Speculation surrounding Roman Reigns WWE return rumors and SummerSlam plans has increased as the Stamford-based promotion approaches SummerSlam 2025, leaving fans questioning if the former Undisputed WWE Universal Champion will set his sights on John Cena or Seth Rollins upon his return. With Reigns absent from television since WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas, his comeback timing and next move remain widely discussed throughout the wrestling world.
Roman Reigns remains off WWE television as major events approach
After the episode of RAW following WrestleMania 41, Roman Reigns has not been seen on WWE programming. The storyline saw Bron Breakker and Seth Rollins take him out, leading The Tribal Chief to take time off. Early reports suggested Reigns was expected to be back after the 2025 Money in the Bank Premium Live Event, but his return has yet to materialize.
With the 2025 Night of Champions Premium Live Event drawing near, questions persist regarding whether Roman Reigns will be part of WWE’s immediate plans. Despite speculation, no official announcement about his return has been shared, and his potential participation at Night of Champions appears doubtful due to his lack of advertised matches.
SummerSlam 2025 shapes up as a possible destination for Reigns’ comeback
Current expectations within WWE circles suggest The Tribal Chief could make his in-ring return at the inaugural two-night SummerSlam at MetLife Stadium, scheduled for August 2 and 3. Scenario planning sees Reigns targeting Seth Rollins and his faction, given how his hiatus began. However, Rollins is presently involved with LA Knight, a program that may continue through the upcoming Premium Live Event, which could postpone their clash.

An alternative narrative has Reigns resurfacing after Night of Champions 2025, positioning him to feud with Seth Rollins—now Mr. Money in the Bank. This potential SummerSlam 2025 matchup would provide a fresh chapter in their ongoing rivalry, which stretches back to their days as Shield brothers and has produced numerous memorable confrontations.
Despite speculation, these creative directions are based solely on storyline trends and not officially confirmed by WWE. The ever-evolving nature of pro wrestling storylines means that all planned returns and rivalries are subject to abrupt change as events draw closer.
Analyst Sam Roberts offers a new theory: Reigns vs. John Cena at the marquee event
Prominent wrestling analyst Sam Roberts shared a different perspective on his NotSam Wrestling podcast, exploring the possibility of Roman Reigns pursuing the Undisputed WWE Title he lost to Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania XL. Roberts proposed that Reigns may set his sights on John Cena at SummerSlam 2025, delivering a major box-office clash on WWE’s grand stage.
Their last battle at SummerSlam 2021 saw Roman Reigns at the height of his Tribal Chief persona. He dominated Cena and walked out as champion. If the roles are reversed in 2025 with the title once again on the line, the match could become a headline attraction for WWE, especially at the historic MetLife Stadium event.
“Roman (Reigns) would have to come back soon. And then he’d have to explain why he’s going after John Cena (at SummerSlam). The last time we saw Roman, he got laid out by Seth Rollins and Bron Breakker. So for Roman to come back and be like, ‘I’m back for John Cena,’ it’s almost like…okay. I mean, it could happen. He wants the title. He hates John Cena,” said Sam Roberts. (1:11:45 – 1:12:04) —Sam Roberts, Wrestling Analyst
Uncertainty continues as storylines evolve
The timing and opponent for Roman Reigns’ WWE return remain shrouded in uncertainty, with the company’s roster already filled with high-profile storylines and limited match card space. Whether Reigns ultimately renews his feud with Seth Rollins or takes aim at John Cena, both scenarios would have a significant impact, reigniting classic rivalries and generating substantial fan interest.
Until WWE makes an official announcement, supporters of Reigns, along with those intrigued by SummerSlam developments, are left to speculate. Industry insiders and fans alike eagerly await confirmation on whether the former champion will make his comeback at SummerSlam 2025, and which wrestling legend—Seth Rollins or John Cena—will stand across the ring from him at MetLife Stadium.
With expectations running high and storylines changing rapidly, Roman Reigns WWE return rumors and SummerSlam plans are set to remain a focal point leading into the summer, keeping the WWE universe tense and invested in what’s to come.
