Deep Dive: Roman Reigns Vs. Jey Uso Was WWE At Its Absolute Best

Having opted to safeguard his family's wellbeing at the onset of the global health crisis, Roman Reigns blasted back in spectacular fashion at SummerSlam 2020. Bray Wyatt had just defeated Braun Strowman to become Universal Champion for a second time. A familiar theme hit and out came 'The Big Dog,' finally triggering a heel turn fans had been waiting five years for by trucking the main-eventers, then holding the belt aloft. His intentions were clear.

Concerns that this wasn't a true heel turn were assuaged when Reigns shockingly connected with Paul Heyman on the following week's SmackDown. Two days later, Roman left it until the last minute to sign his match contract, impose himself on Wyatt and Strowman's Payback walk-and-brawl, and lift the Universal Title. His opponents had already done the hard work of beating the tar out of each other: all Reigns had to do was collect his reward.

Roman wins lol became the character. And it ruled. If it upset you, it was because it was supposed to.

Breaking bad fundamentally changed Reigns' relationship with every other character on the roster. With regards to his first cousins, The Usos, WWE could have gone one of two ways:-

1. Reform the Bloodline and present them as a heel unit for the first time. A compelling choice despite Jimmy's absence, as he and Jey proved themselves excellent at playing aggressive villains after their incredible 2016 turn.

2. A collision course.

While the promotion may eventually go back to point number one, they made the right choice. Running Jey against Roman was inspired.

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