During the latest episode of RAW, a Roman Reigns tribute caught fans off guard, as a legendary WWE figure emulated one of Reigns’ most recognizable in-ring gestures. This notable moment emerged in the midst of heightened competition over the Women’s Tag Team titles, solidifying the ongoing impact of Reigns’ influence in WWE storylines.
Asuka’s New Outlook Sparks Unexpected Homage
In recent weeks, Asuka has demonstrated a significant shift in her demeanor, aligning herself and Kairi Sane with a more antagonistic approach. Their new attitude paid off, helping the Kabuki Warriors secure the Women’s Tag Team Championship. However, with increasing pressure from contenders, especially with Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY being named as their next challengers, the atmosphere around the division remains highly charged.
On this episode of RAW, Asuka and Kairi Sane addressed the crowd from the ring, setting the stage for their impending title defense. Asuka didn’t hesitate to provoke the audience, referring to them as “stupid babies.” During Kairi Sane’s attempt to speak, Asuka interrupted, sharply demanding her partner hand over the microphone. The scene strongly resembled how Roman Reigns characteristically demanded Paul Heyman deliver the mic into his hand, a subtle but unmistakable Roman Reigns tribute on RAW that resonated with attentive viewers.
Roman Reigns’ Absence and Future in WWE
Roman Reigns, who last competed at Survivor Series: WarGames 2025, has maintained a limited WWE presence since relinquishing the Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania 40. Known for taking extended absences between headline matches, Reigns has only participated in seven bouts throughout 2025.
At Survivor Series: WarGames, Reigns joined forces with CM Punk, Cody Rhodes, and The Usos, but their alliance fell short against The Vision, Brock Lesnar, and Drew McIntyre. Tensions escalated post-match, with Reigns making it clear to Cody Rhodes, also known as the American Nightmare, that any collaborative efforts had ended. This marked Reigns’ last WWE appearance as The OTC has been absent ever since, leaving fans and insiders speculating about his next return.
Speculation abounds regarding Reigns’ potential comeback, with the 2026 Royal Rumble looming as a possible stage for his reappearance. His presence in promotional material for WrestleMania 42 further fuels expectations for a high-profile return, despite WWE offering no explicit confirmation to date.
Assessing the Influence of Reigns on RAW and Beyond
This recent Roman Reigns tribute on RAW highlights his enduring influence on WWE performers, even during periods of absence. Asuka’s nod to Reigns’ signature style underlines the ongoing relevance of his character’s legacy and its impact on the current narrative. With key competitors like Kairi Sane, Rhea Ripley, Cody Rhodes, and Brock Lesnar shaping future championship pursuits, the anticipation around Reigns’ next chapter continues to contribute to the emotional volatility and unpredictability within WWE programming.
Fans now look forward to the upcoming Women’s Tag Team Championship bout, where the echoes of past and present champions blend, keeping the intrigue alive. Only time will tell when Reigns will reclaim his spot in the WWE limelight, but moments like these ensure his presence is never truly gone from the ring or the minds of fans.
Asuka says we’re all stupid babies ☹️ #WWERAW pic.twitter.com/k9gibdZ3Kl
— BODYSLAM.NET | WWE & AEW Wrestling News (@BodyslamNet) December 30, 2025
