WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns returned on the January 7 episode of WWE SmackDown, less than a week after he tested positive for COVID-19.
“The Tribal Chief” opened the show and said that his time in isolation gave him a lot of time to think, and he thought about how he never wants to see Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman again. Reigns’ former “Special Counsel” reunited with Lesnar after “The Head of the Table” betrayed him, and “The Beast Incarnate” subsequently won the WWE Championship at Day 1.
Consider the needle moved.
The #UniversalChampion is BACK.#SmackDown @WWERomanReigns pic.twitter.com/CvGnDr4mHo
— WWE (@WWE) January 8, 2022
Of course, those words prompted Lesnar to come to the ring. With Heyman by his side, the WWE Champion told Reigns to acknowledge him before he challenged him to a Champion vs. Champion match. The two megastars were set to collide in a match for Reigns’ title at WWE Day 1 before the latter tested positive for COVID-19.
In response, Reigns admitted that it was a “good idea”, but SmackDown is his show, and they’re going to handle matters on his terms. He also refused to do business with someone who works with “trash” like Heyman.
"It's a good idea but it's not my idea." – @WWERomanReigns to Brock Lesnar w/ @HeymanHustle #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/yqi3oBzH6u
— WWE on FOX (@WWEonFOX) January 8, 2022
Disheartened over his former client’s harsh words, Heyman fired back with some venom of his own; he asked Reigns how he could say such a thing after he helped him retain his title for months on end. He then cried that he “freaking loved” Reigns before Lesnar told him to shut up.
As if Heyman was Reigns’ ex, the Universal Champion told Lesnar not to talk to him that way. Heyman’s emotional outburst continued and distracted “The Beast Incarnate” long enough for Reigns to drop him with a Superman Punch.
RELATED: WWE SmackDown Results (1/7/22)
