Solo Sikoa secures first main roster title in a dramatic development at WWE Night of Champions, signaling a turning point for the New Bloodline, while notable changes ripple across the company. On a week marked by title changes and rising stars, the shifting landscape left iconic teams like the New Day at a crossroads and showcased Rhea Ripley’s continued dominance.
Solo Sikoa’s time on the main roster has seen a series of highs and lows over his two and a half years with WWE. Launching his career as the ominous enforcer for the Bloodline, Sikoa rarely addressed the audience directly but maintained a strong presence through his actions and rare, impactful words. Protected by smart booking while Jimmy and Jey absorbed losses, he reached a personal high with a singles win over John Cena at Crown Jewel 2023. However, the loss of Roman Reigns’s title to Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania led to a leadership vacuum that initially proved difficult for the group—and Sikoa himself—to navigate.
Sikoa’s stint as the supposed new Tribal Chief failed to match Roman Reigns in terms of charisma or crowd connection. He took the helm of a reimagined group featuring Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa, and eventually Jacob Fatu, but his authority and presence did not immediately resonate. When Reigns returned to challenge Sikoa for the Ula Fala during Raw’s Netflix debut, there was little doubt that Sikoa would fall back in the Bloodline hierarchy. After losing to Reigns, Sikoa’s claim to tribal chief status dissolved, but he continued guiding the New Bloodline, struggling to define his role and the faction’s purpose.
Jacob Fatu’s rapid rise seemed to overshadow Sikoa’s efforts and raised questions about his future within the group. However, storyline developments turned the tide as Sikoa’s jealousy towards Fatu created opportunities for a refreshed portrayal, enabling Sikoa to discover a more complex and relatable character. His earnest pleas to Fatu—asserting love and respect—introduced new layers to his personality and began winning fans back.
The United States Title match at Night of Champions was widely expected to be Fatu’s easy victory. Yet, with the return of Tonga Loa and the debut of Hikuleo, Sikoa managed to capture his first championship on the main roster. This win sets a new trajectory for Sikoa and hints at a revitalized New Bloodline, full of new energy and possibilities.
Rhea Ripley Sets the Standard for WWE Women’s Division
Rhea Ripley’s momentum shows no signs of slowing down. At only 28 years old, Ripley exhibits a rare blend of in-ring storytelling, charisma, and a distinct look—attributes that place her among the likes of legends such as Steve Austin, CM Punk, and Becky Lynch. Despite facing adversity through inconsistent booking and multiple losses during her WrestleMania build, Ripley has maintained a powerful relationship with her passionate fanbase, seen most recently in her match against Raquel Rodriguez at Night of Champions. Though the outcome seemed predictable, Ripley’s performance dazzled, and her connection with the audience only intensified.
Ripley stands as the first woman since Becky Lynch’s prime around WrestleMania 35 to be positioned as a true top star of the company. WWE Women’s World Champion Iyo Sky, when given the freedom to choose her next challenger for Evolution, bypassed other contenders—like Bianca Belair, sidelined by injury—and chose Ripley, an unmatched competitor. Sky, once a breakout star after defeating Ripley for the title, initially forged a strong bond with fans, particularly after her surprising win in March. However, her championship run has stalled, hindered by limited English promo skills and declining crowd engagement.
The build for their clash at Evolution materialized abruptly and, while not ideal, positions Ripley as the likely new Women’s Champion. The sense among many is that WWE’s future revolves around Ripley, and her time to lead the women’s division as champion is fast approaching.
Raquel Rodriguez Steps into the Spotlight with Partner Shift
Raquel Rodriguez, a standout in NXT, has spent much of her main roster run in supporting roles. Her recent storyline with Liv Morgan in the Judgment Day cast her in the enforcer mold, reminiscent of the classic dynamic between Diesel and Shawn Michaels. Although often positioned as the recipient of losses meant to protect other team members, Rodriguez’s natural strength left fans expecting more prominence.
Despite critiques of her presence in segments compared to Morgan’s flair, Rodriguez found steady exposure through multiple tag team title victories, earning her a regular spot in the women’s division. Going into Night of Champions, there were questions about her future due to Morgan’s injury, but her match opposite Ripley gave cause for optimism. In a reversal of roles, Rodriguez dominated large portions of the contest, making Ripley appear unusually vulnerable for the first time in recent memory.
During commentary, Wade Barrett revived Rodriguez’s former nickname,
Big Mami Cool“ and called the match a coming out party for Rodriguez.
—Wade Barrett, Commentator. This “coming out party” solidified Rodriguez as more than just a background player.
The match featured interference from Roxanne Perez, signaling the start of a new alliance. This arrangement was confirmed on Raw when Rodriguez chose Perez as her tag partner and co-champion. The blend of Rodriguez’s raw power and Perez’s quick-witted tactics adds dynamic intrigue. With Rodriguez’s promo skills still developing, Perez is expected to play point on the microphone for the team. Morgan’s eventual return may spark a new feud, adding a personal touch to a potential high-profile rivalry.
New Day’s Unexpected Downturn Amidst Changing Tag Team Scene
For the New Day—Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods—the past few weeks brought fresh ring gear, theme music, and renewed optimism. Their World Tag Team Title win at WrestleMania was a highlight, pointed to a possible new era for the team. Fun, light-hearted promos followed, having long been absent from the Raw tag team landscape. Recognized recently as rising stars, all they needed was a compelling program to fuel their comeback.
However, storyline development failed to materialize. The team’s title defenses were few, and no hotly anticipated challenger emerged. Their eventual defense against the Judgment Day on Raw arrived without buildup, failing to capture the crowd’s enthusiasm despite solid in-ring work. The outcome—a Judgment Day victory—ended New Day’s tenth tag team championship reign abruptly. Kingston and Woods were left directionless and lacking momentum.
At this stage, a title regain or major program for New Day seems improbable. The team’s best prospects might depend on the return of Big E, whose presence could breathe new life into one of WWE’s most beloved factions. Until then, their future remains uncertain, casting a shadow over their storied legacy.
New Faces and Shifting Fortunes Set Up Future Storylines
As WWE navigates ongoing changes, attention also falls on other members of the roster. Bayley and Lyra Valkyria, both recent runners-up, have struggled with mismanaged storylines that diminish their appeal. WWE seems to have repeated poor creative patterns, pitting popular faces against each other in weak, petty feuds. While Ripley bounced back from similar adversity, neither Bayley nor Valkyria holds the same level of fan support, which puts them at risk heading into Evolution.
If there is reason for optimism, it lies in the promise of a well-wrestled triple threat at Evolution. Yet, fan engagement remains a question, especially with the shadow of Becky Lynch’s legacy looming large. Ongoing developments and potential alliances across the women’s and tag team divisions signal that WWE remains in a state of flux, setting the stage for both fresh confrontations and long-awaited comebacks.
As Night of Champions and its aftermath have demonstrated, success and setbacks in WWE frequently hinge on a performer’s adaptability and the creative direction given by the company. Solo Sikoa secures first main roster title as the New Bloodline begins a new chapter, Rhea Ripley’s ascent appears unstoppable, and teams like the New Day confront an uncertain road ahead. The coming weeks will determine whether these shifts become turning points or temporary detours in WWE’s ever-evolving saga.
