Roman Reigns’ first match following his hiatus nearly ended in disaster during Night 1 of SummerSlam at MetLife Stadium. Teaming with his cousin Jey Uso against Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed, Reigns attempted a high-risk move that went unexpectedly wrong, sparking concern among fans and commentators alike.
While Reigns is mostly known for his mat wrestling and typically avoids risky aerial maneuvers, he tried to bounce off the ropes and leap onto his opponents outside the ring. Unfortunately, his jump carried extra force, causing him to overshoot and land awkwardly on the floor, narrowly avoiding a more severe injury.
Breakdown of the Botched Move and Its Causes
Former WWE star Stevie Richards analyzed the incident during his podcast, attributing the near-accident to the positioning of Breakker and Reed during the jump. Richards suggested the two wrestlers stood too close to the ring edge, making it harder for them to catch Reigns safely and absorb his momentum.
“What went wrong is these two guys. I don’t know what it is with WWE and even AEW and TNA with catching people or the problem with not catching people more accurately…when you’re going to catch somebody, create more distance cos it’s easier to step up into them. How many times you’ve seen people that they’re too close in and the person crashes and burns? Almost 100% of the time.” —Stevie Richards, Former WWE Star
Despite the botch, Reigns reacted instinctively and managed to pivot mid-air, landing on his back rather than his neck, thus preventing what could have been a serious injury.
Context of the Match and Audience Reaction
The match, which opened the SummerSlam event, was otherwise entertaining, showcasing competitive exchanges and sell moves from all participants. The crowd’s reaction to the botch was audible with groans and gasps, reflecting the tension in the arena as viewers feared for Reigns’ wellbeing. Commentators also voiced their concern during the broadcast, highlighting the risky nature of the moment and questioning if Reigns was all right.
Broader WWE Commentary and Related Updates
This botch incident comes amid ongoing discussions within WWE about falling standards and internal challenges. Wrestling legend The Undertaker has criticized WWE for slipping quality, while rumors circulate about potential faction breakups and backstage consequences stemming from mistakes at SummerSlam.
Additionally, John Cena recently reflected on his early career, sharing insights into his initial film roles, while other WWE stars express frustrations over limited usage inside the ring. Meanwhile, speculations about Cody Rhodes and his future plans continue to be dismissed by some WWE insiders.
Next Steps and Potential Impact on WWE
The dangerous botch involving Roman Reigns has intensified focus on in-ring safety protocols and communication between performers during high-risk spots. The incident serves as a reminder of the physical dangers wrestlers face, even among top-tier talent like Reigns, who is known as The Tribal Chief. It is expected that WWE may revisit training and match planning strategies to minimize similar risks in future events.
Fans and WWE officials alike will watch closely for any repercussions or changes following this episode, as well as updates on Reigns’ condition, to ensure his continued status as a central figure in the company’s storyline and competition.
