Getting WWE fans to drop what they're doing on Friday night to tune into SmackDown isn't easy, but The Bloodline and Sami Zayn angle make the February 3 edition of the show can't-miss TV. This has been professional wrestling's most compelling storyline for months, and the former Honorary Uce pushed things into the final act at the Royal Rumble. When tasked with striking Kevin Owens with a chair, Zayn instead smashed Roman Reigns in the back, leaving the leader of The Bloodline stunned. The premium live event went off-air with Sami laid out in the middle of the ring, covered in red flowers, Owens handcuffed to the ropes unconscious, and the faction in shambles.The 2023 Royal Rumble wasn't the best rendition of the event, but WWE hit the high notes that needed to be hit. Cody Rhodes winning the men's Royal Rumble was the right call, and the main event between Owens and Roman Reigns was captivating from start to finish. The Tribal Chief re-established himself as a true heel during the match's final moments, repeatedly slamming KO's head into the steel steps before securing a pinfall. What happened after the ref counted to three is what fans will never forget, though. That's why this episode of SmackDown is going to be so special. The WWE Universe will witness the Royal Rumble's fallout, and it could lead to a where-were-you-when type moment for the blue brand.
Who Will Be With Roman Reigns On SmackDown?
There's virtually no chance that Roman Reigns won't be on SmackDown following his win at the Royal Rumble. He'll either open or close the show, and what he has to say will be the main event of the evening, no matter what matches are planned. The Bloodline storyline has just been that good, and the next chapter will probably be one of the last ones. The Head of the Table will be there, but who else will be sitting there at this point?
Reigns put Zayn in a spot where he had to pick between Roman and Kevin Owens, and Sami made his choice. He's out of The Bloodline, no question about it. He (somewhat comically) Tweeted a photo of his Bloodline memorabilia on the curbside along with the rest of his garbage, leaving little question about where he stands following the events of the Royal Rumble. Zayn will be on Owens' or his own side, but his time with this faction is through.
Jey Uso also stormed away from the ring during Reigns' assault on Zayn and Owens, fighting back the tears as he walked back to the locker room. He also alluded to his days with The Bloodline being over on social media, which is a big swerve that hasn't gotten enough attention. The Usos are in the midst of a historic run as unified tag team champions, and that's been overshadowed by Reigns' time at the top of the mountain. What happens to the tag-team titles if Jey is out of The Bloodline? Can he co-exist with Jimmy if he stays by Romans' side? Jey's actions at the Royal Rumble were fascinating, and the walls are slowly closing in on Roman Reigns. That leaves just Solo Sikoa and Paul Heyman by his side, and the champ will rightfully be suspicious of Jimmy if he sticks around.
When Will Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn Be Back On SmackDown?
The most intriguing aspect of SmackDown might be whether Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn are present. On the one hand, it'd make sense for them to miss the show as a way to sell the beating they took at the Royal Rumble. WWE could take this in any number of directions, though. It's also worth keeping in mind that there isn't much time between now and the Elimination Chamber. One of the two main events for WrestleMania 39 will be Roman Reigns Vs. Cody Rhodes, and it remains to be seen how that storyline could be interwoven with the ongoing Bloodline drama.
If WWE is going to blow this entire angle off at the next premium live event, then it's a near certainty that Owens and Zayn will be at SmackDown. The company will need to build toward whatever match is in the works, which could only happen with those two involved in Roman's on-screen angle. Doing some backstage or "here via satellite" segment wouldn't do this storyline justice, either.
Heading into SmackDown, it feels like an eruption has occurred. It's unclear exactly who will fall, where, and when. WWE fans are left to wonder who will take which side and how things will go once things get physical again. Roman Reigns will get his comeuppance for what he did to KO and Zayn at the Royal Rumble, but is there enough time for the victims to be the ones who distribute vengeance? All of these questions make SmackDown one of the most enthralling episodes of the show in recent memory, and WWE fans aren't going to want to miss it.