Bleacher Report catches you up on the latest news from the WWE Universe.
Reigns’ New Rumored Nickname for WWE Return
When Roman Reigns makes his long-awaited return to WWE programming, he will reportedly be sporting a new nickname.
According to WrestleVotes, the “leading idea” for Reigns’ moniker when he re-emerges is “OTC1” or “Tribal Chief One.”
WrestleVotes added that Reigns is expected to be part of SummerSlam at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Aug. 2 and 3, meaning he could resurface at any point over the next few weeks.
For years during his historic, 1,216-day run as world champion, Reigns was referred to as The Tribal Chief, which was a nod to his position as the top dog in his famous wrestling family.
However, after Reigns lost the title to Cody Rhodes in the main event of WrestleMania 40, he took some time off, and Solo Sikoa named himself the new Tribal Chief of The Bloodline.
Once Reigns returned to oppose Sikoa, he began going by the OTC or Original Tribal Chief, and he later went on to beat Solo for the ula fala, cementing his status as the leader of The Bloodline.
Reigns has not been seen on WWE TV since the Raw after WrestleMania 41. Seth Rollins beat Reigns and CM Punk in a Triple Threat match at WrestleMania 41 thanks to Paul Heyman turning on his two longtime friends in favor of Rollins.
When Reigns tried to take out Rollins on Raw two nights later, he was decimated by Bron Breakker, who joined forces with Rollins.
Fans have been clamoring for Reigns’ return ever since, and it sounds like he will have a proverbial fresh coat of paint when he does so.
Rhodes has been referring to himself as WWE’s “QB1” over the past several months, which suggests he views himself as the top guy and locker room leader.
While not confirmed, “OTC1” may be Reigns’ own spin on that nickname, and a sign that Roman believes the top position still belongs to him.
Jelly Roll Reportedly Set for Rivalry with Logan Paul
Country music star Jelly Roll is reportedly expected to feud with YouTuber and former United States champion Logan Paul leading up to SummerSlam next month.
According to PWInsider (h/t WrestlePurists), the program, which could start Friday on SmackDown, is not planned to involve Cody Rhodes.
The report comes on the heels of PWInsider.com’s Mike Johnson reporting Thursday that Jelly Roll has been training to make his in-ring debut at SummerSlam.
Johnson noted that Jelly Roll is expected to join forces with a “top babyface” as part of the storyline, but Rhodes was not tabbed to be part of it.
At last year’s SummerSlam, Jelly Roll performed two songs and got physically involved in the ring by chokeslamming Austin Theory after The Miz and R-Truth got into a scuffle with Theory and Grayson Waller.
Jelly Roll has never had an official match, but it sounds as though that may soon change.
He is scheduled to appear on Friday’s episode of SmackDown, which is in his home state of Tennessee, and that could potentially mark the start of his SummerSlam program with Paul.
All signs point toward Jelly Roll’s match being a tag team bout, which would allow WWE to limit what he has to do in the ring and put much of the burden on his tag team partner.
That formula has been the ideal way for WWE to introduce celebrities to the in-ring side of things over the years with Paul, Bad Bunny and even Mr. T at the first WrestleMania serving as prime examples.
McIntyre Talks Potential Match vs. The Rock
Drew McIntyre has had his fair share of battles with The Bloodline over the years, but there is one major star from the family he still wants to face.
In an interview this week with Sports Illustrated (h/t Steve Carrier of Ringside News), McIntyre said the following when asked if he would like to have a match against The Rock:
“Yes. Is the sky blue? Is the grass green? He’s The Rock. I mean, personally… he’s DJ to me. We’ve built this relationship over a long time. He’s always believed in me, and he’s given me these great opportunities, such as being the face of Project Rock, which was an incredibly successful campaign. I can’t thank him enough for everything he’s ever done for me.”
McIntyre locked horns with Reigns on numerous occasions with Reigns, coming close to beating him for the WWE Championship, only to get stopped in his tracks by other members of The Bloodline.
As a result, disdain for The Bloodline has been a big part of McIntyre’s character, and he has continued to bring up some legitimate gripes even as a heel.
McIntyre seems to have a real-life connection and friendship with The Rock, as The Rock was the one who announced last year that McIntyre had signed a new contract with WWE.
While McIntyre acknowledged his issues with The Bloodline, he suggested that The Rock is an exception, saying:
“Some people say to me, ‘‘‘But Drew, you hate The Bloodline so much. Why do you like The Rock?’ I said, ‘No, I have feelings about certain people that have screwed me over and hurt me. It could be anybody, but it’s mostly The Bloodline.’ But The Rock has always helped me out. He’s always looked out for Drew McIntyre.”
The Rock has not had a match since Night 1 of WrestleMania 40 last year, and he isn’t currently a regular part of the on-screen product despite playing a key role in John Cena’s heel turn in March.
It feels like The Rock still has some matches left in him, though, so perhaps a Rock vs. McIntyre match isn’t completely out of the question.
