Backstage News on The Rock – Roman Reigns Segment on WWE SmackDown – The opening segment of tonight’s WWE SmackDown unfolded in a familiar fashion, with The Bloodline taking center stage and dominating over 30 minutes of blue brand airtime. However, this time, there were some notable deviations from the norm.
Fightful Select reported that the segment significantly exceeded its allotted time, a characteristic trait of The Bloodline’s segments, and was produced by Jason Jordan, a departure from the usual producer, Michael Hayes. Interestingly, Hayes was reportedly not listed as a producer on the run sheet at all, adding to the intrigue surrounding the change in production.
While the reasons behind Jordan’s involvement instead of Hayes remain unknown, the segment’s overrun likely led to adjustments in the show’s schedule. Notably, Naomi’s entrance for the first match of the evening did not make it to television, suggesting that other segments or matches may have been cut or altered to accommodate the extended Bloodline segment.
The lengthy segment primarily revolved around The Rock issuing a challenge to 2024 Royal Rumble winner Cody Rhodes and World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins for a tag team match at WrestleMania Night 1. The match, pitting The Rock and Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns against Rhodes and Rollins, came with multiple stipulations that would impact the title match between Reigns and Rhodes on Night 2.
Earlier in the day, The Rock had delivered a 21-minute promo on Rhodes and Rollins, which was released on X (formerly known as Twitter), further intensifying the rivalry. Additionally, Reigns demanded acknowledgment from The Rock as his Tribal Chief, a significant moment that underscored the power dynamics within The Bloodline faction.
Backstage News on The Rock – Roman Reigns Segment on WWE SmackDown
