5 Ups & 4 Downs From WWE SummerSlam 2025 - Saturday (Results & Review)

3. Roman Brings Character Work To The Ring

During the entire OG Bloodline run, one of the constant criticisms was the melodrama and overacting that took place inside the ring. Saturday, Roman Reigns did some different character work that actually worked to advance his arc more than any lengthy promo possibly could.

One of the biggest criticisms of Reigns’ “face turn” since returning post-WrestleMania 40 last year was that he never really took ownership for being the biggest villain on the roster for nearly four years. He bullied and alienated his family, tormented authority figures, and cheated his way into an epic title reign. When he returned, he took next-to-no responsibility for those actions, but because he was opposing a rogue, heel Bloodline, he became a face by default.

During the tag match alongside Jey Uso against Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed on Saturday, Roman showed affection for his cousin, even sacrificing himself at one point to protect him. Early on, Reigns joined Jey in calling for Uso’s music to be played again (a dumb move mid-match, but a lighthearted show of support).

When Roman got the hot tag late in the match, he ran wild with more energy than he’s shown in a while - he actually overshot the heels with his dive to the floor, clearly amped - but when the match got to the climax, he and Jey hit the 1D on Reed, then Reigns saved Uso from a Breakker spear, taking the bullet himself. That sacrifice allowed Jey to take out Bron and put Reed down for the win.

Roman’s selfless act allowed his cousin to get the glory, something the Reigns of 2020-2024 never would have done. A nice character development that helped elevate a fun final five minutes of the tag match.