Speculation around Roman Reigns WWE RAW exit has intensified following his absence after the 2025 Survivor Series: WarGames, with rumors swirling that his return may involve a dramatic departure from Monday Night RAW just ahead of Royal Rumble 2026. If Reigns moves, it could align him once again with major rivals and set the stage for high-stakes conflicts in WWE’s most anticipated events.
Disappearance Following Survivor Series Leaves Questions
Roman Reigns, the former Undisputed WWE Champion and recognized leader of The Bloodline, has not appeared on WWE programming since his involvement in the 2025 Survivor Series: WarGames Premium Live Event, where he was part of Team CM Punk. That match saw Team Punk defeated after a masked individual attacked “The Best in the World,” allowing Bron Breakker to take the win by pinning the champion.
In the aftermath, Reigns’ status with RAW has become uncertain. Reports suggest that “the OTC” could make a surprise return on television, only to declare his intention to leave RAW as Royal Rumble nears. This possible exit could see Reigns shifting over to SmackDown, priming WWE for a renewed feud with Cody Rhodes, who, as “The American Nightmare,” has a history of rivalry with Reigns. The storyline was further teased when Team Punk fell short at WarGames, emphasizing unfinished business between Reigns and Rhodes.
Potential Showdowns Loom for Marquee Events
Should Reigns make the switch to SmackDown, talk has centered on the duo meeting in a trilogy clash—a lucrative match rumored for Saudi Arabia during Royal Rumble. Additionally, Randy Orton was teased this past week as possibly snapping and costing Cody Rhodes the WWE title, an action that would ignite a new, deeply personal rivalry stretching into WWE WrestleMania 42. WWE appears driven to line up headline matches, with Royal Rumble expected to deliver a standout title bout.
If Orton intervenes and Rhodes drops the world title, the loss would likely not impact Rhodes’ standing due to strong storytelling. In the meantime, Reigns could capture the SmackDown championship, creating the possibility for a massive ‘Mania bout. There has also been chatter about finally booking Reigns against The Rock at WrestleMania, with a championship on the line to elevate the stakes even further.
Motivations and Ambitions Revealed in RAW Segment
During the build to Survivor Series 2025, Roman Reigns shared the stage with World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk and Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes in a high-profile Monday Night RAW segment. Reigns was open about his goals, aiming to secure a top championship for himself, though he did not specify which title was his target.
After Team Punk’s defeat, the ensuing moments were telling—Reigns shared a respectful handshake with CM Punk but maintained a noticeably cool exchange with Cody Rhodes, indirectly signaling where his focus and animosity lie. The creative team led by Triple H now faces the challenge of crafting Reigns’ next chapter, with fans and industry insiders eager to see how the “Original Tribal Chief” returns to the spotlight.
What Lies Ahead for Roman Reigns and WWE?
While much of this potential scenario rests on speculation, the tension between Reigns, Rhodes, and other figures such as Randy Orton and The Rock keeps anticipation high. The “Roman Reigns WWE RAW exit” narrative could dramatically reshape the championship landscape, drawing major attention as the 2026 Royal Rumble and WrestleMania 42 approach. The WWE universe now waits for confirmation on Reigns’ path, as his decisions will undoubtedly ripple through upcoming events.
