WWE Backlash 2026: 10 Things That NEED To Happen
2. Roman Reigns Resorts To The Tongan Death Grip
Twist time. Well, one of them at least.
Much has been made of Jacob Fatu busting out the dreaded Tongan Death Grip during the build towards Backlash. He's used it on Roman and even Talla Tonga during various TV episodes, and The Usos have taken him to task for using something the family isn't supposed to deploy on one another. That's for fools who step up to them in bars late at night, according to Reigns.
All of this is leading to more Death Grip goodness on PLE, and everybody knows it. Here's the pitch: Instead of Fatu getting to use it, Roman should. Y'know, out of sheer desperation. Then, afterwards, Jimmy, Jey and even Solo Sikoa can all query why Reigns chastised Jacob for breaking out the hold in the first place when he was content to use it as a means to secure victory himself.
That'd give those in the reunited Bloodline and other family members outwith it something to chew over for at least a couple of weeks. 'Psst! Did you hear that The Tribal Chief had to resort to using the Tongan Death Grip to beat Jacob?'. Those whispers can follow Roman around like a ghost that's haunting him.
He nearly lost his World Heavyweight Title to someone who's more than a pretender to his throne, and then went against his own edicts by using what's being spoken around as an intangible family heirloom to keep a 'Werewolf' at bay. Feel free to poach that line, Michael Cole, Joe Tessitore, Wade Barrett or Corey Graves!