoring the personal stakes involved.
The New Day and Six-Man Tag Team Action
The New Day, accompanied by their signature dance and lively presence, clashed with Roman Reigns, Dean Ambrose, and Jimmy Uso in six-man tag team action. Throughout the intense contest, Reigns demonstrated tremendous vigor, delivering multiple impactful maneuvers like the Samoan drop, double suplex, and Superman punch.
However, the match culminated in chaos when The Wyatt Family appeared at the ramp, attacking Uso and forcing the match to end in an unsatisfying count-out victory for The New Day. Wyatt’s chilling voice echoed through the arena: “They all fall down,” deepening the narrative’s darkness and advancing the threat looming over Reigns and his allies.
The Lucha Dragons Face Off Against The Ascension
The early part of the show also showcased a quick, decisive tag team match where The Ascension, supported by Stardust, overcame The Lucha Dragons. The match highlighted Kalisto’s agility, but interference and distractions led to The Ascension securing victory, furthering tensions in the tag team division.
Ryback vs. Seth Rollins in a Lumberjack Match Climaxes the Evening
The main event featured Seth Rollins defending himself against Ryback in a Lumberjack Match surrounded by ringside wrestlers tasked with keeping the action inside the ring. Early in the contest, Ryback used his strength advantage, but Rollins’ agility and cunning allowed him to counterattack and regain momentum. The match was punctuated by interference and near-chaos among the lumberjacks, blurring lines between allies and adversaries.
In a crucial moment, Kevin Owens surprised many by abstaining from disrupting the action, while several lumberjacks allied to Rollins orchestrated a well-timed distraction. This allowed Rollins to secure victory after delivering his finishing move, the Pedigree. He celebrated holding both the WWE World Heavyweight and United States titles as the show closed, sustaining his position at the sport’s peak despite the turmoil surrounding him.
“That was a clean victory right there,”
—Booker T., WWE commentator
Rollins Reflects on Sting’s Challenge and the Road Ahead
Following the match, backstage commentary focused on Rollins’ troubled mindset following his confrontation with Sting on Raw, which had thrown a shadow over his reign. Rollins described Sting’s presence as a mind game tormenting his psyche and declared his determination to crush Sting’s ambitions to become WWE World Champion. He also reaffirmed his proactive choice to face Ryback in the Lumberjack Match to silence doubters within the locker room.
Meanwhile, speculation grew about Sheamus’ potential to cash in the Money in the Bank contract at Night of Champions, adding another unpredictable variable to the event’s already tense atmosphere.
Heated Rivalries Overlap with Family Feuds and Title Battles
The episode also contained developing storylines involving The Bella Twins and Charlotte, whose backstage exchange was charged with accusations of jealousy and future championship aspirations. Nikki Bella dismissed Charlotte’s threat, whereas Charlotte confidently predicted she would soon become Divas Champion, foreshadowing further conflict between the two.
These intertwined storylines, from family loyalty among Roman Reigns, Dean Ambrose, and Jimmy Uso, to the brewing hostilities with The Wyatt Family and the unfolding Divas competition, created a complex web of personal and competitive tension heading into future WWE events.
The Continued Impact of Wyatt’s Provocation on WWE’s Landscape
Bray Wyatt’s accusations against Roman Reigns, alongside his ominous warnings and the physical intimidation by his faction, have significantly intensified Reigns’ narrative arc. This portrayal of Reigns as “infected” with the craving to be “the one” examines the psychological dimensions of his character, adding layers of internal and external struggle.
The crescendo of this conflict will unfold at Night of Champions, where alliances will be tested, and Wyatt’s prophecy of “doomsday” may come to pass. In the meantime, the turmoil from SmackDown has ripple effects across WWE’s roster, as championship ambitions, personal rivalries, and factional battles intersect in a charged atmosphere of doubt and desperation.
