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

Jey's ascension came weeks into a Big E singles push many had been waiting a long, long time for. The New Day man was placed into a number one contendership bout on the 4 September episode of SmackDown as part of this. Baron Corbin, Matt Riddle, and Sheamus would have been his opponents, but E was taken out by the Irishman beforehand, leaving Jey (who'd already met with Roman earlier in the evening, asserting he'd always have his back) to take his place.

That there was no major backlash for E losing this spot speaks to how well it was played. Jey now had a guaranteed shot at a World Title held by his cousin, creating the most perfect tension without needless complications.

The story was simple enough for a child to comprehend, but layered and nuanced - characteristics one doesn't usually associate with WWE storylines. Jey "had his cousin's back," but he was still going to be Jey, while Roman's attitude had flipped completely, and he'd have to crush his own flesh and blood's dreams to prevail. Brilliant, engaging stuff, and true to wrestling's core. A competitive framework plus a deep-rooted personal relationship equals money, every single time.

A masterful build highlighted by that scowl on 18 September and a phenomenal promo battle the following week concluded with the 'Tribal Chief' laying out a man he claimed could never ascend to his throne. The fight was on.

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