WWE’s Strategic Power Play Ahead of Survivor Series 2025 – Azat TV

Roman Reigns’ Absence: A Calculated Move by WWE?

Roman Reigns, one of WWE’s biggest stars, has always commanded attention—whether he’s inside the ring or absent from it. His recent no-show at WWE RAW’s Battle Royal, following the dramatic events at Crown Jewel, has set the rumor mill spinning. Fans and insiders alike are dissecting every move, every silence, trying to decode what’s next for the so-called ‘Tribal Chief.’

Reigns last competed at the Crown Jewel Premium Live Event on October 11, 2025, where he faced Bronson Reed in an Australian Street Fight. The match ended in controversy as The Usos interfered, inadvertently costing Reigns the victory. The fallout was immediate and personal; Reigns made it clear he was frustrated with his cousins, and the resulting tension has not gone unnoticed by the WWE universe.

Since then, Reigns has been conspicuously absent from RAW, fueling speculation about the reasons behind his retreat. With Seth Rollins vacating the World Heavyweight Championship due to injury, many fans expected Reigns to step into the spotlight. Yet, when a Battle Royal was announced to determine CM Punk’s next opponent, Reigns was nowhere to be seen. This absence was not random—it appears to be part of a much larger WWE strategy.

Strategic Timing: Setting the Stage for Survivor Series WarGames

Why would WWE keep one of its biggest draws off television in the run-up to a major event? According to El-Balad, there are three plausible reasons for Reigns’ absence. First, WWE may be planning a dramatic return for Reigns at Saturday Night’s Main Event (SNME), where he could sabotage Jey Uso’s championship hopes. Given the recent friction, this would be a high-impact way to reignite their rivalry and keep fans invested.

Second, the timing is crucial. Survivor Series: WarGames is set for November 29, 2025, and WWE is known for saving its biggest surprises for marquee events. By holding Reigns back, they build anticipation and set the stage for a possible alliance with The Usos and CM Punk—potentially forming a super team that could dominate the WarGames format. This approach maximizes drama and ensures that Reigns’ return will have the highest possible impact.

Third, there’s talk of a blockbuster match between Roman Reigns and John Cena, scheduled for December at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. If WWE is indeed saving Reigns for this showdown, it makes sense to limit his appearances and keep him fresh for headline bouts. His selective schedule signals that WWE sees him as more than just another contender; he’s a special attraction, reserved for the biggest moments.

Bloodline Drama: Fallout and Future Feuds

The story between Roman Reigns and The Usos has always been layered with family drama and shifting allegiances. The recent Crown Jewel incident, where Bron Breakker’s interference led to Reigns’ defeat, only added more fuel to the fire. The Usos’ attempt to help backfired, resulting in a heated argument that left their relationship in tatters. Reigns’ frustration was palpable, and The OTC quickly distanced themselves from The Usos.

Jey Uso, in particular, has been teasing a heel turn. After attacking LA Knight and expressing to Jimmy Uso that he intends to look out for himself, Jey seems to be following in the footsteps of a younger Roman Reigns. This shift in character has fans and insiders pondering whether a future Reigns vs. Jey Uso match is inevitable. Former WWE writer Freddie Prinze Jr., however, doubts that either star—or the audience—wants this clash right now, suggesting that their story may need more time to develop.

Survivor Series WarGames: The Speculation Intensifies

With Survivor Series WarGames just weeks away, speculation about possible matchups is at an all-time high. According to Sportskeeda, several scenarios could play out, with Roman Reigns at the center of the action. One possibility sees The Vision, led by Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker, facing off against a coalition of babyfaces—CM Punk, Roman Reigns, Jey Uso, Jimmy Uso, and LA Knight. The Vision might recruit allies from The Judgment Day or The New Day to even the odds.

Another intriguing idea is a Triple Threat WarGames match—something not seen on the main roster since NXT Takeover WarGames 2017. In this scenario, The Vision, The Bloodline (with The Usos and Roman Reigns), and a third team featuring CM Punk, LA Knight, and possibly a returning Rey Mysterio would battle inside the cage. With Survivor Series set to take place in San Diego, a surprise return for Mysterio could electrify the crowd and add another layer of unpredictability.

For Roman Reigns, these potential storylines offer multiple avenues to reassert his dominance. Whether he’s seeking revenge, forming alliances, or staking his claim as the face of WWE, his presence—or absence—shapes the narrative.

What’s Next for Roman Reigns?

Despite his limited appearances, Roman Reigns remains the axis around which much of WWE’s storytelling revolves. His absence isn’t a sign of waning influence; if anything, it underscores how valuable he is to the company’s biggest events and rivalries. The strategic timing of his return, the evolving dynamics within The Bloodline, and the looming possibility of WarGames chaos all point to a high-stakes future for Reigns.

As Jey Uso continues to carve out his own path—possibly echoing the ruthless ambition that once defined Reigns—the stage is set for new alliances and betrayals. Whether Reigns chooses to fight alongside his family or against them, his choices will have ripple effects throughout the WWE universe.

One thing is clear: Roman Reigns’ next move will not only impact Survivor Series but could redefine the power structure of WWE heading into 2026. Fans can expect drama, surprises, and perhaps the kind of high-octane spectacle that only Reigns can deliver.

WWE’s decision to keep Roman Reigns off RAW is far from arbitrary—it’s a calculated gamble designed to maximize excitement and narrative depth. By weaving together family drama, strategic alliances, and the anticipation of major events, WWE ensures that Reigns’ eventual return will be nothing short of seismic. As the road to Survivor Series heats up, all eyes remain fixed on the ‘Tribal Chief’—and the question isn’t if he’ll shake up the status quo, but when.