The OTC is back in the building as Roman Reigns is back, just in time for SummerSlam.
Having not been seen since the Raw after WrestleMania, when Seth Rollins and Bron Breakker took him out, Reigns made his spectacular, crowd-pleasing return on the July 14 edition of the show, following the results of the epic #1 contender’s gauntlet.
Roman Reigns Returns to Save Jey Uso, CM Punk
Bron Breakker was having himself a night. After starting the gauntlet, Breakker emerged victorious with spear (to Penta) after spear (to LA Knight) after spear (to Jey Uso). It didn’t hurt that he had Bronson Reed at ringside to help with the numbers game advantage. Breakker ran the gauntlet all the way to the end where he was greeted by a no-nonsense CM Punk. Punk took advantage of Breakker having already been in the ring for over 30 minutes, ultimately telegraphing a spear into a GTS for the victory. It was a fantastic match where each competitor got a chance to show out, especially Breakker, who is being dubbed the next big thing by Paul Heyman.
Punk is getting another shot at the world championship in a few weeks but before that, he and Gunther, who had been watching from a suite, exchanged a few looks and words. That allowed Reed to ambush Punk from behind as he and Breakker attacked the #1 contender until Jey Uso came out to make the save. Uso and Punk had the upperhand temporarily but Reed and Breakker took them both out and looked to be in control. Reed stacked Uso on top of Punk, looking for the double tsunami. That’s when the crowd started chanting, “OTC,” and sure enough, ask and ye shall receive.
Roman Reigns’ music hit to a HUGE reaction as the OTC1 (as his shirt read, seemingly confirming the rumors of his new nickname) charged the ring, making quick work of Reed and Breakker with a series of superman punches, before clearing the ring with a spear to Breakker. Reigns helped Uso to his feet as the two shook hands before Reigns turned to Punk. Punk got to his feet himself as he, Reigns, and Uso stood tall. Punk and Reigns exchanged a glance before looking toward the ramp where Heyman, Breakker, and Reed had cowered. Uso and Punk embraced before Reigns looked at the two as the show went off the air.
Reigns is Back…Now What?
Photo: WWE
Timing is everything and it seems like tonight would have gone a little differently if not for Seth Rollins’ injury at Saturday Night’s Main Event. Breakker likely would have run the gauntlet with Rollins somehow costing Punk keeping true to his promise that the man would never win a world title as long as there is breath in the Visionary’s lungs. The beatdown likely still would have happened afterwards and Reigns likely still would have returned, though his sights would have been dead set on Rollins.
It seems likely WWE was gearing up to the much-awaited Rollins vs Reigns match for the two-night SummerSlam. That bout will have to wait yet again. That being said, Reigns will be on the SummerSlam card and there’s one of two ways WWE could play this. With Punk off to face Gunther, Reigns will no doubt be in the ring against Breakker to take care of unfinished business. The only question that remains is will it be a singles match or will Reigns team with Uso against Breakker and Reed?
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